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The art and design department provides opportunities to SMU students to produce art and design work. The department offers two majors: one in Art Studio for the training of student artists in the processes of the fine arts, and a second in Graphic Design for students who wish to pursue a career in visual design and communications.
The department also offers a number of courses which are required for majors in theatre, English, and media communications. Courses are also offered to complement the general education program and the liberal arts commitment of Saint Mary’s University.
General Department Goals
Art and design majors will be able to:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of design fundamentals and vocabulary, and incorporate these visual communication skills in their daily lives;
- Recognize major figures and movements in art history, and draw connections between historic and contemporary trends;
- Demonstrate and articulate an understanding of issues related to the visual arts;
- Identify and discuss major uses of the visual arts in our society: communication of information, transmission of religious/spiritual values, social/political action, utilitarian design, personal expression, and environmental enhancement;
- Think creatively and critically; and
- Analyze a work of art, using correct terminology and proper art criticism criteria.
The art and design department manages two galleries on campus for the enrichment of all students and the local community. The department presents four professional art exhibits and two student exhibits each year in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center. The Student Gallery on the second floor of the art and design department is used by various classes for presentation of their work. This gallery is also the site of the sophomore review.
The department insists that each student, before he or she graduates with a degree in studio art or graphic design, possess a basic set of drawing and design skills. To ensure students have reached this level, they are required to present a sample of their work in an exhibit during their sophomore year. This work is evaluated by faculty of the department. If the work is found lacking, the student may be required to take additional courses in drawing and/or design to attain an acceptable level.
Each student, before he or she graduates, will also participate in a senior exhibit in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. This show will be evaluated by the art and design faculty to judge if it is at the professional level required for a Bachelor of Arts with a major in art.
Graphic design majors have the added responsibility of preparing a traditional portfolio and an electronic website portfolio. The department has a thriving Art Club which enhances student involvement in the arts by offering workshops, field trips to museums and galleries, and increases campus awareness of the arts.
Majors/Minors Offered:
Art Studio Major
Graphic Design Major
Art Minor
For more information contact:
Preston Lawing, Chair
Art & Design Department
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights
800-635-5987 x. 1701
plawing@smumn.edu |
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