Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts by Boston University College of Fine Arts

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

Dean, College of Fine Arts: Harvey Young Director, School of Visual Arts: Dana Clancy

Promotional Material Designed by: Brittany Latham (CFA'19) Printer: Noble Ford 855 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215 bu.edu/cfa

At Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts, we nurture the creative potential of every student through a balance of rigorous training and open exploration. We offer both the focus of the studio within each major and the freedom of choices offered by the larger university. Instilling a well-rounded visual art education through the foundations of seeing, making, and thinking, we help you to learn the rulesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so you can break them.

Educating the eye, the hand, and the mind of each Visual Arts student . . Foundations The Foundations program educates the eye, the hand, and the mind of each Visual Arts student. All students entering the School as undergraduates begin in the Foundation program before selecting a major. The Foundations faculty emphasize the relationship between observational skill-building and the ability to think critically and communicate complex artistic ideas, providing the framework from which each student develops a personal creative voice. Core coursework in drawing, painting, and sculpture, and optional courses in printmaking and graphic design, will introduce you to visual thinking strategies across disciplines that you will carry with you on your chosen creative path. Students take a core drawing class both semesters of their first year. Within this immersive experience, all students learn to focus their perceptual skills, to represent form in two and three dimensions, to solve complex visual problems, and to analyze concepts and communicate content. This broad base of experience provides students with a solid introduction to the visual arts before they elect major areas of specialization.

Choosing a major The first two years at BU provide you with the solid foundations to build a technical skillset as an artist. The junior and senior year are about developing your personal voice within your chosen discipline. After the Foundations program, undergraduate students select their major and pursue their own creative path:

› Each major offers close working relationships with expert

professional faculty to develop students’ individual voice and technical skill.

› Required in the Junior and Senior years, the Contemporary

Issues seminar provides context for the studio through readings and discussion of theory, and training in professional practice.

› The BFA experience at BU culminates in the Thesis Exhibition, in which seniors showcase their work in a professional gallery setting.

“The graphic design program, for me, was a perfect way to combine my love for visual arts with my passion for community engagement and activism. Studying design has opened doors for me to work in user experience design and product development, through which I can turn pretty much any innovation concept into a reality.” Grace Colbert, CFA ‘19 Graphic Design Major

Working as visual problem solvers and as artists . . . The Graphic Design program at BU emphasizes experimentation, problem solving, and creative voice. Graphic Design at BU focuses on design thinking over object making: the process is the product. This process-oriented focus sets the program apart, and is at the forefront of entrepreneurial thinking in the design world. Students are challenged to think creatively and strategically, preparing them to thrive in a dynamic, creative professional environment. Students develop the foundations early on through year-long design and typography studios that address the fundamentals of form and communication. By junior year, students are encouraged to produce independent projects in a variety of media that explore questions of authorship, audience, and medium. Senior year culminates in the thesis project, in which students articulate a personally driven design methodology through an interdisciplinary project.

“I strongly believe in a hands-on way of learning that doesn’t take materials and their histories for granted. This overlaps with BU’s tradition of being a ‘making’ school. To gain a deep understanding of any medium is a long, sensual, and personal process. It is a complex interplay between an artist’s and a material’s strengths and limitations, which can only be discovered by testing the boundaries of both.” Lucy Kim, Assistant Professor of Painting

Tradition and innovation together . . . The Painting program recognizes the primacy of the medium as a vital mode of contemporary expression. Instruction, practice, and awareness of historical and contemporary context are brought together to enable students to think critically and imaginatively, and to express their ideas with skill and conviction. In the Painting program, critical dialogue and rigorous expectations about studio practice support work toward a fully formed artistic vision. The program is intended to provide a solid base for postgraduate involvement in the larger art world. The principal component of the Painting program is rigorous studio activity, with students exploring various techniques, media, and approaches to develop an individual vision. Following intensive training in the fundamentals of painting, including perception, color, and technique, students are given semi-private studios and embark on developing their own artistic vision and voice.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Printmaking program at BU is process-based, encourages exchange, and builds community. Our majors receive individual attention, but our community of print is active, supportive, and large.â&#x20AC;? Deborah Cornell, Associate Professor of Printmaking

A contemporary take on a dynamic medium . . . Printmaking is a vital contemporary art form, encompassing a variety of graphic processes. The Printmaking program at BU approaches printmaking as a unique and flexible discipline, a tool to investigate and redefine contemporary visual culture. Printmaking students gain skills in intaglio, lithography, relief, silkscreen, book arts, and digital printing. Our printmaking facilities are some of the best in the country, boasting over 5,000 square feet of studio space. Students are encouraged to think broadly about process and form, and to connect printmaking to other disciplines. Printmaking Minor Printmaking is a flexible medium that supports other studio disciplines. In addition to the major, we offer a minor in Printmaking for School of Visual Arts undergraduate students majoring in other areas who desire a strong grounding in print and book arts.

“Art isn’t just the things hanging on the walls or sitting on the pedestals—these are just markers within a continuum of participation and resistance, of receptivity and circumspection, of intuition and intellectual discernment that constitute a living, critical, perspicacious subjectivity.” David Snyder, Assistant Professor of Sculpture

Thinking in three dimensions . . . . The ability to think three-dimensionally is an essential and empowering tool in the visual arts. Sculpture is a discipline that encompasses a diverse variety of media and concerns, with the made object at its core. The Sculpture program at BU encompasses a wide range of approaches, methods and skills, with an emphasis on personal expression grounded in material and technique. The Sculpture program begins with foundational training in medium, form, and content. These foundations set the stage for coursework investigating materials, content development, time-based sculpture, and installation. Additional electives, including welding, ceramics, sculpture techniques, and new genres, provide students the opportunity to focus more intensely on specific media and areas of the discipline. Facilities include a welding shop, ceramics studio, a newly remodeled woodshop, and large studios for Sculpture majors. Sculpture students can take advantageof the BU Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) for 3D printing, laser cutting, and more experimental tools.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teaching and learning are transformative and holistic processes. At its core, my teaching philosophy aims at promoting self-reflective insights, guiding students to become discerning learners who can identify the discourses that operate within cultural traditions and contexts, developing, in the process, awareness of their own values.â&#x20AC;? Rebecca Bourgault, Assistant Professor of Art Education

Training artists to return to the classroom as working professionals . . Art Education students get the best of both worlds, developing a personal studio practice while working towards a position as an art teacher. Students gain hands-on experience and the chance to interact with the community through classroom placement. In the Art Education program, students concentrate on understanding the processes involved in art making and learning. Every student in the program has a studio practice, and is trained to think not just as an educator, but as an artist as well. By studying art in context, Art Education students are prepared not just to teach, but to inspire. The Art Education Department offers several pathways to studio teaching licensure:

â&#x20AC;ş A four-year undergraduate BFA degree in art education. â&#x20AC;ş A five-year combined undergraduate and graduate BFA/MA

degree in Art education with licensure, which offers a student an opportunity to major in one of the studio disciplines, complete all Art Education coursework during the BFA degree, and return for a fifth year to complete student teaching requirements.

Artistic Research “Research in the visual arts has more fluid boundaries than the sciences and the humanities, because it fully embraces subjectivity as its premise, or to put it another way, the gaining of knowledge through an individual’s mind and body. This embrace of the subject is what makes artistic research critical in its own right. Its premise is not reproducibility or proof. It is the cultivation of an enriched space that transforms a wide range of human experiences into new forms. At SVA, I work with faculty who, as practicing artists, understand this in a fundamental way, and it is reflected in the way we teach.” Lucy Kim, Assistant Professor of Painting Research is an important part of education at Boston University, and the School of Visual Arts is no exception. When we talk about artistic research at BU, we are talking about open inquiry, a way of approaching the world and the role of the creative process within it. For our students, this approach to creative research is informed both by studio coursework within the School of Visual Arts and through programs and courses across the University. At BU, dual degree offerings and a cross-disciplinary core education aren’t separate from your creative endeavors—they help inform your identity and practice as an artist.

BU Hub BU Hub is the university-wide general education program. In the Hub, students explore a broad array of disciplines and ways of thinking as they prepare to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Rather than require a specific set of courses, the Hub helps you to develop six essential capacities — the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind — that will prepare you for a lifetime of learning and leading. In addition to your studio work, you’ll be exposed to ideas and ways of thinking through the Hub that extend across disciplines and inform your creative, intellectual, and professional life.

Dual Degrees and Minors at BU “At Boston University I learned that art does not exist in a vacuum. Here I had the opportunity to explore a number of different fields and interests. I’ve taken History, American and Women’s Studies, and Advertising classes, and everything I have learned at BU outside of the School of Visual Arts has informed my work as a designer and an artist.” Sam West, CFA ‘19 Graphic Design Major Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts is a small art school nestled within a world-class university. Our students enjoy all the advantages of an intimate, tight-knit creativecommunity, alongside everything that Boston University has to offer. You can pursue a dual degree or a minor with programs from across the University, infusing your creative practice with unique perspectives and skills. Here, you don’t need to choose between the things that you are interested in—rather, bring them together.

Recent Dual Degrees:

Potential Minors:

Graphic Design/Computer Science

Computer Science

Painting/Art History

Communications

Sculpture/Neuroscience

Sociology

Painting/Psychology

Arts Leadership

Sculpture/International Relations

History of Art and Architecture

Graphic Design/Advertising Painting/Political Science Graphic Design/International Relations Painting/Astronomy Painting/Biochemistry

Advertising English Marketing History Creative Writing Biology Journalism Chemistry American Studies

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Gender and Sexuality Studies German French International Relations American Studies Latin Mathematics Economics African Studies Film Studies East Asian Studies Statistics Anthropology

Psychology

Boston University Art GALLERIES The School of Visual Arts is home to several art galleries, ranging from student-run project spaces to professional-level exhibition venues hosting work by internationally renowned artists. Students engage with art on view through special programs, including artist performances and workshops, public lectures, and more.

Visiting Artists Each semester, the School invites renowned professional artists, designers, and critics to campus to engage with the community. Students benefit from access to some of the most significant artists and designers of their time, entering into dialogues about the art-making process through public lectures, individual studio visits and critiques, and group workshops.

Recent visiting artists include: Mickalene Thomas Kerry James Marshall

Kiki Smith

Keltie Ferris

Laurie Anderson

Yvonne Rainer

Peter Saul Jack Whitten

Sheile Pepe

William Kentridge

Janine Antoni

Thomas Struth

Jenny Saville

Vik Muniz

Jordan Casteel Aaron James Draplin

Jerry Saltz

Fred Wilson

Lisa Yuskavage Carrie Moyer

Stefan Sagmeister

Tom Sachs Dana Schutz

Martha Rosler

Nicole Eisenman

Jeffrey Gibson Walton Ford

Miranda July

Rochelle Feinstein

Maya Lin

Alumni Outcomes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boston University encourages students to be resourceful leaders and to adapt with change instead of fearing it. These qualities are necessary for anyone seeking a career in the arts. Artists do not have a clear path to success, the individual must define those parameters and forge the necessary connections.â&#x20AC;? Toni Pepe, Assistant Professor of Photography There is no one set path for an undergraduate degree in the Visual Arts. Our graduates use their creative training in unique and exciting ways.

Alumni Careers Arts Administrator Illustrator Social Media Manager Printmaker Art Critic Foundry Owner Character Designer Animator Art Handler Window Display Artist Software Engineer Professor of Art Product Designer Filmmaker Art Curator Photographer TV Series Producer

Marketing Director Studio Manager Gallery Director Story Artist UX Visual Designer Tax Specialist for Artists Materials Engineer Art Director Publication Designer Master Printer Web Designer Set Designer Brand Consultant Pattern Designer

Where Our Alumni Work Converse

City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Museum of Modern Art

Smithsonian Institution

Maryland Institute College of Art

InStyle Magazine

Pixar

Apple

Massachusetts College of Art + Design

Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

Laika

Microsoft

Mattel

Nike

New Hampshire Institute of Art

Resilient Coders

Good Housekeeping Magazine

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A Small School Within a Big University . . CFA and the Three Schools The College of Fine Arts is the creative heart of Boston University. Comprising the School of Visual Arts, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre, CFA is a vibrant community of artists from across disciplines. With three arts schools housed under one roof, CFA is a place of constant creative activity, with the opportunity for exciting collaborations.

Clubs and Groups Our students disprove the myth of the lone artist. With more than 450 student groups on campus, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to find people who share your interests, no matter what they might be. And with the number of art and design initiatives and student groups in the mix with links to the professional world, there is no better way to plug into the larger creative community.

EPIC (Engineering Product Innovation Center) Art and engineering come together at the Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC), where SVA students have the opportunity to make and experiment with the latest technology, free of cost. Visual Arts students frequently utilize EPICâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities, collaborating with engineering staff and students to see their projects through all stages of hands-on production. The opportunity to experiment with the latest in 3D printing, laser etching, and prototyping exposes student artists to a whole new range of creative possibilities.

Boston is a great place to be an artist. And with free admission for BU students to the city’s leading museums, you’re never far from your favorite masterpiece.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an encyclopedic museum

of epic proportions. The MFA is one of the most comprehensive museums in the world, with a collection spanning from the ancient world to the present. Free admission for BU students.

Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is the city’s

premiere space for dynamic contemporary art. Free admission for BU students.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the city’s hidden

gems. Step back in time, wander through brilliant courtyards, and experience first-hand an unrivaled collection of treasures from the ancient world, the Renaissance, and the Impressionist period. Free admission for BU students.

Galleries: Art doesn’t just live in museums. Boston has a thriving

gallery scene, with dozens of commercial galleries and alternative spaces located on Newbury Street, in the historic South End, and in artist communities across the city.

Semester Abroad: Venice

and have their own personal studios in the heart of Venice. No background in Italian language is required.

Visual Arts Summer Institute The Boston University School of Visual Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Summer Institute is an intensive four-week visual arts program for high school students (ages 15-18) designed to help build exceptional portfolios. Whether preparing portfolios for college admission or simply working to improve technical abilities, students are introduced to a full range of materials and methods used in professional artistic practice. In addition to classes and studio time, students visit area museums to study works of art in person, participate in special workshops, and experience life as a Boston University student. Students earn three college credits at the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completion. All students in the program will have formal critiques with VASI faculty and visiting guest critics. In addition, every VASI student accepted to the Boston University School of Visual Arts as an incoming freshman is eligible to receive a merit award, renewable all four years. Learn more at bu.edu/cfa/vasi.

Tips for crafting your portfolio . . › Always choose quality over quantity. Portfolios composed of 20 images are not inherently better than those composed of 15. › Portfolios consisting primarily of photography are not acceptable. › The documentation of your work is crucial to how it is received by the faculty committee. Please ensure that your images are of the highest quality, in focus and well lit. › When you upload your images, Slideroom will provide you with text fields to submit the title, dimensions, medium, and description of your work. You do not need to include this information in the image file itself. › You want to have a diverse portfolio, but how you achieve that diversity may vary. It does not necessarily mean that you need many types of media. › You are encouraged to only include recent work (from approximately the past 6-9 months) as this will best show the state of your current practice and ability. › Only submit your original artwork. Fraudulent portfolios are not tolerated.

Undergraduate Portfolio Requirements Applicants to the undergraduate program in the School of Visual Arts at Boston University must upload a portfolio via Slideroom as a required part of their application. Portfolios are to consist of at least fifteen (15) and not more than twenty (20) samples of work. The portfolio review committee is especially interested in seeing examples of applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to combine strong technical skill with creative and engaging ideas. All portfolios must include a minimum of three (3) drawings from direct observation. These drawings should be strictly realistic, representational, drawings from life. Student may choose to include more than three (3) examples if they wish.

Applying for admission to Boston University

Alumni Outcomes There is no one set path for an undergraduate degree in the Visual Arts. Our graduates use their creative training in unique and exciting ways. <these are in no particular order, and can be shown as lists or in a more dynamic/graphic form> -Alumni careers: We accept the Common Application (commonapp.org) Arts administrator exclusively. Here are the steps to follow when applying for Illustrator to BU: admission Social media manager 1. Read the application instructions carefully before completing Printmaker your application. Freshman applicants, transfer applicants, Art Critic and international Foundry Owner applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is important that you carefully review the Designer program requirements for the BU school, college, Character and program to which you are applying. Animator 2. Complete the Common Application and the Boston University Art Handler Supplement. Window Display Artist Software Engineer Please go to for detailed information. Professor of bu.edu/admissions Art IfProduct you have any questions about the application process, please Designer contact BU Admissions at: Filmmaker Art Curator 617-353-2300 or email: admissions@bu.edu. Photographer We look forward to receiving your application. TV Series Producer Marketing Director Boston University does not require either the SAT or ACT for Studio Manager applicants to the College of Fine Arts. This is common practice Galleryarts Director among colleges, as standardized test scores do not Story to Artist relate a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic talent and potential. However, UX Visual Designer applicants may choose to submit their scores if they feel they Tax Specialist for their Artists accurately reflect academic ability. Students who Materials Engineer elect to apply for the Trustee Scholarship or the Kilachand Art Director Honors College are required to submit test scores. Publication Designer Master printer Web designer Set Designer Brand Consultant Pattern designer

Financial Aid Thousands of families apply successfully for BU aid each year. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to understand the different types of aid we offer, from need-based scholarships to federal and state grants, loans, or work-study awards. To help you plan for the cost of your education with more certainty, any institutional aid you receive in your first year will be guaranteed for each of your undergraduate years. Additionally, the School of Visual Arts offer generous merit scholarships based on portfolio evaluations, as well as needbased financial aid. To learn more about how to apply for financial aid and the average package please visit bu.edu/finaid.

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