Need help choosing your major? During the ’14/’15 academic year, we’ll be talking to students from every Chatham undergraduate program to get the inside scoop on their area of study.
Featured Major: Visual Arts
Background: Visual Arts at Chatham isn’t just about creating a masterpiece (or two). Students learn history, technique and theory, carefully studying the creatives of the past so that they can emerge as well-rounded, exceptional artists and critics.
The Coursework: All Visual Arts majors take three 100-level courses: Intro to Visual Culture, Drawing, and Intro to World Art, Renaissance to the Present. Required 200-level courses include Design Studio and Modern and Contemporary Art. Students finish with two semesters of a portfolio-based Tutorial.
Students in the Studio Arts Concentration study Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking and Sculpture at the introductory level. In their remaining years of undergrad, they build on their skills with studio classes in each subject, then pick two advanced studio courses.
Students pursuing the Art History Concentration take Renaissance, Intro to Museum Studies, 20th and 21st Century Architecture, Asian Art, American Art, and Special Topics.
The Faculty: Chatham lists Dr. Michael Boyd, Professor David Burke, Dr. Karen Dajani, Professor Corey Escoto, Dr. Prajna Paramita Parasher, Dr. Elisabeth Roark, Professor Pauline Rovkah, Professor Kristen Shaeffer, and Professor Susana Amundarain.
Relevant Campus Programs: Chatham’s on-campus Gallery provides space for exhibitions by students, faculty and visiting artists. Artist Collective brings students from diverse disciplines together; their capstone project each year is Extraction, an interdisciplinary event featuring performances and visual work.
What You Can Do With It: Chatham focuses on breadth of opportunity after graduation. Students may pursue careers as working artists, curators, or gallery/museum managers. Many opt to go on to graduate school.
Interviewee: Kayla Mento ’15 (Major: Visual Arts, Studio Arts Concentration)
HC Chatham: Why did you choose to major in Visual Arts?Kayla Mento: I chose to be a Visual Arts major because of the multiple different classes that you can take for it. All the classes are so versatile; you shouldn’t expect the same thing for each class. The studio art classes range from ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture; you name it, the Art Department has it. You can also take more computer-based art classes – especially if you are just a Visual Arts major – which can really benefit the future. Once I figured all of this out I was all over it!What are three main lessons you’ve learned from the Studio Art concentration?1. Be as original and creative as possible. Having a block because of a paper you have to write for another class is no excuse. Use that energy and put it into the art!2. Use time out of class to your advantage! Yes, you might want to go home and just lay on your bed, but if you don’t get that time in out of class you’re just short-changing yourself to make something absolutely incredible!3. Have fun. The professors in the Art Department are not strict. They have to be on the syllabi, but once you’re in the class and get to do what you came there for they are willing to help you along the way while making sure you’re enjoying the work you’re doing!How would you describe the classroom environment?The classroom environment is the best part about the art building. All the rooms are perfectly sized and fit with the theme of the class you’re doing. Especially the ceramics studio. There’s clay everywhere, but that’s how it’s supposed to be; it’s so fitting and a good size.What three characteristics do you think successful Visual Arts majors possess?1. Versatility. Versatility with your artwork can go a long way with your professors. Most of them don’t want to just see the same things over and over and want to push you and challenge you. This isn’t a bad thing like I originally thought, it allowed me to open my mind and take me out of my shell. I can thank Rich Brown (my printmaking teacher) for that one.2. Originality. You have to possess your own personal artistic characteristics. However, it is obviously okay to be inspired by other artists!3. Creativity. Of course this is a given, but you need to have an eye and a vast interest in art. If you feel like you are just settling on a major because it sounds “easy” such as this one, then you have come to the wrong place. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. It takes time, effort, and a keen eye to go far with this major.Why do you think Chatham students should consider a major in Visual Arts?If they want a great college experience doing what they have dreamed about for years and years, it really is a great major to be in. This major also is completed with the best well-rounded group of teachers you will ever find in any other major. They support you and allow you to be yourself constantly and follow you every step of the way.
Ready to learn more? Visit the Visual Arts section of Chatham University’s website.