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Studio Art

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

The Studio Arts Program

The Studio Arts major is an intensive program for those interested in pursuing careers in the arts including becoming an independent artist or assisting graphic designers. Studio courses include working with various mediums such as painting, drawing, ceramics, fibers and stained glass. All studio arts school students mount a student exhibition that is open to the public.

In the Studio Arts program, there are many opportunities to engage in visual arts beyond the classroom, such as:

  • The proximity to Pittsburgh, which allows students access to nationally-recognized artistic organizations.
  • The Verostko Center for the Arts, which hosts temporary exhibitions of regionally and nationally recognized artists and the senior exhibitions of graduating art students.
  • The Foster and Muriel McCarl Collection of 19th-century American coverlets (housed in the Fred Rogers Center) is an important resource for American craft and history.
  • local and regional exhibitions that studio arts students can submit to even while they attend Saint Vincent.

What Can I Do With a Major in Studio Arts?

Students who successfully complete the Studio Arts major will have a solid background in the liberal arts and the fine arts, with particular emphasis on drawing, design, painting, sculpture and the history of art.

While it is possible for the program graduate to begin work as a fine artist, it is recommended that Studio Arts graduates continue their artistic training by entering a master of fine arts program, or accepting an apprenticeship under a working artist.

Curriculum Requirements

  • Studio Arts Major Requirements

    Required courses (36 credits):
    AR 101   Art History I:  Ancient through Renaissance - 3 credits
    AR 102   Art History II:  Baroque to the Present - 3 credits
    AR 130   Drawing I - 3 credits
    AR 131   Design:  Two-Dimensional - 3 credits
    AR 135   Design:  Three-Dimensional - 3 credits
    AR 225   Painting I - 3 credits
    AR 230   Drawing II - 3 credits
    AR 240   Sculpture I - 3 credits
    AR 325   Painting II - 3 credits
    AR 336   Sculpture II - 3 credits
    AR 404   Senior Studio - 3 credits
    AR 405   Senior Exhibition and Professional Seminar- 3 credits

    One course selected from (3 credits):
    AR 205   World Art History - 3 credits
    AR 310   American Art and Architecture - 3 credits

    One course selected from (3 credits):
    AR 212   Beginning Black and White Photography - 3 credits
    AR 233   Drawing and Illustration for Design - 3 credits
    AR 234   Introduction to Stained Glass - 3 credits
    AR 236   Fiber Art - 3 credits
    AR 238   Clay and Pottery - 3 credits
    AR 330   Digital Photography and Post-Production - 3 credits
    AR 338   Printmaking I - 3 credits
    CA 235   *Introduction to Web Design - 3 credits
    CA 285   *Electronic Media - 3 credits

    *Course description can be found listed in the Department of Communication.

    Studio Arts Minor Requirements (18 credits) 

    Required courses (9 credits):
    AR 130   Drawing I - 3 credits
    AR 131   Design:  Two-Dimensional - 3 credits
    AR 225   Painting I - 3 credits

    Three courses selected from (9 credits):
    AR 135   Design:  Three-Dimensional - 3 credits
    AR 212   Beginning Black and White Photography - 3 credits
    AR 230   Drawing II - 3 credits
    AR 234   Introduction to Stained Glass - 3 credits
    AR 236   Fiber Arts - 3 credits
    AR 238   Clay and Pottery - 3 credits
    AR 325   Painting II - 3 credits
    AR 338   Printmaking I - 3 credits

  • Portfolio Prerequisites

    A portfolio review is required for admission to this major and minor. Only the most artistically promising students are admitted into this and visual arts school. 

    Please contact the department chair for portfolio requirements.

  • Student Work and Research

    The capstone projects for Studio Arts majors are senior studio and senior exhibition.

    Senior studio is taken the fall semester before the student’s senior exhibition, which is the student’s final spring semester at Saint Vincent College. Senior studio gives the student the chance to further explore a particular media under the supervision of a faculty member in order to begin to create a body of work.

    Senior exhibition is held in The Verostko Center for the Arts under the supervision of the Center director and gives the student the opportunity to curate and hang an exhibition of his/her work alongside those of other graduating art majors.

Program Highlights

Results

Studio arts graduates are required to take 18 credits including Drawing or Two=Dimensional Design, as well as a range of upper-level courses, allowing students in a particular art or design field to add depth and proficiency in courses tailored to their area of interest.

Internships and Careers in Studio Arts

Students who complete the Studio Arts program may be employed or continue their education as:

  • Studio artists
  • Illustrators
  • Graphic artists
  • Photographers
  • Fashion designers
  • Interior designers
  • Art dealers
  • Advertisers
  • Cartoonists
  • Graduate school students

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • analyze the artistic styles of the Western tradition and at least one style from the non-western traditions.
  • apply vocabulary related to making art.
  • use a variety of materials and techniques, including digital tools.
  • apply professional standards of exhibition and portfolio development.
  • develop their observational skills shown by their use of a representational style.