Art, Studio, B.F.A.

Coordinator: Rob Mertens
Email: mertenjr@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-3860

The B.F.A. in Studio Art offers concentrations in ceramics, fibers, metals, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking and sculpture, and it is designed for students who aspire to develop a professional art practice as expansively defined in today’s world. Students are prepared to produce and exhibit art and to pursue further study at the graduate level.

The studio art faculty is made up of practicing artists who work closely with the students, and students also work closely with each other as they develop their studio practice. Visiting artists and scholars, workshops, field trips and frequent on-campus exhibitions of professional artwork enhance student engagement with contemporary art. Additionally, students have opportunities to exhibit and present their artwork, to assist in running on-campus galleries and studio art labs and to partake in other hands-on art experiences.

Students graduating with a B.F.A. in studio art will:

• Display technical command of at least one medium and display fluency in a range of media
• Effectively analyze and apply two- and three-dimensional design principles and devices
• Develop an independent line of creative inquiry that embraces risk-taking and inventive solutions
• Knowledgeably critique and contextualize their artwork to cultivate expressive ideas and meaningful content
• Demonstrate awareness of contemporary art and art history within a global context