Studio Art Degree with a Concentration in Metalsmithing & Jewelry
Program Overview
The Studio Art Degree with a Concentration in Metalsmithing & Jewelry at the University of North Texas provides students with technical proficiency, conceptual exploration, historical understanding, and professional development in the field of metalsmithing and jewelry. Students benefit from collaborative learning environments, renowned faculty, and access to top-notch facilities, preparing them for careers as practicing artists, designers, and more. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement and encourages students to pursue further education in the arts.
Program Outline
Studio Art Degree with a Concentration in Metalsmithing & Jewelry - Detailed Extraction
Degree Overview:
The Metalsmithing and Jewelry concentration within the Studio Art B.F.A. program at the University of North Texas is designed to shape investigations through the study of technical processes, history, theory, cutting-edge technologies, conceptual strategies, experimentation, professionalism, and interdisciplinary possibilities.
Objectives:
- Technical Proficiency: Develop mastery of traditional and contemporary metalworking techniques.
- Conceptual Exploration: Explore and express artistic ideas through jewelry, hollowware, and small art objects.
- Historical Understanding: Gain knowledge of the history and theory of metalsmithing and jewelry.
- Professional Development: Cultivate skills in communication, presentation, and professional practice.
- Interdisciplinary Engagement: Explore the intersection of metalsmithing and jewelry with other disciplines.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program is led by passionate and professional faculty who are nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and scholars. They are active members and leaders of national organizations, promoting excellence and nurturing student development.
- Collaborative Environment: Students work in a collaborative and supportive environment with regular access to materials, equipment, and library resources.
- Studio Experience: The studio environment allows students to explore formal and conceptual concerns in jewelry, hollowware, and small art objects.
Careers:
- Practicing Artist: Graduates can pursue careers as practicing artists, exhibiting and selling their work in galleries, shops, museums, and art fairs.
- Design and Development: Businesses are increasingly seeking employees with visual arts backgrounds for positions in training and design departments.
- Metalsmith and Jeweler: Graduates can work as metalsmiths and jewelers, designing, constructing, adjusting, repairing, appraising, and selling jewelry.
- Other Fields: Additional areas of work include industrial design, metalcraft, art dealing, product development, ornamental item creation (gates, grilles, railings), furniture, light fixtures, sculptures, tools, utensil design, and decorative item creation.
- Further Education: A B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Metalsmithing and Jewelry prepares students to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree, the terminal degree in Studio Art.
Other:
- Facilities: The program utilizes the 90,000-square-foot Art Building, which includes classrooms, computer labs, faculty offices, studios, a workshop, and a visual resources library.
- Student Opportunities: Students are encouraged to participate in the UNT Metals Club, which sponsors visiting artist workshops, gallery exhibitions, sales, and annual travel to conferences and workshops.
- Awards and Recognition: The annual Voertman Student Art Exhibition awards cash prizes and art scholarships, and students have won other scholarships through local, regional, and international exhibitions.
- Living-Learning Community: A Living-Learning Community brings together art and design majors who live on campus to enhance academic and social experiences.
- Accreditation: The College of Visual Arts and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, ensuring high standards of academic excellence.
- Employment Outlook: Overall employment of fine artists is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).