The Studio Art Core curriculum exposes students to a variety of experiences ranging from rigorous classroom critiques and discussion, to seminars, workshops, visiting artist lectures, and exhibitions. Students gain familiarity with major achievements and ideas in the history of art and design, and develop critical acumen in preparation for advanced study in their major area of emphasis or minor, or in conversation with other disciplines. Projects bridge manual and digital forms of projection, and student learn how to approach materials and tools as complex sites of discovery.

Facilities

The Thomas Street Art Complex is a welcoming space and community of art-makers. A 16,000 sq. ft. industrial warehouse near downtown, Thomas Street includes a foundry, wood and metal shops, a computer lab with editing software, 3D printers and a CNC router, sewing machines, and clean workspace. Additionally, there is a devoted student project space that allows graduate and undergraduate students to undertake ambitious, experimental exhibitions, collaborations, or long-term works. 

The program forms a comprehensive study of the art of photography including its processes and technology, history, criticism, contemporary practices, and the expressive potential of its unique visual language. Students are supported in their work by the facilities and studio space of School of Art. Housed in the main art building, the Photography area occupies over 7,000 square feet and spans two floors. Learn more about the facilities and the studio spaces at the School of Art. 

Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the many opportunities within the field by actively applying for exhibitions and attending related conferences and workshops. The program is an active facilitator and supporter of conference attendance (e.g. Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) conferences, YUMA symposium, Memphis Metals Museum Repair Days, Mint Museum, East Carolina University Metals Symposium, SOFA Chicago), field trips (e.g.

Accreditation

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, in the Lamar Dodd School of Art, is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.  

Since 2012, the Ceramics program has been housed in its own 15,000-square-foot building that contains kilns and studios for students and faculty. Kilns include two atmospheric kilns, six downdraft gas kilns, and one 90-cubic-foot car kiln. There is also a clay making room, a glaze room, and a computer lab. Learn more about the studio spaces at the Lamar Dodd School of Art here.

The archival aspect of the field positions graduates of the program as responsible and serious candidates for museum or gallery employment. Printmaking majors may enter the areas of private and non-profit print workshops, or attend graduate school where a Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree, required for teaching at the college level, may be earned. At the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) level, certification is required to teach elementary and high school art.