Fine Arts - Visual & Creative Arts

Program Overview

The program emphasizes professional development, with courses in marketing, business development, and portfolio preparation. Graduates are prepared for careers as self-employed artists, gallery employees, and more. The program also offers opportunities for student exchange, experiential learning, and public art projects.

Program Outline

Outline:

2023-2024 Program Outline:

Semester 1:

• ARTS 1000 - Creative Practice 1: Concept Development and Planning: This course introduces students to the basics of maintaining a creative space, art fundamentals, color theory, and terminology.
It focuses on concept development and planning, and allows students to explore how to effectively use a sketchbook and manage their time to develop their ideas from concept to finished work.
• ARTS 6000 - Drawing and Design 1: Observational: This course focuses on observational drawing and composition in various mediums.
It introduces the principles of artistic design and explores drawing techniques for still life and vignettes. Students experiment with color theory, history, and symbolism, and explore various tools and techniques to create finished works.
• ARTS 10 - Art History and Appreciation 1: European Tradition: This course explores art history from prehistoric times to the 19th century, with a focus on the European tradition.
Students analyze art movements and techniques within their social, cultural, and political context.
• COMM 110 - Communications for College: This course helps students develop communication skills for college and the workforce.
It focuses on improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and emphasizes research and critical thinking.
• ARTS 1008 - Painting: Acrylic: This course explores advanced techniques and applications in acrylic painting, including the use of mediums, glazes, and textural effects.
• ARTS 1009 - Experimental Media: 2D and 3D Design: This course allows students to explore various traditional and non-traditional art mediums, expanding their creative voice and developing portfolio-quality works.
• ARTS 20 - Art History and Appreciation 2: Western Perspective: This course examines art forms from the 19th century to the present day from a Western perspective, including the portrayal of indigenous peoples in Canadian art.
• GENE - General Education Course: This course covers general education topics and may vary depending on the semester.

Semester 3:

• ARTS 2002 - Professional Practice 1: Marketing and Business Development: This course helps students develop professional documents like artist statements and resumes, and explores business best practices, marketing strategies, and income streams.
• ARTS 2003 - Figure Drawing 1: Anatomy and Gesture: This course focuses on drawing the human form, exploring principles of artistic design and various drawing techniques with live models.
• ARTS 6012 - Studio 1: This studio course allows students to develop their unique artistic voice by creating a series of works that consider political, social, and environmental factors.
• ARTS 6007 - Printmaking 1: Tools and Design: This course explores the basics of printmaking tools and techniques, including relief, intaglio, and mono printing.
• GENE - General Education Course: This course covers general education topics and may vary depending on the semester.
• ARTS 2011 - Experimental Media: Textiles: This course focuses on textiles and related techniques, such as block printing, needle punching, embroidery, and dyeing.
Students explore the use of fibers in contemporary art and develop their skills in costing, pricing, and exhibiting their work.

Semester 4:

• ARTS 2004 - Professional Practice 2: Arts Leadership, Exhibition, and Portfolio: This culminates in two formal exhibitions, a business plan, and a professional portfolio.
• ARTS 2005 - Figure Drawing 2: Advanced Mediums and Portraiture: This course explores advanced techniques for drawing the human form with a focus on portraiture.
• ARTS 2006 - Experimental Media: Digital Media: This course explores various digital media tools and applications in art, including film, photography, and virtual reality.
• ARTS 6013 - Studio 2: This studio course allows students to further develop their unique artistic voice and create a series of works using advanced tools and techniques, considering political, social, and environmental factors.

Careers:

Graduates of the Visual & Creative Arts - Fine Arts program may find employment as:

• Self-employed fine artists
• Gallery employees
• Commercial art studio employees
• Retail outlet employees
• Educational institution employees

Other:

• The program includes a second-year student exchange in Barbados.
• Students can complete their Bachelor's degree with one of the program's partner universities in Ireland.
• The program offers experiential learning opportunities through external design contracts and projects.
• The program has four on-campus exhibition spaces: Foyer Exhibition Space, Library Exhibition Space, Student Commons, and Marianne van Silfhout Gallery (community art gallery).
• The program provides students with the opportunity to design and implement public/community art projects.
• The program features internationally recognized guest speakers.
• The program's faculty comprises practicing industry professionals.
• The program offers a course related to indigenous art.
• The program provides opportunities for portfolio development.
• The program focuses on preparing students for the professional art world.
• The program is officially approved by MCU under the title Visual & Creative Arts - Fine Arts.