Art

A study of basic drawing techniques and fundamental concepts and relationships within the pictorial composition.

An exploratory study of the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design through creative image generation using a variety of media, and the study of the theory of color and light as perceived by the human eye. Color properties, systems, mixing, symbolism, and psychology are studied through experimentation with materials and visual elements used by the artist and designer.

An introduction to the elements and principles of three-dimensional design. The various degrees of three-dimensional form are explored through reliefs to works that are in-the-round. Both fine and applied art objects are constructed in a variety of materials and construction processes. Students develop their sensitivity and awareness of spatial environments that transfer into many other fields and disciplines.

Introduces the use of the digital SLR camera, lighting, and composition; digital techniques for image processing, making digital prints; print finishing and presentation. Emphasis upon the use of the photographic process as an artistic medium. Student must have a digital SLR camera with at least 10-megapixel resolution, histogram display, RAW file format and manual capability (adjustable shutter speeds and lens openings).

A study of architectural interiors and furnishings from antiquity to present. Relationship of architecture, art, and furniture styles to interiors. Survey of contemporary furniture designers.

An exploration of the basic elements and principles of interior design. Includes application of design principles to human environments. Emphasis on design solutions relevant to human needs. Introduction to architectural drawing. Six studio hours per week.

Basic understanding of construction in clay is accomplished through hand building, throwing on the wheel, and experimental techniques. Glazing and firing are integral elements of the course.

An introduction to weaving with a focus on the history and evolution of the textile. Projects will seek to give you technical information while allowing you to experiment with color, design and concept.

In this course students will become knowledgeable about how to use the computer as a tool for design solutions. Students will explore basic design principles with typography and image manipulation. Students will work with their own art and images to learn how to efficiently and economically scan, manipulate, digitize, organize, design, and print their own artwork with the computer. Students will learn basics of the editing software Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and web design software. Successful completion of this course demonstrates technology fluency requirements.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

An extension of the concepts and techniques encountered in Drawing I. Color is introduced through various media.

An introduction to basic oil painting techniques.

A survey of the history of western architecture, sculpture, and painting from circa 2400 B.C. to 1500 A.D. In addition to examining art within its historical context and exploring human cultural diversity, students will gain fundamental skills of visual analysis, acquiring the vocabulary and concepts needed to discuss works of art orally and in writing.

A survey of the history of western architecture, sculpture, and painting from circa 1450 to the post-modern present. In addition to examining art within its historical context and exploring human cultural diversity, students will gain fundamental skills of visual analysis, acquiring the vocabulary and concepts needed to discuss works of art orally and in writing.

An extension of the concepts and techniques encountered in ART-131, with an emphasis on the pursuit of photography as a fine art form. Student must have a digital SLR camera with at least 10-megapixel resolution, histogram display, RAW file format and manual capability (adjustable shutter speeds and lens openings).

This course provides students an intensive introduction into the fundamental principles of graphic design and typography with an emphasis on the relationship between form and communication as a means to visual problem-solving. The focus will be on developing the ability to skillfully manipulate communicative tools such as hierarchy, typography, color, composition, scale, and rhythm to visually communicate a message in a meaningful and powerful way. Visual explorations take place through the creation of theoretical and applied projects, which are designed to aid in the development of a working creative process. These assignments will be supplemented by short readings, lectures, critiques and class discussions aimed at fostering critical engagement with the visual work produced in class, as well as providing an introduction to graphic design theory and history.

The development of technical rendering skills for the illustrator or designer using various media and materials, including ink, colored pencil, and marker.

An introduction to basic concepts and techniques of printmaking. The students will be challenged to think conceptually, as well as demonstrate their knowledge of the elements and principles of design.

An introduction to techniques of fiber and textile arts. Through production of one-of-a-kind textile pieces, students learn fabric processes in surface design, construction and dyeing. Techniques include, but are not limited to embroidery, screen printing, digital printing, felting, and tie-dye using natural and chemical dye processes. This course also includes study of contemporary and historical textiles from around the world.

Rotating topics focused on the art and architecture or art historical theory and methods from western or non-western cultures. An emphasis is placed on understanding art in context, critical thinking, and building skills or visual literacy as well as oral and written communication.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

This course will provide opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to pursue original research in the field of art. In conjunction with a faculty member, the student will formulate and execute a research project at an intermediate level of complexity. The project will require a culminating experience appropriate to the field of artistic study, such as a paper or artistic object or performance and a presentation or exhibition. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required. 

This studio course is an introduction to life drawing for the intermediate drawing student. Working from a model, students will develop an understanding of the structure, proper proportion and anatomy of the human figure. The course will also explore the expressive potential of the human form. 

An extension of the concepts and techniques encountered in ART-210 with an emphasis on furthering skill and individual expression.

A study of the history of European and American costume in relation to religious, political, technological, and artistic movements from the Egyptian period [2700 B.C.] to the 20th century.

Designed to provide a variety of specific upper-level art history studies. Topics are chosen from four major periods: ancient, medieval, renaissance, and baroque. Beyond gaining an understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of the art works from a particular period, students will also become acquainted with many other contextual factors, including aspects of religious, social, political, and economic life.

A variety of subjects related to art, women, and contemporary aesthetic and societal issues will be addressed. Beyond gaining a better understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of modern art, this course seeks to help each student become more proficient in analytical and critical skills of thinking and writing.

The emphasis in this course will vary by semester through exploration of different photographic techniques and processes. The student will work to achieve distinctive personal style for portfolio development.

Students learn how to photograph for the web while volunteering at a local county animal shelter. In this course, students gain skills with digital cameras, Adobe Photoshop, web color management, and blogging, all while analyzing the effects of animal overpopulation within our communities.

This course hones students' abilities to explore advanced visual communication problems that integrate typographic, photographic, and historical concepts in graphic design with an emphasis on the relationship between form and communication as a means to visual problem-solving. Projects reflect applications with specific audiences, contexts, and production criteria. Visual explorations take place through the creation of theoretical and applied projects. These assignments will be supplemented by short readings, lectures, critiques and class discussions aimed at fostering critical engagement with the visual work produced in class.

This course encourages students to solve design problems by creating typographic solutions as the primary vehicle for expressive and functional communication. Students strengthen skills in building typographic relationships and detail and creating sophisticated typographic layouts, including dynamic use of the grid. Emphasis is placed on typographic systems and publication design. Visual explorations take place through the creation of theoretical and applied projects.

An in depth examination of mixed media processes and how contemporary artists are using them. This may include a variety of processes: engraving, pronto plates, aquatints, dry-point and monotype.

This course explores the technical and conceptual a series of problem-solving processes. The course stresses the basics of web graphic and interactive web-based environments that demonstrate an understanding of navigation, design, usability, and functionality within a creative framework. Emphasis will be placed on the research and development of effective graphic interfaces and information architecture. Students will explore ways that animation/interactive design and digital imaging can complement experiences in various disciplines.

An extension of the techniques and concepts encountered in ART-111 and  ART-160. Emphasis will be placed on gaining depth of experience and a personal approach.

An introduction to sculptural forms and object making. Traditional and contemporary materials and processes will be explored that may include: clay modeling, hot and cold casting, wood or stone carving, hot and cold metal fabrication and assembling, and mixed-media. Relationships between concept, visual organization, and materials are studied. This course may be repeated for credit to investigate additional media, techniques, and processes to develop a more advanced body of work and personal narrative.

A continuation of techniques and concepts from ART-270. There will be a focus on conceptual contemporary textiles and fiber arts and artists.

All junior level art majors must complete this course prior to taking ART-497 Senior Exhibition. Students and departmental faculty will formally review the student's selected body of work. Students will assess and reflect upon strengths in their work and identify areas for additional studies in upper-level studio courses and/or research in preparation for their senior year. Substantial emphasis is placed on using these reflections to create an artist statement and artwork that is exhibition ready. This seminar course includes an introduction to professional organizations, professional development, and research on historical and contemporary ethical topics relating to art such as: professional careers and ethical codes, aesthetic theory and artistic practices, the creative process, and post graduate studies.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.  

This course is a working in-house graphic design studio managed and staffed by advanced graphic design majors and a full-time faculty member to work with campus and community clients. The purpose of Circus Design Studio is to assess needs in the department, college, and local community and to fulfill those needs through the design and implementation of various print and interactive collateral. The Studio's mission is to produce high quality design for events, services, and programs of clients.

This course is an extension of the concepts and techniques encountered in ART-301 with an emphasis on furthering skills and individual expression. Advanced exploration may include working with a variety of processes and media, including painting, clay modeling, and mixed media. Students will create a series of works focusing on developing a personalized concept regarding the contemporary use of the figure. Critical research and writing required.

This course provides a real-world design experience that includes collaborating with the English Department to produce a printed document, The Colton Review, A Journal of Art and Literature, for Meredith College. Students work in teams to fulfill the roles of art director(s) and graphic designers.

This course provides students with advanced research in graphic design special topics. The topic of this course may vary from semester to semester. Each course focuses on various issues in the field of graphic design and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Projects reflect applications with specific audiences, contexts, and production criteria. Special emphasis is placed on the social/cultural role graphic designers play in their communities and their world. Visual explorations take place through the creation of theoretical and applied projects. These assignments will be supplemented by short readings, lectures, critiques and class discussions aimed at fostering critical engagement with the visual work produced in class.

This advanced course builds on the fundamentals presented in ART-360 Interactive Design. It is designed to explore creative and communicative experiences as they apply to experimental screen-based projects, digital branding, strategy, and design developed for various content, needs, and audiences. Emphasis will be placed on problem-seeking/problem-solving processes using industry-standard interactive applications.

This advanced level course provides students with a strong foundation in the latest digital workflow methods, from advanced digital capture and image editing to master digital printing. Emphasis is placed on exploring digital photography as a medium for creative expression. A digital SLR camera with at least 10-megapixel resolution, histogram display, RAW file format and manual capability [adjustable shutter speeds and lens openings] is required for this course.

All Studio Art majors should register for this course during their senior year in their last semester. Students will be instructed on the basic business practices of art, understand the legal rights and procedures for the artist, practice presentation and marketing methods, prepare a portfolio of work, be informed about a wide range of art careers and graduate study opportunities, develop strategies for success post-graduate in chosen concentration area.

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

The senior project is a capstone class for Graphic Design majors which integrates the accumulated skills and knowledge obtained and cultivated previously in the curriculum. By developing a unique semester-long project, students have the opportunity to engage present and future professional interests. Student projects are self-initiated, self-defined, and self-directed. The scale of proposed project (scope and reach) and its final articulation (context, content, and form) are to be developed and executed through consultation with the instructor. 

In this course students will develop a professional portfolio of work, create a self-identity system, design a business application suite, and explore graphic design business practices. Working individually with the instructor each student reviews representative projects that showcase personal methodology and demonstrates overall conceptual abilities and technical competencies within their work. Professional design practices, such as the development of a resume, cover letter and business contracts, preparing for interviews, presenting and selling yourself, working with clients, and producing a unique self-promotional portfolio piece will also be addressed.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will research an in-depth exploration of an art history topic and write a formal research paper. The student will orally present the topic and their conclusions in a public forum.

Senior exhibition is a culminating practicum experience that combines the exploration of professional practices in gallery and museum exhibition design and gallery management, as well as learning how to curate a body of work to be installed in a gallery. This course is required for Art Education and Studio Art majors. Art programming appropriate for art education, gallery and/or museum education will be researched and applied in their senior exhibition. Self-promotion strategies and materials will be developed for an artist's gallery talk for the exhibition.

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project at an advanced level of complexity that will culminate in a paper, artistic object or performance, and an exhibition or presentation. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the art department faculty. 

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project at an advanced level of complexity that will culminate in a paper or artistic object or performance and an exhibition or presentation. The precise nature of the culminating activity is dependent upon the artistic field and inquiry of study as deemed appropriate by the faculty mentor. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required.

The relationship between creative behavior and child growth through the visual arts is developed through research, practicum situations, and extensive early field experience. Methods for teaching exceptional children are also studied. Curriculum development is an integral part of the class.

A study of teaching methodologies appropriate for middle and high school students through research, practicum situations, and extensive early field experiences. Attention is given to adolescent development and its effect on creative visual development and the need for visual expression. Art health hazards, computer competencies and curriculum development are among topics covered.