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College of Arts & Sciences

Studio Art

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Why pursue a studio art degree at North Central College?

Art makes your imagination soar! With a studio art degree, you have the opportunity to explore visual media creatively and intellectually. Studio artists specialize in creating visual work that effectively communicates ideas and emotions to prepare you for 21st century careers in fine arts, digital communications, and education. Our facilities are outfitted with studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and interactive media. At North Central, you’ll develop new skills, find your creative voice as a professional artist, and have plenty of opportunities to share that voice in our dedicated gallery spaces. And along the way, you’ll build a portfolio that will impress industry leaders, educators, prospective clients—and most importantly, you. As a graduate, you can pursue careers in industrial design, fashion design, the entertainment and media industry, education and more. Recent graduates have also pursued graduate degrees in master of fine arts and master of art therapy programs.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Experimenting with a variety of media
  • Bringing your ideas to life
  • Sharpening your business and organizational skills

then a degree in STUDIO ART might be for you.

Why study studio art at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • 2-Dimensional Design
  • 3-Dimensional Design
  • Art History
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Meiley-Swallow Hall
Take a virtual tour of Meiley-Swallow Hall, which has studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and interactive media.

Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As a studio art major, you can:

  • Participate in the Senior Art Show, solo and group exhibits, and juried events in the College’s dedicated exhibit spaces and local art galleries
  • Network with prominent artists at on-campus gallery exhibits and talks
  • Study world-class art and architecture at galleries and museums in Chicago and Naperville
  • Conduct undergraduate research and present your findings at the College’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research
  • Apply for competitive talent scholarships in art
  • Enroll in Chicago Term to experience living in the city while taking courses from North Central professors
  • Access the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago:
    • North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central Student ID
    • Experience lectures, educational programs, and other special events

 

Studio Art, B.A.

Studio art majors develop problem-solving skills and creative design thinking strategies through analysis, critique and creation of works of art. Students explore a range of media in foundational studio courses and refine their art practice in advanced courses, culminating in a senior art exhibition. Students can enhance their studies with an additional major or minor, a study abroad or Chicago term and internships. Graduates pursue professional opportunities and careers in art therapy, arts administration, education, commercial design, visual merchandizing, illustration, fine art, art entrepreneurship, and art graduate studies.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

Required Courses

Two of the following:

Studio Art Core Courses

One of the following:

Studio Art Electives

  • An additional four credits in studio art at the 200-level
  • Eight credits in studio art at the 300-level or above
  • Four credits in studio art at the 400-level

Art History Courses

One of the following:

Senior Art Exhibit/Capstone

Note:

*ARTD 496 and ARTD 498 do not count toward the 400-level studio art course

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Studio Art, B.F.A

Studio art B.F.A. majors develop and master problem-solving skills and creative design thinking strategies through analysis, critique and creation of works of art. Students explore a thorough grounding in fundamental principles and techniques with opportunities for emphasis in one or more specific fine arts areas culminating in a senior art exhibition. Students wishing to explore graduate study in the future and/or a career as a professional artist are encouraged to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts major. The department recommends connecting the major with the liberal arts and sciences by pairing their art practice with an interdisciplinary minor, study abroad, language study or a focused grouping of courses from the departments and programs offered.   

The B.F.A. is a professional program structured to provide in-depth, formal education that prepares students for entry into professional practice or advanced, professionally oriented study upon graduation. Graduates pursue professional opportunities and careers in art therapy, arts administration, education, commercial design, visual merchandizing, illustration, fine art, art entrepreneurship and art graduate studies.   

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

A minimum of 78 credit hours, including:

Additional B.F.A. Requirements

Students will submit an initial portfolio to the department when they declare the B.F.A. major or by the end of their sophomore year. Please contact the department for portfolio guidelines and submissions.  

Required Courses

Studio Art Core Courses

Three of the following:

Studio Art Electives

  • Six credit hours in studio art at the 200-level

  • Four credit hours in studio art or art history at the 200-level or above

  • Twelve credit hours in studio art at the 300-level or above

  • Eight credit hours in studio art at the 400-level

Note:

*Four credit hours can be fulfilled by a 400-level credited internship or independent study

Art History Courses

Senior Art Exhibit/Capstone

Note:

*ARTD 494, ARTD 496 and ARTD 498 do not count toward the 400-level studio art courses

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.F.A Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Studio Art Minor

A minor in studio art is for students wanting to explore a creative practice for personal expression or as an integral component to their major.  The minor exposes students to concept, design, production, history, and critical analysis of art.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Foundation/Gateway

One of the following:

Drawing

Art History

One course from the ARTH prefix, minumum four credit hours.

Advanced Studio Art

One of the following:

Studio Art Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • Art facilitator, DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville
  • Presenter of two-dimensional art, Hobby Lobby, Bridgeview, IL
  • Art gallery management intern, Brigantine Gallery, Downers Grove, IL
  • Floral design intern, Scheffler's Flowers, Naperville
  • Exhibitions intern, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, IL
  • Special events intern, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago


Graduate Schools

Recent art majors have been accepted at the following graduate schools:

  • Mills College, Oakland, Calif.
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Ill.
  • Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Careers

Recent graduates in art include:

  • Art instructor
  • Art therapist
  • Gallery director
  • Illustrator
  • Interior designer
  • Merchandiser
  • Museum curator/exhibit preparator
  • Studio technician

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