Art Overview

General Information
Marygrove College’s Art Department believes that an education in the visual arts should consist of the development and understanding of artistic skills, associated theories of creating art, art history and the importance of building a personal aesthetic voice. An integral part of this philosophy focuses on developing within our students the dedication and desire needed to move forward in their artistic endeavors while building a commitment to art as a life-long process.

With an emphasis on leadership through practice, participation in Marygrove’s art program requires an open mind, a willingness to immerse oneself in the creative process and an understanding of the important linkage between the visual arts and the other disciplines encountered in the liberal arts experience. Our curriculum provides students with a well rounded foundation in the process of making art by emphasizing everything from developing traditional skills to experimenting with conceptual approaches.

Our small class size allows for individual attention and interaction with a faculty that consist of practicing, professional artists and educators. The department has eight student studios, a student gallery, a major exhibition space and MAO, an active student art association. The Gallery at Marygrove showcases four to five major exhibitions a year as well as the All Student Exhibition, Student Summer Challenge and the Senior Degree Exhibitions. The department also sponsors a variety of guest lectures and a number of Master Classes throughout the year.

Once core requirements are met, our students can tailor their education to align with their interests. B.A. students are not required to concentrate in any one area but they are encouraged to do so. All B.F.A. candidates are required to be accepted into the B.F.A. program and adopt a more directed plan of work. By emphasizing leadership through practice, we encourage our students to move beyond their borders and actively interact with the greater art community. All students develop a history of presentation and community involvement through participation in all student exhibitions, leading to the Senior Degree Exhibition, and by active membership in the student art association.

Visual Literacy
You will be exposed to a wide variety of art experienc­es through studio and gallery tours, extensive lectures and workshops by internationally recognized visiting artists and professional exhibitions in The Gallery.

Computer Literacy
As an art major, you must successfully complete two introductory computer graphics classes (ART 211 and 221).

Writing Skills
You will be required to successfully complete a writing-intensive course in AH 370 or in an upper division studio course within your major concentration, as directed by your advisor.

Cooperative Education Program

The co-op program combines classroom and practi­cal work experience. As a co-op student, you will gain valuable experience in a professional work environ­ment. You will be paid and will also receive college credit.

Consortium
You may enrich your major by electing studio courses through the Consortium or in summer sessions at other institutions. However, you are required to take the core sequence at Marygrove.

If you wish to take courses at other institutions, com­plete a guest student application and obtain written approval from the department prior to registering. This must be done in order that the credits you earn may be applied to your degree.

Academic Performance
Only courses with a grade of C or higher may be ap­plied in fulfillment of the major requirements.

Transfer Students
If you transfer from another institution into the depart­ment as an art major, you must complete 20 hours of credit in the department before graduating. As a transfer student, you may be asked to complete specific studio problems, as well as present a portfolio of recent work to determine placement in departmental courses.