Art

Program Overview

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Art Program

Overview

The Art program at the University at Buffalo (UB) offers a broad understanding of how to create and critique art, with a focus on various concentrations, including drawing, painting, print media, photography, sculpture, graphic design, and interdisciplinary art and technology (emerging practices).

Majors

• Fine Arts BFA - Art and Technology Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - General Studio Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - Graphic Design Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - Painting Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - Photography Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - Print Media Concentration
• Fine Arts BFA - Sculpture Concentration
• Studio Art BA - General Studio Concentration
• Studio Art BA - Graphic Design Concentration
• Studio Art BA - Photography Concentration

Combined

• Studio Art BA General Studio Concentration / Arts Management MA

Minor

• Studio Art Minor

What Will I Learn?

The Art program will help you understand how artists conceptualize and create their art, and provide you with the tools to move your art from idea to object. You will learn about culturally relevant historical practices, and develop a broad understanding of how to create and critique art.

What Can I Do Outside of Class?

• Land an internship at a local Buffalo business or design studio in New York City.
• Study abroad through one of our global programs.
• Meet world-class artists at speaker series and workshops.
• Get paid to work while in school in multiple UB art galleries and spaces.
• Become an active member in the vibrant Buffalo arts scene.
• Travel to nearby Toronto and connect with hundreds of alternative spaces and galleries.
• Explore UB's Center for the Arts, filled with galleries, studios and labs.

What Can I Do with an Art Degree?

A degree in art can open up a wide range of paths, including:

• A career as a professional artist, creating and selling your own artwork or working as a freelance artist.
• Working in galleries, museums or other arts organizations, curating exhibitions, managing collections, or working in arts administration.
• Going to graduate school to become an art teacher, sharing your skills and knowledge with students at all levels of education.
• Careers in design, advertising, and other creative industries, where you can apply your artistic skills in a commercial context.

Who Will I Learn From?

Our faculty have exhibited work at the Museum of Modern Art and the Sundance Film Festival, and have earned fellowships and awards from the Warhol Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, among many others. They are passionate about their field and committed to mentoring the next generation of artists and designers.

Program Outline

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Art - Undergraduate Academic Programs - University at Buffalo

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Degree Overview:

This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to create and analyze art, with a focus on the chosen concentration. It delves into different mediums like drawing, painting, print media, photography, sculpture, graphic design, and interdisciplinary art and technology (emerging practices). Through this program, students will:

• Develop their artistic skills and visual fluency.
• Learn essential technical and conceptual skills.
• Hone critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Build a portfolio of their work.
• Gain professional experience.

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Outline:

The program offers two degrees:

• Fine Arts BFA: Available with concentrations in:
• Art and Technology
• General Studio
• Graphic Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Print Media
• Sculpture
• Studio Art BA: Available with concentrations in:
• General Studio
• Graphic Design
• Photography
The curriculum combines studio practice, theoretical frameworks, and historical understanding to help students develop a strong artistic voice. Students will engage in:
• Studio courses:
Focusing on specific mediums and techniques, experimentation, and individual artistic development.
• Art history and theory courses:
Providing critical understanding of various art forms, movements, and artists.
• General education courses:
Broadening knowledge and perspectives across different disciplines. Students will also have opportunities to participate in:
• Internships: Gaining real-world experience in local businesses, design studios, or galleries.
• Study abroad programs: Immersing themselves in diverse artistic and cultural environments.
• Speaker series and workshops: Engaging with renowned artists and designers.
• Professional opportunities within UB Art Galleries: Contributing to exhibitions, research projects, and events.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program include:

• Studio critiques:
Providing individual feedback and guidance from faculty and peers on artistic progress and development.
• Exhibitions and portfolio presentations:
Sharing work publicly and receiving constructive feedback for growth.
• Written assignments and projects:
Analyzing, interpreting, and critiquing art and its theoretical context.

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Teaching:

The program boasts:

• Faculty:
Composed of renowned artists, designers, scholars, activists, and technicians with extensive experience and industry connections. They actively exhibit their work, maintain active fellowships and awards, and are deeply passionate about mentoring and guiding students.
• Innovative and interdisciplinary approach:
The program focuses on nurturing creative problem-solving skills, fostering artistic experimentation, and equipping students to navigate the evolving art and design world.
• Exceptional facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and equipment for both traditional and digital artistic and design practices, including tools for printmaking, photography, sculpture, and 3D printing.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue diverse career paths, such as:

• Professional artist:
Creating and selling artwork, freelance artistic endeavors.
• Gallery or museum positions:
Curating exhibitions, managing collections, and arts administration.
• Art educator:
Sharing their knowledge and skills as art teachers.
• Careers in design and creative industries:
Applying their artistic and technical expertise in the commercial sector. The program equips graduates with valuable creative problem-solving skills applicable across various fields, providing them with a significant competitive advantage.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes active participation in Buffalo's vibrant art scene, offering access to renowned museums, alternative art spaces, and opportunities for exhibitions.
• Students can connect with UB professors and alumni, creating valuable professional networks.
• The Center for the Arts provides a dynamic hub for artistic exploration, featuring studios, galleries, and labs for experimentation and learning.