University of Wyoming (Department of Art)

As the only university established by the state, the citizens and University of Wyoming have enjoyed a long, unique and beneficial relationship with the art culture of the west. Research and creative activity cannot be separated from the exploration of art making and study. The art department at the University of Wyoming recognizes excellence in artistic endeavors both from the student and faculty accomplishments. The art faculty have enjoyed national and international recognition in the creation of outstanding and dynamic artistic pursuits and in scholarly research.

The Department of Art supports the creative, aesthetic and cultural development of students within the university community and serves the cultural and educational needs of the state. The department is dedicated to preparing its graduates to assume leadership positions in their professional lives while maintaining an inner commitment to the aesthetic standards of their chosen discipline.


Areas of Concentration

* Ceramics
Studies in Ceramics introduce the development of the ceramic form through handbuilding and wheel techniques. Also there is involvement in surface treatment and glaze testing Much of the work shown here emphasizes design and conceptual development as well as historical research.

* Drawing
The drawing program balances a solid foundation in observational skills with an investigation of the expressive and personal potential in the various media of drawing. Early courses in drawing provide the basis for both the technical and intellectual methods necessary to succeed in all of the media of visual expression. Drawing is understood to be at once the most basic tool in thinking visually as well as an artform in its own right.

Students begin to work primarily in the abrasive media of charcoal and conte and move into a variety of media and supports in more advanced courses, including ink and wash, graphite, and pastel. Students are expected initially to develop and strengthen their skills in perspective, proportion, value, line and composition. A wide range of model sources are used to discuss the mechanics of drawing and perception, from landscape and interior, to still life and portraits. The figure is explored extensively with a firm grounding in anatomy and structure as it relates to the artist. Later the figure is used as a jumping off point for more inventive expressive and personal interpretations. Though drawing is often a very solitary endeavor, active critiques and discussions are employed to reinforce the sense of community and the sharing of knowledge within classes. Critiques also serve as practice in the use of the essential vocabulary of visual art. Advanced students are encouraged to test the limits of the definitions they have learned in earlier courses in order to expand their approach to the drawing process. What constitutes a drawing? How and when does it begin to merge with other forms of expression? How is it uniquely separate from other methods?

Ultimately students in this program work to improve their perceptual abilities, their material process, and their conceptual interpretations in an effort to better communicate and express themselves to the world around them.

* Art History
Offering an understanding and appreciation of humanity's diverse visual experience, the study of art history incorporates architecture, sculpture, painting, graphics, and crafts. The study of art history invariably leads to an examination of the confluence of political, sociological, and intellectual events that attends the creation of art and the shaping of civilization. The department attracts and supports independent thinkers, creative organizers and imaginative communicators, and challenges them to develop personal creative vision, technical expertise and self-discipline.

Through interdisciplinary experiences, university studies programming, and investigations in the visual arts, art majors appreciate their aesthetic heritage, think critically, and communicate effectively with visual form, as well as with verbal language and other forms of symbolic expression.

* Foundations
The Foundation program offers a “core” of basic design courses including Drawing I, Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, and Color Theory. Students explore basic elements of art (line, shape, value, color, pattern/texture, and time) as well as the organizing design principles (unity/variety, balance, scale/proportion, economy, emphasis, direction/movement, and space) through a variety of materials and visual approaches. Critiques and discussions of projects allow students to discuss their work aesthetically, conceptually and technically to prepare them for entry-level studio courses in the areas of Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics and Graphic Design.

* Graphic Design
Communication is the transmission of information and knowledge. graphic designers explore a variety of communication issues that deal with diverse messages and audiences. Designers utilize words and images to express ideas that serve to inform, convince or call to action both individuals and audiences through many different and dynamic forms of visual communication. Print, interactive and motion design make up some of the many avenues of graphic design. Graphic designers are employed in a variety of settings, including design firms, advertising agencies, communication companies, as well as internal communication departments in corporations, institutions or governmental agencies.

The graphic design/visual communication area serves to provide students with a "human centered" approach to learning that challenges and nurtures them to think conceptually and prepares them to be flexible in an international community that is continually being influenced by new ideas, tools and technology.

The visual communications center is a facility for undergraduate research that functions as a classroom, studio and high end technology space and incorporates industry standard tools for graphic design and digital art exploration.

* Painting
The painting program is designed to provide students with both studio skills and refined critical sensitivity. Painting provides instruction in concepts, skills, methods and work processes that encourage the student to investigate a variety of painting approaches. Students are presented with a structured sequence of problems ranging from pictorial organization to refinements of aesthetic interpretation. Students are encouraged to explore and push beyond perceived boundaries within the painting discipline.

A wide range of subject matters are addressed: representation, non-objective, the landscape, the figure and still life. Media include oil, acrylics, watercolor, works on canvas, panel and experimental surfaces. The studio experience is integrated with discussion and critique to instill habits of self-instruction which will enhance graduates' professional lives.

* Printmaking
The University of Wyoming printmaking studios are equipped with three Brand etching presses, one Takach Garfield lithographic press, a Fuch’s and Lang lithographic press and a collection of lithographic stones that includes many stones larger than 20” x 30”. Students work in traditional relief, intaglio and lithographic processes as well as non-toxic and new variations on traditional print media.
Beginning students are introduced to the history of printmaking, explore the range of printmaking media and discuss the common concepts and contemporary issues of printmaking media. Intermediate and advanced students continue in-depth exploration of media and materials while developing their work conceptually. The goal of the printmaking studio is to foster the unique “voice” of each student. Advanced students develop and document a portfolio of work, explore professional presentation of work and compile a resume in preparation for graduate school or entering the professional arena.
The Inky Paper Press Visiting Artist series brings a nationally or internationally known printmaking artist to the studio each year for one week. Students benefit from assisting each artist as they work in the studio. Such student / artist contacts inform student work as well as provide direction for international or graduate school study and other professional and artistic experiences. Students also benefit from attendance at annual professional printmaking conferences.
At the heart of the printmaking studio is a community of artists that transcends the classroom and equipment and is rooted in a creative and supportive learning environment.

* Sculpture
Students in the sculpture program study a variety of casting processes, dealing with non-ferrous metals (bronze and aluminum) and on occasion, other castable materials. The program covers a wide variety of mold making and refractory techniques, including "lost wax" techniques, foundry methods and finished presentation techniques. Advanced sculpture courses explore clay as a medium for three dimensional expression, and additive sculptural techniques. Additionally, the constructed and assembled form is explored as an essential means of sculptural self expression.


BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM

The BFA degree program is offered to outstanding students who are preparing for art studies, careers and professional activity beyond the undergraduate level. Up to seventy (70) semester hours are focused in studio and art history course work, while a minimum of fifty-eight (58) semester hours are reserved for University Studies Program requirements.

APPLICATION
Formal application is made to the department for acceptance into the BFA degree program. Favorable faculty review of the application materials and a cumulative 3.00 GPA in course work in the major and university studies are required before a student is declared a candidate for the BFA degree.

Undergraduate majors proceed with meeting USP requirements for the BA in art and balance with foundation, art history and studio core requirements in the major until formally accepted as a BFA candidate. Application does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the BFA program.

Majors in the process of completing the fourth semester of their Foundations and Studio Core course work (16-19 hours) submit applications materials by February 1st. Associate degree transfer students may either submit their application materials by November 1st of their first semester in the department or by February 1st of their last semester in residence at their community college.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
The BFA degree is considered the honors program of study in the Department of Art and is the preferred program for students preparing for graduate school and professional careers in the visual arts. Academic achievement in both major and USP course work is important. Once accepted into the program, BFA candidates maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester. BFA candidates are placed on program probation when the semester GPA falls below 3.0. When the GPA does not return to a 3.0 the following semester, candidates are advised to pursue the BA rather than the BFA to complete their undergraduate degree program. BFA candidates must earn at least a B (3.0) in all courses required and counted toward the major. Course work below a B (3.0) must be repeated to meet major requirements.


CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
Upon reviewing applications, the faculty may make recommendations or require additional upper division course work in studio and/or art history for the BFA degree. This course work may exceed the seventy (70) semester hours permitted for the major. In this case, the BFA candidate must also complete the fifty-eight (58) hours of USP course work for the 128 semester hours in the BFA degree program.

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Department of Art Art School Location

Other art schools in Wyoming

Laramie County Community College Visual Arts The LCCC Associates of Arts degree in Fine Arts provides basic studies in the concepts, techniques, and methods of the visual arts. ... Address: 1400 East College Drive

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Western Wyoming Community College Visual & Performing Arts Theatre Program Western’s Theatre program has a long standing reputation for professional and award winning theatre, mu... Address: PO Box 428

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