Program Overview

Overview of the Stamps School of Art & Design

The Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan offers a unique art and design education, focusing on research and creative practice as engines for cultural change and innovation.

Programs

Undergraduate

• Overview: The undergraduate program provides a comprehensive education in art and design, with a focus on creative practice and research.
• BFA: A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that emphasizes studio practice and creative development.
• BA: A Bachelor of Arts degree that provides a broad-based education in art and design, with a focus on liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies.
• Interarts Performance: A program that combines art, design, and performance, allowing students to explore new forms of creative expression.
• Dual Degrees: Students can pursue dual degrees in art and design, combining their interests in multiple fields.
• Minor in Art & Design: A minor program that allows students to explore art and design alongside their major field of study.
• Courses: A wide range of courses are available, covering topics such as studio practice, art history, and design theory.

Graduate

• Overview: The graduate program provides advanced education in art and design, with a focus on research and creative practice.
• MDes in Integrative Design: A Master of Design degree that emphasizes integrative design and creative problem-solving.
• MFA in Art: A Master of Fine Arts degree that provides advanced training in studio practice and creative development.
• Courses: Graduate-level courses are available, covering topics such as advanced studio practice, art theory, and design research.

Pre-College Programs

• Overview: Pre-college programs are available for high school students, providing an introduction to art and design education.
• Spring Programs: Programs are available during the spring semester, allowing students to explore art and design in a university setting.
• Summer Programs: Summer programs are available, providing an intensive introduction to art and design.
• Fall Programs: Programs are available during the fall semester, allowing students to explore art and design in a university setting.
• Anytime: Online and self-paced programs are available, allowing students to explore art and design at their own pace.
• FAQ: Frequently asked questions about pre-college programs are answered, providing guidance for prospective students.

Research and Creative Work

The Stamps School of Art & Design is committed to research and creative work, with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students engaged in a wide range of projects and initiatives.

Exhibitions and Events

The school hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, showcasing the work of students, faculty, and visiting artists.

Penny Stamps Speaker Series

• Upcoming Events: A schedule of upcoming events is available, featuring visiting artists and designers.
• Past Events/Videos: Archives of past events are available, providing access to lectures and presentations.
• About the Speaker Series: Information about the speaker series is available, including its history and mission.

Stamps Gallery

• Current/Upcoming Exhibitions: A schedule of current and upcoming exhibitions is available, featuring the work of students, faculty, and visiting artists.
• Past Exhibitions: Archives of past exhibitions are available, providing access to exhibition catalogs and documentation.
• About Stamps Gallery: Information about the gallery is available, including its history and mission.

Course Details

ARTDES 275.003, Fall 2025

• Credit Hours: 3
• Semester: Fall 2025
• Studio: Elective
• Prerequisites: ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: ARTDES 115: Studio: 2D, ARTDES 120: Studio: 3D, ARTDES 125: Studio: 4D.
• Description: This course is about color properties and the interaction of colors in compositional structures. It forms the basis for art and design work in many media. Drawing skill is not necessary for this course. Students work with non-representational imagery using gouache paint and collage. They study the relativity of color and look at the relationship of color to design, composition, and content. The course teaches basic color concepts including hue, value, saturation, analogous and complementary colors. Students mix colors using paint and do basic exercises to understand muted, chromatic and achromatic grays and saturated colors. They use the color aid papers to work with color interaction, and then both paper and paint to work with color unity, composition, and emotional tone. NOTE: Students use Adobe Photoshop for many class assignments. Previous experience with Photoshop is not necessary.
• Frequency: This course is typically offered in both the fall and winter terms of every academic year, though scheduling may vary according to future term circumstances.