Studio Arts

Each of the three areas within the studio arts concentration—Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, and Photography—has common studio foundation and art history requirements.

All students concentrating in the Studio Arts must take at least one introductory (100- level) studio arts course in each of the following areas: drawing/painting, 3D arts (ceramics, sculpture), and the lens-based arts (film, photography); students must also complete two art-history courses. It is recommended that a student should have completed (or be enrolled in) at least two of the studio foundations courses and one art history survey course at the time of moderation.

Related Career paths

A concentration in chemistry offers a variety of career opportunities in fields including Artist, Painter, Sculptor, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, Art Therapist, Commercial Artist, Art Gallery Owner, Art Critic, Cartoonist, Curator, Interior Decorator.

Curriculum 

Drawing and Painting

Drawing and Painting involve different studio skills and approaches, but are closely interrelated areas of the visual arts. Students in this concentration begin their studies by completing the Foundation requirements listed above. They then move on to the intermediate and advanced curriculum, designed to foster a disciplined and technically informed approach to independent, self-generated upper-level studio work and investigation of a wide range of traditional and experimental approaches and areas of study. The program encourages students to develop interdisciplinary interests, to work with a wide range of media, and to explore a broad range of ideas. Students in the Drawing and Painting concentration must complete—in addition to the foundation courses—two required drawing/painting courses at the intermediate level, two in related studio arts disciplines, and two advanced painting/drawing courses (usually the advanced studio courses) for a minimum of 20 credits beyond the core foundation. Students in the concentration interested in pursuing individual interests in depth may also elect tutorials and independent projects.

Photography

The Simon’s Rock program in photography considers technical knowledge, historical background, and critical and analytical skills to be key elements in the education of each photography student. The curriculum is designed to foster a disciplined approach to independent, self-generated work in each course, whether it be the core studio, advanced course or a Senior Thesis project. The program provide a 87 comprehensive facility with professional equipment, as well as exposure to working artists, historians, writers, and critics, to support the growth and development of each student photographer. Students interested in this concentration should have successfully completed and/or be enrolled in the core foundation courses, described earlier; regarding the art history foundation, students should take at least one of the three photography history classes: History of Photography, Theories of Photography or Contemporary Issues in Photography.

Ceramics

The Simon’s Rock program in Ceramics emphasizes a community atmosphere where students are exposed to all angles of the creative process. The program explores the technical and conceptual sides of both functional and sculptural ceramics, while guiding students’ search for personal expression through the medium. Instruction focuses on technical expertise, sound craftsmanship, aesthetic ideals, criticism, as well as historical background. Students in the Ceramics concentration must complete—in addition to the foundation courses—two required ceramics courses at the intermediate level, two in related studio arts disciplines, and two advanced ceramics courses (usually the advanced studio courses) for a minimum of 20 credits beyond the core foundation. Students in the concentration interested in pursuing individual interests in depth may also elect tutorials and independent projects.

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