What is studio art?

About

At its core, art tells stories about the human experience. Studio art is a means to develop, create, and express your storytelling style. A studio art degree teaches you how to use various mediums to express ideas while affecting the community in powerful ways. Every piece represents different aspects of culture, from the environment to societal struggles.

Artists can share their interpretation of the world in multiple ways: painting, drawing, and unique interdisciplinary approaches.

Why study studio art at Baker University?

As an art major at Baker University, you’ll work with faculty and professional artists to create a versatile program designed just for you. You’ll have access to accomplished faculty and be able to immerse yourself in local and regional art venues. Introductory courses start by exploring multiple artistic mediums so that you can choose your craft. There are plenty of exciting opportunities, like ceramic classes, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and gallery management. You will also create a senior exhibition capstone project to display your work. The Baker University art collection of over 1,000 objects provides examples of technique, composition, and media for art majors to learn from.

Careers for Studio Art Majors

Art teacher
Interior designer
Art therapist
Art director
Illustrator
Web designer
Fine artist
Graphic novelist
Gallery manager
Museum professional
Art conservator and restorer
Arts Administrator

Scholarships for Studio Art Majors

The Department of Mass Media and Visual Arts awards these scholarships:

Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Art
Lloyd E. Ligon Memorial Scholarship
Talent-based scholarships for participation in art courses.

Four students throwing clay in ceramics class

Art Studio Course Descriptions

AS 110 – Visual Language 3 hrs.
This course introduces the student to elements of design and principles of visual organization from a theoretical perspective. Both color and monochromatic concepts are studied by examining the work of artists and designers through slide/lecture presentations. Students further explore the issues of this course through demonstrations and designing exercises.

AS 120 – Drawing I 3 hrs.
Theory and practice in a variety of graphic media. Conte, ink, pencil, and charcoal are used in studio problems to acquaint beginning students with the full range of drawing possibilities. Students will also research, write, and discuss historical and contemporary theories and trends in drawing. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 121 – Painting I 3 hrs.
The course introduces concepts used in painting, including color, perspective, form, texture, scale, and composition. Students will explore technical, aesthetic, and conceptual approaches in painting. Students will also research, write, and discuss historical and contemporary theories and trends in painting. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 122 – Printmaking I 3 hrs.
An introduction to the various techniques of linocuts. Students learn traditional techniques as well as mixed media processes and experimental contemporary digital printmaking. Emphasis is placed on the technical skills required to visually communicate utilizing the printmaking medium. The development of individual expression is stressed. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 130 – Ceramics I: Hand Building 3 hrs.
An introductory studio course in hand building, consisting of both conceptual and technical processes in clay. The course explores 2-D and 3-D functional designs and sculpture using basic clay construction methods, varied surface decoration, kiln loading, and firing methods. Studio maintenance and safety will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on originality of content and technical skill sets. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 132 – Sculpture I 3 hrs.
An introductory studio course in which basic three-dimensional concepts are explored through the use of a variety of selected media and processes. An informed context will be provided by the study of the work of both contemporary and historic sculptors. Emphasis will be placed on originality of content and technical skill sets. Studio maintenance and safety will be stressed. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 135 – Ceramics I: Wheel Throwing 3 hrs.
An introductory studio course in wheel throwing, consisting of both conceptual and technical processes in clay. The course explores 3-D functional design, surface treatment, kiln loading, and firing methods. Studio maintenance and safety will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on technical skill sets, a cohesive body of work, and time spent in studio working. The class meets six studio hours per week.

AS 170 – Digital Photography I 3 hrs.
A practical introduction to the theory and application of digital SLR camera controls. An emphasis will be placed on the technical skills required to visually express oneself through the photographic medium, the use of Photoshop programs, and conceptual approaches. Instructional methods will include lectures, field experience, and laboratory work.

AS 282 – The Fine Art of Gallery Management 3 hrs.
This course introduces students to the diverse world of galleries through visits to museums, private galleries, and art collections. Students will review portfolios and learn how to select gallery art work, develop skills in promoting and advertising shows, and become familiar with the financial management of a gallery. Additionally, students will participate in one or more gallery openings. Prerequisite: AS 110 or AH 111, or permission of the instructor.

AS 350, AS 450 Drawing II, III 3 hrs.
Students expand on theories explored in Drawing I. Assignments concentrate on the introduction of more personally significant content into the students’ work. Thematic series are introduced as a way of exploring complex concepts. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 120 (for AS 350), AS 350 (for AS 450).

AS 351, AS 451 Painting II, III 3 hrs.
Students expand on theories explored in Painting I. Assignments concentrate on the introduction of more personally significant content into the students’ work. Thematic series are introduced as a way of exploring complex concepts. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 121 (for AS 351), AS 351 (for AS 451).

AS 352, 452 Printmaking II, III 3 hrs.
A continuation of the theories and applications explored in Printmaking I with an introduction to new processes, including contemporary intaglio prints (utilizing etching), monoprinting, and digital imaging. Contemporary intaglio approaches utilize less toxic processes and techniques that have been developed recently. Assignments concentrate on the introduction of more personally significant content into the students’ work. Thematic series are introduced as a way of exploring complex concepts. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 122 (for AS 352), AS 352 (for AS 452).

AS 360 – Ceramics II 3 hrs.
This course is a continuation of basic wheel throwing and/or hand building. Emphasis will be placed on further development of personal expression, aesthetics, technical competency, and craft in both functional design and sculptural ceramic art forms. Contemporary issues in ceramics will be discussed. Studio maintenance and safety issues will continue to be addressed. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 130 or AS 135 or permission of the instructor.

AS 362 – Sculpture II 3 hrs.
This course provides a continuation of AS 132 and is a study of sculpture as an art form. Emphasis is placed on technical and visual problems including casting procedures. Group and individual critique are provided. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 132.

AS 370, 470 – Digital Photography II, III 3 hrs.
Students expand on techniques and theories learned in Digital Photography I. While emphasis is placed on the technical uses of basic color digital imaging and photographic manipulation, the course primarily addresses aspects of color theory, perception, aesthetics, and the use of color in photographic and digital image creation. Thematic series are introduced as a way of exploring complex concepts. Prerequisite: AS 170 or the permission of the instructor (for AS 370), AS 370 (for AS 470). (AS 370 is cross-listed as MM 370.)

AS 382 – The Fine Art of Gallery Management II 3 hrs.
This course provides students an opportunity to continue their exploration of the diverse world of galleries through visits to museums, private galleries, and art collections. Students will review portfolios and learn Course Descriptions 159 how to select gallery art work, develop skills in promoting and advertising shows, and become familiar with the financial management of a gallery. Additionally, students will participate in one or more gallery openings. Prerequisite: AS 282.

AS 460 – Ceramics III 3 hrs.
This course is a continuation of AS 360 with further emphasis placed on glaze making. Expression of aesthetic judgment and production of a unified ceramics portfolio are central purposes of the course. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 360 or permission of the instructor.

AS 462 – Sculpture III 3 hrs.
This course is a continuation of AS 362. Expression of aesthetic judgment and the production of a unified sculpture portfolio are central purposes of the course. The class meets six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: AS 362.

AS 475 – Ceramics IV 3 hrs.
This class is a continuation of AS 460 Ceramics III and serves art majors and non-art majors alike. The emphasis will be on the development of the individual student’s final portfolio and/or exhibition. Contemporary art-related global issues will be researched and discussed in class. Prerequisite: AS 460 or permission of the instructor.

AS 481 – Painting IV 3 hrs.
This course is specifically designed for first semester senior studio art major with a concentration in painting. Students will continue to develop a cohesive, thematic, body of work that broadens the scope of personal direction, professionalism, self-regulation, idea development, and execution of work. Students will research artists, historical and contemporary, related to subject matter being explored. Critical essays related to these artists and concepts will be investigated and be discussed in class. There will be four scheduled critiques with studio art faculty during the course of the semester. Ultimately, works completed in this course will be included in the senior’s capstone exhibition. Prerequisite: AS 451.

AS 498 – Exhibition and Portfolio 3 hrs.
Students in this course develop an understanding of standards and strategies for preparing and presenting works of art as an exhibition and for articulating artistic goals and objectives. Prerequisite: Studio Art major with senior status and permission of instructor.