Program Overview

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Art - Studio Art Program

The Art - Studio Art program at Washington & Jefferson College is designed to help students develop their creativity and talent in a dynamic environment. The program offers a range of courses, including 2D and 3D Design, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and painting, which provide students with a solid foundation in the language, elements, media, tools, and principles of the craft.

Program Overview

In the Studio Art major or minor, students hone their creative thinking skills and work on their visual expression through a series of studio courses, beginning with foundations in drawing and design. As they progress through the program, they complete studio work in ceramics, sculpture, and painting. Studio Art majors finish their experience at W&J with a senior art show in the Olin Fine Art Gallery.

Featured Student Art

The program showcases student art through various exhibitions, including the annual Senior Art Show, which features the work of graduating art and art education majors. The show is held in the Olin Fine Arts Gallery and is open to the campus and community.

Hugh Taylor Art Travel Endowment

The Hugh Taylor Art Travel Endowment funds annual excursions to U.S. art centers and biennial trips to European art capitals at no cost to W&J art students. This endowment provides students with the opportunity to experience art firsthand and explore different cultures.

Alumni Profiles

The program has a strong track record of producing successful alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in the arts and other fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Jessica Sweitzer, Class of '15, who works as a merchandise operations assistant for United By Blue, a mission-based apparel company focused on sustainability and water clean-ups.
• Tony Lewis, Class of '08, who is a full-time artist.
• Katelynn Tronetti, Class of '10, who teaches art to grades 4-6 at Pine-Richland School District.
• Corey Hopkins, Class of '09, who works as a Senior Software Engineer and maintains a small studio space for painting.
• James Cavalancia, Class of '10, who is a dentist and orthodontist and credits the art department with helping him develop his problem-solving skills.

Courses

The program offers a range of courses, including:

• 2-D & 3-D Design
• Beginning Ceramics
• Beginning Drawing
• Beginning Painting
• Beginning Sculpture
• Ceramic Sculpture
• Ceramics Studio I
• Ceramics Studio II
• Figure Drawing
• Internship in Studio Art
• Painting Studio I
• Painting Studio II
• Principles of Art Education
• Sculpture Studio I
• Sculpture Studio II
• Special Topics in Studio Art

Faculty

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Carolina Alamilla, Assistant Professor (Studio Art)
• John Lambertson, Ph.D., Professor of Art and Chair of Art & Art History
• Douglas McGlumphy, M.F.A., Instructor of Art; Director, Olin Art Gallery
• Patrick Schmidt, M.F.A., Professor of Art

Research and Internships

The program provides students with opportunities for research and internships, which help them develop their skills and gain practical experience in the field.

Careers After W&J

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in a range of fields, including:

• Art education
• Art therapy
• Museum studies
• Art conservation
• Graphic design
• Fine arts

Similar Programs

The program is similar to other art programs offered at Washington & Jefferson College, including:

• Art Conservation
• Art Education
• Art History

Beyond the Classroom

The program provides students with opportunities to engage in creating and promoting art on campus, both in and out of class. Students can participate in projects that are displayed as public art in the halls and courtyards of Olin Fine Arts Center and other campus buildings. The program also offers travel opportunities to experience art firsthand, including yearly trips to sites in New York and other major cities, as well as biennial trips to European art capitals.