Art

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The B.A. program in Art explores the creative, experimental, and developmental aspects of art. Students receive an understanding of the history of art, the role of art as an expression of our cultural heritage, and the practice of art in the studio environment. The program offers opportunities for students, the university, and the community to experience attitudes and forms of visual art in regional, national, and international contexts.

Lower-division courses involve basic premises and aesthetics of different media and the development of skills in the application and practice of studio art. Courses in the upper-division continue to advance theory, media, and studio applications with greater exploration of individual expressions.

The program presently emphasizes the studio areas of painting, drawing, and printmaking. Other specific areas of study can be arranged through consultation with the Art Department and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Degree Requirements

See degree requirements for a detailed listing of the Art B.A. requirements.

Art Web Site

Visit the Art web site at http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~art/.

Goals for Student Learning in the Major

The Art Department provides an environment supporting scholarship and practice in the visual arts. Students develop a perspective of the history of art in Eastern and Western contexts, an understanding of art movements in the contemporary mainstream, comprehension of aesthetic theory, and an understanding of the practice of art forms.

The program goals for student learning are:

  • The development of working relationships with materials, techniques, procedures, and training in creative exploration of individual expression and ideas.
  • The development of creative thinking and critical analysis in the area of the visual arts. Critical thinking skills and the ability to express this process are significant aspects of studio practice.
  • The understanding of the history of world cultures and an appreciation for developments in the contemporary mainstream. Comprehension of the role of art as an expression of cultural heritage.
  • The experience and exposure to mainstream visual arts through national and international exhibitions to establish a broader base of comprehension for contemporary movements in art.
  • Preparation for graduate studies in studio art. The areas of painting, printmaking, and drawing provide an educational program requiring portfolio development and the studio art preparation necessary for graduate school admission.
  • The development of a foundation for professional occupations in the areas of graphic design, illustration, and teaching.
  • The development of organizational and planning skills and experiences required in the profession of art.

Prospects for Art Majors

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art prepares students for graduate study in studio art and continued study in areas of applied arts and art education. The body of work accomplished during the period of study in the program is a portfolio representing the achievements of each student.

Students are also prepared in the program to function as professionals in graphic design, illustration, applied arts, and teaching. The study of studio media, methods, and applications, art history, and art theory form the basis for an understanding of the creative process and addresses imagination, aesthetic concepts, creative applications, and the ability to consider, with equal awareness, minute details and larger perspectives.

Contributions to the General Education Program

Art is important component of a strong liberal arts education. Students selecting art courses to fulfill General Education requirements develop abilities for skillful creative applications, the growth of imagination, and an insight into cultural relationships.

Special Aspects of the Art Major

Photography, textiles, fiber arts, and ceramics courses are offered only through concurrent registration with Hawai‘i Community College or through the summer session. Please consult with the Art Department for additional information.

Student Art Association

The Student Art Association is a registered student organization sponsoring activities and projects relating to the study of art. The Association has presented papermaking demonstrations during Earth Day celebrations, sponsored visiting artists, and organizes and presents the Annual Student Art Exhibition featured in the Campus Center Galleries from May to September.

Art Faculty and Staff