The following concentrations are available:
Ceramics Two-Dimensional Study
Electronic Integrated Arts Three-Dimensional Study Graphic Design
Students may also pursue a minor in art history, obtain K-12 certification in art education, or select from a core of psychology classes to prepare for graduate study in art therapy. Elective credits may also be applied toward the study of other academic areas offered by Alfred University.
The School of Art and Design offers two professional degrees, the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Master of Fine Arts. The BFA degree programs have two main
objectives: 1) to help students develop the commitment and skills necessary to pursue a professional career in art and 2) to prepare students for graduate study in various art programs offered by graduate schools throughout the United States and abroad.
Freshman Foundation
Foundation comprises the freshman studio experience. It is designed to be a thorough preparation for study at the upper levels of the BFA curriculum. The Foundation program enjoys a rich history, which has been influenced by institutions as varied as the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College. Foundation offers an integrated approach to exploring concepts and building skills pertinent to contemporary art practice in any field. Team Teaching and larger group dynamics foster a unique environment where students work with faculty from various disciplines while realizing the capacity to collaborate, gain appreciation for the ideas of others, and develop a critical voice.
Fall Semester, the class is divided into two groups of approximately 65 students each who spend two days a week developing drawing skills from traditional subject matter and two days exploring 2-D and 3-D projects. These projects incorporate a variety of materials with a focus toward creative problem solving. The Freshman year strongly emphasizes group discussion and critique in both the drawing and studio components.
Wednesdays are devoted to Freshman Seminar – the form and content of which changes weekly in response to ideas being presented and discussed. Activities may include watching films or videos, visiting artist presentations, concerts, or discussion of current art issues.
In addition to studio courses Fall Semester, students also study English Composition and Western Civilization – an introductory world history course.
Spring Semester of Freshman Foundation is comprised of four individual workshops where 20 to 25 students work with one to two faculty for a period of six weeks. The content of these workshops varies according to the needs of the program. Recent offerings have included Shadow and Light, Building Strategies, Consequence, and Color and Form. During this semester, in addition to the second half of Western Civilization, students also study the changing role of art over time. The first of Foundation to Art History courses surveys ancient times through the Middle Ages. By learning about artists’ lives and the cultural contexts in which they worked, students gain a better understanding of the context in which their own art may be made and viewed.
Sophomore Year
Following Freshman Foundation, sophomores begin to design their own course of study. Students may select two studios per semester in which to work. Individual work spaces are available in most studios from the sophomore level on. Possible studio selections may include: ceramics, electronic strategies, glass, graphic design, metal, painting, photography, paper studies, printmaking, robotics, video and sonic arts, web media, and wood.
At this level, the focus is on acquainting students with various technical, craft, and aesthetic issues specific to various disciplines. Each class meets for two half-days per week.
Sophomores are also required to take one semester of drawing in addition to the second half of Foundation in Art History (Fall) and Contemporary Issues and Debates (Spring). Issues and Debates introduces students to critical theory and current issues in art. The course features lectures, guest presentations, and open discussion.
Junior Year
The School of Art and Design offers concentrations as opposed to major areas of study. Concentrations allow students more latitude to define and redefine their interests and creative abilities. By the end of the junior year, students’ work should naturally become more focused. Incorporating acquired conceptual and technical skills, students at this level are able to bring a personal vision to their artmaking.
The junior year is also the time to take advantage of study abroad opportunities and to gain valuable internship experience. Many options are available.
New York State College of Ceramics 125 Senior Year
Seniors work independently in studio, meeting weekly with at least two faculty advisors. In addition to studio work, students participate in seminars conducted by visiting artists, group discussions, and critiques. Defining their own direction, seniors produce a consistent body of work, drawing on individual experiences and acquired skills. The momentum gained during the final year prepares students for the demands of professional studio activity. Graduating Art and Design students leave Alfred as accomplished technicians and highly motivated young artists and designers.
Senior Shows
The culmination of the senior year is the senior thesis exhibition. During the final two weeks of the academic year, the studios and galleries of the school of Art and Design are transformed into quality exhibition space to display graduating seniors’ best work.
The opening of Senior Shows is one of celebration that includes parents as well as many other guests. Final reviews and faculty critiques take place for several days following the shows.
The Graduate Program
Three Master of Fine Arts programs are offered at the School of Art and Design:
Ceramic Art, Sculpture/Dimensional Studies, and Electronic Integrated Arts. All MFA students receive an assistantship.
Entry into these programs is highly competitive. Those interested in learning more about the individual programs should contact the School directly at (607) 871-2442 or e-mail [email protected]. Application materials may be obtained from the Graduate Admissions Office, One Saxon Drive, Alfred University, Alfred, NY 14802-1205.
Degree Requirements
Minimum requirements for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design or Art Education are as follows:
Art and Design Art Education
Studio 72 Studio 68
Art History 17 Art History 17
Liberal Arts 25 Education 30
Free Electives 14 Liberal Arts 12
Physical Education 4* Physical Education 4*
Total credit hours 132 Total credit hours 131
*Dance and certain coaching courses may be counted as electives. All other Physical Education courses may count ONLY toward the University Physical Education requirement.
Freshman Foundation Semester 1 Semester 2
Studios** ART 101 ART 102
Art History ARH 111
Liberal Arts HSH 103 HSH 104
Liberal Arts EGL 101 or 102
Sophomore Year Semester 3 Semester 4
Studios** ART 200 ART 200
ART 200 ART 200
Art History ARH 112 ARH 211
Major Studies Program Semester 5 Semester 6 Studios** 8 credit hours 8 credit hours Liberal Arts/Art History 4 credit hours 4 credit hours Electives 4 credit hours 4 credit hours Semester 7 Semester 8 Studios** 8 credit hours 8 credit hours Liberal Arts/Art History 4 credit hours
Electives 4 credit hours 8 credit hours
**Studio courses are assessed a fee for special materials. This fee may vary from $1.00 to $50.00 per credit hour.
Minor in Art History
This minor provides a broad base of knowledge about art as it relates to history and culture, exposes students to a variety of theoretical and methodological issues and helps them develop critical and analytical skills that can be applied to art making.
The art history minor is available to BFA students who have successfully completed Art History Foundation required courses (ARH 111, ARH 112 and ARH 211). Sixteen additional credits in art history at the 300 and 400 level are required to complete the minor.
The art history minor, offered by the School of Art and Design, is also available through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. See p. 74.