Art Major

IN THIS SECTION

Choose an arts major that will prepare you for a variety of career paths.

With the Major in Art, you will get broad training in studio arts, arts research, and art history, and you will develop your creativity and communication and critical thinking skills. You will learn the history of visual art from all cultures, beginning in the prehistoric era to today, and the fundamentals of design, drawing, and sculpture. In this flexible program, you will have the freedom to explore a specified area of interest, including drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, or history and gallery/museum studies. The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery on campus will give you a practical setting in which to immerse yourself in current art, artists, and art trends; show your own work; and learn the inner workings of a professional gallery through internships, coursework, and exhibition work.

WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE THROUGH YOUR STUDY:

  • Develop your own unique artistic voice through a series of art practicums
  • Choose 30 credits of electives in the areas you want to explore
  • Take advantage of Worcester State’s four dedicated studios with tools and equipment for printmaking, painting and drawing, design, and sculptural work
  • Complete a senior capstone project
  • Show your work in Worcester State’s Sagamore Studios or Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery

Explore sample courses in this program.

AR-118 Global Art History

Surveys the outstanding visual art from all cultures beginning in the prehistoric era to the late 19th century.
3 credits

AR-119 First Year Art Practicum

This course offers students an opportunity to work closely with faculty to work in an art gallery, develop technical skills, studio projects, and do research to support their creative development. This course is required for the Art Major. It is geared to the individual needs of each student.
1 credit

AR-123 Design Fundamentals

Design Fundamentals is a course combining 2 and 3 Dimensional Design. In this course we explore composition, space, and color along with planes, volumes, and environments. A variety of materials are used to create on surfaces and in actual space. Many projects are grounded in aspects of mathematical and geometrical systems, e.g., grids, tiling, Fibonacci series, fractals, regular solids.
3 credits

AR-140 Drawing Fundamentals

The development of visual perception, technical skills, and individual expression in drawing media. Students explore concepts in drawing to develop their artwork through observation, experimentation, awareness of historical and contemporary contexts, and critical assessment. Projects utilize a variety of drawing materials to demonstrate technical facility and to enhance self-expression.
3 credits

AR-210 Drawing and Painting Studio

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the art of drawing and painting. Students are strongly encouraged to explore the skills and concepts of these art forms in order to develop their ideas through observation, experimentation, historical context, and analysis. Projects are designed to expand awareness and to expose students to contemporary concerns.
3 credits

AR-215 Topics in Art

This course chooses a topic or a theme to explore in the classroom and studio for a semester. Students read about this topic or theme and produce work in the studio inspired by their reading. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the figure in art, landscape art, abstract art, science and art, social sciences and art, religion and art, East meets West, arte povera, Dada art, etc.
3 credits

AR-225 Art Since Mid-20th Century

Explores how artists have challenged the traditional definitions of the art object and the expanded materials, media, and concepts employed by artists since 1950 to the present era.
3 credits

AR-235 3D Sculpture Studio

This is an introductory course focusing on form creation grounded in sculptural forms and techniques. Students create sculpture by exploring traditional techniques such as molding, carving, casting, and assemblage using historical and contemporary materials from clay and stone to cardboard and found objects. Historical context, skill development, critical analysis, and proper tool usage and safety are emphasized.
3 credits

AR-130 Painting I

An introduction to the fundamentals of historical painting styles, techniques, and materials used, with emphasis on visual perception and expression.
3 credits

AR-230 Printmaking

Introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of etching and relief. Prints by major artists are examined.
3 credits

AR-270 Driftwood to Dumpsters

Students learn about the history and practice of making art from non-traditional materials. This is a lecture and hands-on art course.
3 credits

AR-275 Gallery and Museum Studies

All aspects of installation and exhibition of art work in the Worcester State gallery, including solicitation of art, publicity, display, and management.
3 credits

AR-285 History of Photography

The history of photography from 1839 to present, with attention to styles, aesthetics, technical processes, and leading practitioners.
3 credits

AR-260 Visual Arts in the Schools

An exploration of art materials and concepts, and their appropriate use with children. Includes studio projects, art history, and educational theory.
3 credits

Meet the Visual & Performing Arts Faculty

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Rob Brandon

Adjunct Music Faculty

I began playing music in 1995 when he was six years old. I studied piano for six years at Indian Hill Music School in Littleton, Massachusetts and switched to drum set when I was 12 years old. [...]

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Sam O’Connell

Department Chair, Visual and Performing Arts
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Carlos Odria

Assistant Professor of Music and Interdisciplinary Arts

Carlos Odria, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Music and Interdisciplinary Arts in WSU’s Visual and Performing Arts Department. In this role, Odria offers WSU students his expertise in modern guitar performance, world music, jazz, and [...]

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Stacey Parker

Professor of Fine Art, Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery Director
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Adam Zahler

Professor of Theatre

Adam Zahler served as founding Artistic Director of Second Stage and The Open Stage in Vermont, and interim co-Artistic Director of Vermont Repertory Theater.  In the Boston area, he was Producing Associate at New Repertory Theatre. As a stage [...]

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