he Southwest School of Art, located in San Antonio, Texas, has been one of the premier community art schools in the nation since its founding in 1965. The School annually serves more than 4,000 students on the historic campus downtown, and reaches an additional 5,000 throughout the city’s schools and social service agencies. In 2014, the School began an intimate, intensive college degree program. The Southwest School of Art is the first and only independent college of art in Texas. The four-year BFA degree program centers on the process of making as a form of inquiry and discovery, with equal emphasis on ideas and skills. Students learn to value both traditional and innovative approaches and to move freely between the creation of one-of-a kind works and applied design. The Mission of the BFA Program: Graduates from the Southwest School of Art’s BFA Degree Program acquire the critical thinking, professional, business, and studio skills necessary to be working artists and engaged citizens. They demonstrate the ability to:
3 0 0 A U GU S TA S A N A NT O NI O , TX 78 205 210.224.1848 W W W. S W S C H O OL. ORG
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Take risks and explore,
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Collaborate,
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Engage the world,
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Evaluate, reflect upon, and communicate clearly their work and the ideas that inform it, and
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Sustain and persist in an active studio practice.
The Mission of the Southwest School of Art: to teach and advance the visual arts.
Program Four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art The college program provides opportunities for students to work across disciplines with the option of focusing on one area of emphasis:
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Ceramics
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Drawing & Painting
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Metals
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Sculpture & Integrated Media
Facilities Students create work in over 33,000 square feet of well-equipped, industrystandard studio facilities. With some of the country’s best studio spaces and equipment at their disposal, students effectively express ideas and explore new ways of making.
Faculty Some of the region’s best working artists help students find, polish, and deliver their unique approach to creating art. Due to the small class size, student artists work directly with department chairs and other full-time faculty.
Class Size Only 20–25 students enrolled each fall. 4:1 student to faculty ratio in Fall 2016. Students share intense studio experiences within a totally art-focused environment, a place where creative people find their voice and flourish as artists.
Ceramics -
Experiment with expressing ideas visually
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Understand the material and its processes
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Explore the evolving history of clay
CRMC
The Ceramics Studio is an 8,000-square-foot facility that includes studio space for: ▶▶
Wheel-throwing and hand-building
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Glazing and decorating
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A variety of firing methods
C E R A M I C S FA C U LT Y Ryan Takaba (department chair) holds an MFA in ceramics from Kent State University and a BFA from the University of Hawaii. Takaba has also taught at Kent State University, Mudflat Studios, and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. His most recent residency was at the European Ceramic Work Centre, The Netherlands.
Jennifer Ling Datchuk holds an MFA in Artisanry from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a BFA in Crafts from Kent State University. In 2015, she spent three months in residence in Berlin at the Kunstlerhaus Bethanien Residency. In 2010, she was awarded a grant from the Artist Foundation of San Antonio and travel grant from Artpace to research the birthplace of porcelain in Jingdezhen, China.
Blake Kennedy graduated from Appalachian State University with a BFA in ceramics and sculpture in 2010. After graduation he set up his studio in Boone, NC, and in the spring of 2014 worked as the Studio Manager in the clay area at Appalachian State University. Regional exhibitions include the Catherine Smith Gallery, Boone, NC; Handmade in America, Asheville, NC; and The Greenhill Center for NC Art, Greensboro, NC Dennis Smith (professor emeritus)
Drawing & Painting -
Explore materials
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Develop a conceptual framework
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Experiment with style, form, and structure
PNTG
The Drawing & Painting department includes: ▶▶
Spacious, well-lit studios
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Spaces and equipment for various approaches
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Ventilation and safe storage
D R AW I N G & PA I N T I N G FA C U LT Y Chris Sauter (department chair) earned an MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and his BA from the University of the Incarnate Word. He was a 1999 Artpace Artist-in-Resident, and has exhibited both nationally and internationally, most recently in Budapest.
Gregory Alan Johnson earned his BFA with a concentration in Printmaking at Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi and an MFA in Printmaking and Drawing at Texas Tech University. His delicately rendered drawings were recently in a solo exhibition at Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, Lubbock.
MTLS
Metals -
Experiment with nontraditional materials, scale, and format
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Emphasize concept and design
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Explore the hybridization among art, craft, and design
The Metals Studio is a state-of-the-art space that includes the tools and equipment for techniques such as: ▶▶
Soldering and riveting
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Mold-making and casting
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Electroforming and enameling
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Computer-aided construction
M E TA L S FA C U LT Y Jillian Palone (department chair) holds an MFA with Metalsmithing emphasis from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a BFA in Jewelry Design and Metals from Pittsburg State University. Recent exhibitions include shows at the Center for the Visual Arts, Denton, Texas; Equinox Gallery, San Antonio; and Bellevue Arts Museum, Seattle, Washington
Sarah Roberts received her MFA in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from Texas Tech University with a secondary emphasis in digital photography. Her works have been selected for many national exhibitions including extremities: Exploring the Margins of the Human Body in Houston; Self-Searching: the Art of Self-Portraiture in Middlebury, Vermont; and Materials: Hard & Soft juried by Marilyn de Silva.
Photography
PHOT
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Explore photography’s history, theory, and contemporary practice
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Learn innovative techniques for working across media
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Experiment with traditional and nontraditional imaging
The Photography Studio includes: ▶▶
Large darkroom with 12 work stations
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Individual darkrooms
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Digital studio with large scale printers
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Alternative processes and lighting techniques
P H O T O G R A P H Y FA C U LT Y Victor Pagona (department chair) earned his MFA in Photography and Sculpture at the University of South Carolina and his MA in Art History at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Recent exhibitions include shows at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, San Antonio; Gallery 777, Toledo, Ohio; and the Kruk Gallery, Superior, Wisconsin.
Joe Harjo received an MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a BFA from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent exhibitions include shows at the Ben Bailey Gallery, Texas A&M University in Kingsville; Martinez Fine Arts Center, Laredo; and the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, San Antonio.
Printmaking -
Explore traditional methods including relief, etching, lithography, and screenprinting
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Focus on the technical and conceptual
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Experiment with contemporary innovations
PRMK
The Flohr Printmaking Studio is one of the best-equipped studios in South Texas. It includes: ▶▶
70 litho stones
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Two litho presses and three large etching presses
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Non-toxic processes
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Ventiliation hoods
P R I N T M A K I N G FA C U LT Y Margaret Craig (department chair) received a BS in Biology, BS in Art, and an MA with an emphasis in watercolor painting from the University of Wisconsin. Her MFA in Printmaking is from the University of Texas at San Antonio. A leader in non-toxic printmaking technology, she has demonstrated at national conferences. Craig was selected to represent the U.S. in China as part of the Sanbao International Printmaking project.
Sculpture & Integrated Media -
Experiment with the evolution of traditional sculpture
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Combine sculpture with other media and technology
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Explore ideas, methods, and practitioners from both the past and present
SIMD
The new Sculpture & Integrated Media Studio includes: ▶▶
Traditional tools and equipment
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CNC milling
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3D printer
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Video and sound production equipment
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New interactive and kinetic platforms
S C U L P T U R E & I N T E G R AT E D M E D I A FA C U LT Y Justin Boyd (department chair) received his MFA at The California Institute of the Arts and completed his BFA from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He has shown his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Texas, including Artpace, San Antonio; Art Palace, Houston; and the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, San Antonio.
Book Arts & Papermaking (coursework only) -
Understand 2- and 3-dimensional forms
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Explore a range of techniques
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Experiment with paper pulp for multiple applications
The Papermaking & Book Arts Studios are equipped with: ▶▶
Beaters for making paper pulp
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Moulds, deckles, dryers
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Presses for forming paper
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Tools and equipment for making artist books
B O O K A R T S & PA P E R M A K I N G FA C U LT Y Eléonore Lee earned an MA and MFA in Printmaking from the University of Iowa. She served as adjunct faculty for many years at Trinity University and SSA before moving into her current role as Papermaking and Book Arts Interim Program Coordinator. Beck Whitehead (professor emeritus)
PAPE
Class Components STUDIO CLASSES: ▶▶
Learn the materials, technical skills, and 2- and 3-dimensional design fundamentals employed in an array of art forms
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Studio classes meet for six hours each week — typically for a threehour session twice a week
NON-STUDIO CLASSES: ▶▶
Include business, math, science, literature, art history, economics, and philosophy, all taught with relevance to art and design
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Non-studio classes meet twice weekly for 75 minute sessions
ACADEMIC YEAR: ▶▶
Fall and spring semesters, plus a Maymester
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Fall and spring courses are taught on the 15 week semester system
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Maymester is an intensive, four-week term of four-hour studios, Monday through Thursday.
Curriculum
YEAR TWO
YEAR ONE
FA L L
SPRING Foundations II
Drawing I
Drawing II
Art History: Survey I
Art History: Survey II
Visual Literacy
Intro to Philosophy
College Writing
The Aesthetics of Math
Art History Survey III
General Science for Artists
Understanding Literature
Intro to Economics
Intro to Psychology
Public Speaking
Choose two (1000 level): Metals
Foundations and Digital Media
Metals Ceramics
Painting Sculpture & Integrated Media
Second Year Interdisciplinary Studio
Choose one (1000 level) and one (2000 level):
Ceramics
Photography
Painting Sculpture & Integrated Media Photography
Printmaking
Printmaking
Papermaking
YEAR THREE
M AY M E S T E R
Foundations
Papermaking
Philosophy: Critical Inquiry
Community-Based Project
Latin American History
Professionalism I
Material Culture
Artist in Literature and Film
Choose two (2000 level): All studios offered
Internship
Art History: Contemporary Special Topics Choose one (3000 level):
YEAR FOUR
All studios offered
Professionalism II
Senior Project
Intellectual History
Psychology: The Individual and Society
Choose two (3/4000 level):
Choose one (3/4000 level):
All studios offered
All studios offered
ď ´ Chris Sauter, Life is Perfect (Loudspeaker Series), 2014, cut street posters, tape. Photo credit: Chris Sauter
Admissions
at The Southwest School of Art The application can be found online at www.swschool.org/bfaapplicationforms
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: ▶▶
Completed online application
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$40 application fee
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Results from ACT or SAT examinations: //
TIMELINE: March 1 – Priority application and scholarship deadline
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March 15 – Acceptance and award letters mailed Applications will continue to be accepted after March 1; however, applicants who apply early will have a greater chance of receiving scholarships. May 1 – Fall enrollment deposit ($250) due
Official high school transcripts, and college transcripts if applicable, or equivalent: //
If home schooled, verification that the home school has been recognized by the state of residence of the applicant, detailed outline of the home-school curriculum, including subject areas studied, time spent on each discipline, and, if applicable, grades awarded. A home-school academic portfolio may fulfill this requirement.
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A certificate of General Educational Development (GED) from the American Council of Education is considered equivalent to a diploma from a U.S. high school.
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For applicants from countries other than the United States, the Southwest School of Art generally uses the standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers to determine the equivalent academic achievement.
August 1 – Applications close for Fall
Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Half, 2014, porcelain, blue and white pattern transfer from Jingdezhen, China. Photo credit: Mark Menjivar
If a student has been out of high school for more than two years, these test scores will not be required. It is required that SAT or ACT scores include the Writing component. Score reports must come from the testing agency—SAT or ACT—to be considered official. Scores included on transcripts or copies of score reports first sent to you will not be considered official. When requesting score reports, please use the following codes to send to our institution: SAT 7260, ACT 6916.
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Essay response to one of the questions found on the application form (follow directions on the application)
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A minimum of one letter of recommendation
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Digital portfolio (see next page for details)
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Evidence of English proficiency (as needed)
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Additionally, if applicable, any other documents or materials required to obtain a student visa
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Résumé (optional)
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Interview (optional; may be required by the Admission Committee)
▶▶ SUBMISSION OF ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIP ITEMS The application, admissions essay, and scholarship essay can be found and submitted online. All other admission and scholarship materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation and résumé, can be submitted by mail, email, or in person to the Director of Admission and Recruitment (DAR). The digital portfolio can be mailed or submitted in person to the DAR.
Portfolio Requirements ▶▶
Digital portfolios required (submitted on flash drive or CD)
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10-15 images of applicant’s original work (no more than three detail shots)
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Three examples of observational drawing, including at least one still life
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Still images formatted at JPEGs, 800 x 600 or smaller, 300 DPI
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Inventory sheet requires: //
The names of the files on the CD or flash drive, the title of the works, the medium or media of the works depicted, the actual size of the works, and the computer platform (Mac or PC).
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May also include a very brief commentary by the applicant on concept, process, or other relevant information.
The applicant’s name, address, and email address must be clearly labeled on the CD or flash drive. Please check the CD or flash drive to assure that files are readable and accessible before submitting it for consideration. Digital portfolios will become part of the student’s file and will not be returned. Students should retain a copy of their materials.
Chris Sauter, God of the Gaps, 2013, cut and reconfigured wooden church pew. Photo credit: Chris Sauter
“Our teachers are constantly trying to push us to be more conceptually-based; not just the ideas of what you are going to make art about, but how are you going to make it? What materials are you going to use? What is going to represent that concept at each and every step of the process. It’s been really interesting finding ways to incorporate that into my work. I honestly feel like that was something that was missing in all the other schools I had been to previously.”
E bony Col e ma n Class of 2019
“Coming to this school with an all-art environment actually set the tone for me. It’s nice to know that I can have a concentrated curriculum with art in San Antonio.” J o h n G u z man Class of 2019
Scholarships To be considered for scholarship funds, please submit: ▶▶
A short essay outlining reasons that the Southwest School of Art should consider the applicant for a scholarship
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Applicants should include a copy of their (or their family’s) most recent tax returns OR a FAFSA
Federal financial aid is not available at this time.
“My work has changed for the better because of my teachers. They have pushed me to expand the ideas in my work and perfect craftsmanship, as well as explore new media.” J ua n Z ava l a-C a s tro Class of 2018
Scholarship recommendations will be based on: ▶▶
Academic merit
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Artistic merit
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Demonstrated need
For maximum scholarship consideration, students should apply by the priority deadline.
Tuition & Fees
John Guzman, Class of 2018, Political Movement (detail), 2016
Tuition is charged on a per credit basis at the rate of $605 per credit hour. YEAR ONE (33 hours):
$19,965
YEAR TWO (33 hours)
$19,965
YEAR THREE (30 hours) $18,900* YEAR FOUR (24 hours) $15,120* *An expected tuition increase to $630 per credit hour will occur in fall of 2018. These charges are subject to change.
Fees per semester:
Student Activity Fee (full-time) $150 Student Activity Fee (part-time) $75 Technology $50 Registration $60
One time fees:
Orientation $100 Graduation $100
The Southwest School of Art understands that students may need assistance in funding their education and offers a tuition payment plan. Details are available online and from the Office of Admission.
Amada Miller, Class of 2018, Moiré, 2015
Exhibitions & Visiting Artists The Southwest School of Art is committed to educating through the highest caliber of contemporary art exhibitions in its gallery spaces. More than a dozen curated exhibitions by prominent local, regional and national artists are offered each year. The Southwest School of Art also regularly offers special programming including lectures and panels by local and visiting artists, concerts, lectures, symposia, film screenings, and exhibition openings. All exhibitions and programming are free and open to the public. Students in the BFA program meet visiting artists one-on-one and in small workshops and can gain experience in curatorial practice and exhibition design. Additionally, students have the opportunity to exhibit both on campus and at local galleries.
Lata Gedala, Class of 2019, A New Beginning, 2016
“I have definitely seen my art evolve both conceptually and visually. I think it has gotten way more sophisticated with the help of these teachers, this experience, and networking. I really like the idea of individual attention, with a small faculty-to-student ratio to get that attention.� Ga by Borre go Class of 2018
Artist Richard Tuttle visits with BFA students, May 2016.
“What I love about the school is that we are studying in such an intimate environment under working artists. Also, we have the community program which allows us to be surrounded by artists from around the city creating enormous diversity. The benefits of such a small program are apparent in the close relationships we have formed.” A li W i esse Class of 2018
Lauri Garcia Jones, Class of 2018, Untitled (video still), 2015
Student Life The office of Student Affairs ensures that students are mentally, emotionally, and physically at their best so that they can produce their best work in the classroom and out of it. The Southwest School of Art makes it a priority to build opportunities for engagement, and the coordinator works to facilitate growth and development in students professionally and personally. The Office of Student Affairs supports students through career services, academic support, student organizations, student activities, and health and wellness. Special activities include: ▶▶
Mentorship opportunities with professional artists
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Student governance and clubs to build leadership skills
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The art resource center at the San Antonio Public Library
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Study abroad at the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence Italy
The City San Antonio is a vibrant, diverse city much beloved by artists. The strong and well-connected art community is supported by a rich multi-cultural feel, beautiful urban neighborhoods, significant historic sites, award-winning restaurants, a low cost of living, and an energetic downtown scene. The Southwest School of Art is right in the middle of it all, perfectly located along the world-famous San Antonio River. We’re only a short walk or bike ride from the San Antonio Museum of Art, Artpace, the Pearl, and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
Visit Campus
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See our amazing facilities and meet our outstanding faculty. Understand what makes the Southwest School of Art the perfect place to begin your career as a working artist! All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
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Learn about admissions criteria and scholarship information, tour SSA, meet with faculty, participate in a workshop, and receive informal portfolio feedback
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San Antonio Public Library & Marie Swartz Art Resource Center
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McALLISTER CERAMICS BUILDING
NEGLEY BUILDING
JOHN L. SANTIKOS BUILDING
Dennis Smith Studio
First floor:
First floor:
Mijangos Gallery URSCHEL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING First floor:
Young Artists Programs Office
Santikos Lobby Gallery
Hennessey Children’s Studio
Russell Hill Rogers Galleries
Kimbro Children’s Studio
Russell Hill Rogers Lecture Hall
Second floor:
Ellison Lecture Hall
Blumenthal Studio
Exhibitions Office
Copper Kitchen Café
Block Studio
Willson Metals Studio
Urschel Gallery
Bowers Studio
San Antonio Express-News Photo Gallery
Student Gallery
Briscoe Studio
Bank of America Digital Studio
Ursuline History Center
Hendrie Studio
Lende Photography Studio
Second floor: Administrative Offices
Student Lounge COATES CHAPEL
Bolner Conference Room Rentals Office
QUESTIONS? WANT TO RSVP FOR AN EVENT? Contact the Office of Admission at the Southwest School of Art 210.224.0208 admissions@swschool.org swschool.org
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OP E N H OUSES:
Sculpture and Integrated Media Studio Second floor:
TOBIN BUILDING
Picante Paper Studio
Maxham Fibers Studio
Book Arts Studio
McNUTT WELCOME CENTER
Duncan Painting & Drawing Studio
Visitor Information
Droste Design Studio
Registrar’s Office
Flohr Printmaking Studio
Admissions Office
General Education Classroom
Student Affairs Office
Drawing Studio
P OR T FOLI O P R E PAR ATI ON D AYS: Learn tips and tricks for putting together a dynamic portfolio and receive informal portfolio feedback Saturday, November 12, 10am – 2pm Saturday, January 28, 11am – 1pm McNutt Welcome Center
AP P LICATI ON AS S IS TANCE D AY: Receive individual assistance on your application before the priority deadline of March 1 Saturday, February 18, 9am – 3pm McNutt Welcome Center
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@southwestschoolofart
The Southwest School of Art admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, age, religion, disability (if otherwise qualified for admission), military/veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made to students at the school. The SSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, age, religion, disability (if otherwise qualified for admission), military/veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
@swschool
S TA F F Teri Hatch Aguilar, Exhibitions Coordinator Leigh Baldwin, Director of Communications Kori Howell, Registrar Stephanie Peché Canales, Development Associate Olga Castaño, Visitor Specialist Chris Cockrum, Maintenance Ed Conroy, Jr., Director of Development José Davis, Maintenance Edward Dupuy, Dean Kristine Duran, Assistant to the Registrar Cesario Garcia, Groundskeeper Isaac Gerami, Chief of Public Safety Sylvia Glatman, Rentals Manager Shannon Gowen, Media and Marketing Manager Ed Hepner, Facilities Manager Barbara Hill, Director of Community Programs Patricia Morales, Director of Young Artist Programs Ramon Muñoz, K.I.D.S. Program Project Manager Jessica Nance, Executive Assistant Paula Owen, President Vanessa Quiroga, Director of Admission and Recruitment Yvette Ramirez, Maintenance Teresa Rodríguez, Director of Information Systems Noelia Saavedra, Accountant Regina Sanders, Assistant Director of Young Artist Programs Stephen J. Strapple, Director of Operations Mary Mikel Stump, Director of Exhibitions Jerry Vásquez, Maintenance Lyn Woods, Development Assistant Andrea Zieger, Coordinator of Student Services F A C U LT Y Justin Boyd, Sculpture and Integrated Media Department Chair Margaret A. Craig, Printmaking Department Chair Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Ceramics Faculty Casey Galloway, Interim Fibers Program Coordinator Joe Harjo, Photography Faculty and Studio Manager Robert Hils, Fibers Faculty Emeritus Gregory Alan Johnson, Faculty and Studio Manager Blake Kennedy, Ceramics Technician Eléonore Lee, Interim Paper and Book Arts Coordinator Victor Pagona, Photography Department Chair Jillian Palone, Metals Department Chair Sarah Roberts, Metals Faculty and Studio Manager Chris Sauter, Director of Foundations and Special Courses Dennis W. Smith, Ceramics Faculty Emeritus Ryan Takaba, Ceramics Department Chair Beck Whitehead, Paper and Book Arts Faculty Emeritus Beck Whitehead, Between Flora and Fauna, 2014