Lauri Garcia Jones, Hide & Seek, acrylic, canvas, and MDF, 2018
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CREATE YOUR FUTURE AT SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART, THE ONLY INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OF ART IN TEXAS. Our collaborative community of diverse, talented artists will help you take your practice to the next level. For over 50 years, SSA has inspired students to develop their own original approach to their art as one of the premiere community art schools in the country. Since 2014, with the addition of the college program, SSA now offers the opportunity for you to re-imagine your future with a fine arts degree. What does your future hold? Let us show you the possibilities.
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BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM Southwest School of Art is a hub for creative minds. Our Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program centers on the process of making as a form of inquiry and discovery. The four-year, studio intensive experience will give you the opportunity to unleash your creative potential under the guidance of faculty members who will inspire and challenge you. FACULTY All SSA faculty members are professional studio artists who have exhibited their work all over the world and their involvement in the arts scene, locally, regionally and beyond will provide you invaluable insight into the industry. Small classes will allow a close collaborative environment and personal attention to help you flourish. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT You will learn alongside fellow artists to stretch your imagination and find your voice. In addition to your studio work, a set of general education courses are required to provide you with a broad base of knowledge for a sustainable career.
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CERAMICS
AREAS OF FOCUS
Visual expression of ideas Materials, techniques + processes Historical evolution of clay
Student Jose Rivera, Ceramic 1000. Body Project.
in the cera mics progra m ,
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you will have over 8,000
square feet of workspace, an award-winning faculty, and exceptional equipment to develop and hone your conceptual and functional skills in wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing and firing. You will learn how to use both electric and gas kilns for a variety of glazes formulated as part of the program. Ceramics is a communal medium and collaboration and participation is promoted to build a healthy and creative community.
Girlhood Scary: Bed. 2019, porcelain, silica, epoxy, foam mattress. 2019. Photo credit: The Artist.
Life After SSA: Since graduating with her BFA in 2018, Audrey LeGalley’s work has been shown in a number of exhibitions including the Contemporary Art Month Perennial Exhibition at Blue Star Contemporary. She has also completed a residency at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Now you can find Audrey at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she is a MFA candidate.
PAINTING John Guzman '19, Ex-convict suitcase, oil, oil pastel, 2019
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AREAS OF FOCUS
Tradition + innovation Concept + form Material + image
in the painting progra m
you will study the historical
centers of the genre while exploring the current periphery. Building upon the long history of mark making, you are encouraged to explore and scrutinize the medium to develop a personal voice within a contemporary context. The Painting program equips students with:
+ Historical and contextual knowledge
+ Understanding of materials
+ Critical vocabularyÂ
SCULPTURE + INTERGRATED MEDIA
Student Abbey Alvis, Interdisciplinary Studio
100%
OF SSA FACULTY ARE PRACTICING ARTISTS
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AREAS OF FOCUS
Three dimensional work Sound + Video + Animation Installation Performance
in the sculpture and integrated media program
you will
learn both old and new processes to take an idea and construct an object. Both past and present practitioners are studied as examples. A full woodshop and welding facilities, along with CNC milling and laser cutting, and video and sound production are utilized in this program. Through theoretical readings and the critique process you will learn how to maximize the relationship between objects and their environment to fully express the concept.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Student Marla Segura, Untitled, 2019.
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AREAS OF FOCUS
Digital and traditional photographic methods Composition Lighting Processing + Printing
in the photography program
you will find commitment
and focus on the nature and meaning of photographic representation and its role in contemporary culture. The program is fully engaged in the creative possibilities of lens-based imaging. Hands-on learning is emphasized and you will become skilled in chemical-based processes and digital technologies.
The photography labs include facilities for: + black-and-white photography + digital photography
+ alternative processes with large-scale black/ white and digital printing
METALS
Student Rachel Olsen, Baby Burn, 2018.
in the metals program
you will find an atmosphere
to freely explore concepts through the creation of wearable and sculptural objects. You will be introduced to the history of metalsmithing while also focusing on contemporary techniques and practices. The metals program is a balance between small-scale sculpture, jewelry, and body adornment. Additionally, students are encouraged to join the Metals club which organizes fundraisers to help subsidize an annual trip to a national metalsmithing conference. The Metals program focuses on a combination of traditional techniques and non-traditional approaches/practices.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Metal fabrication Lost wax casting Color on metal Metal forming and forging Experimentation of materials, scale, display and performance
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PRINTMAKING Anthony Garnica '19, Untitled, oil based monoprint, 2019.
in the printmaking program
you can explore the visual
impact of using graphic methods to create your work. Learn how multiple originals apply to Art creation and concept, while working in one of the better equipped printmaking studios in South Texas. The department chair is nationally recognized for developing innovative printmaking techniques and using less harmful methods.
The program focuses on the five major traditional printmaking methods, and innovative ways to use them in to marry concept, design and technique.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Monoprint Relief Etching Lithography Screenprinting
Life After SSA: “I came into the program a studio rat. Every minute I could spend in there I did. The things I was able to accomplish here at SSA pulled me from my comfort zone and forced me out of the studio. My art practice can now take place anywhere. Nothing holds me back from working now. I no longer require a studio even though it is my most comfortable space. I have learned to take advantage of things I would have otherwise considered lost time.” –Anthony Garnica, ‘19
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COURSE WORK ONLY
BOOK ARTS + PAPERMAKING
Lata Gedala '19, Sprout, 201, Abaca & kozo handmade paper, persimmon, weld, marigold, osage, indigo natural dyes & linen thread, 2019.
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in book arts and papermaking
you will learn
papermaking, book binding and letterpress–each with its distinct techniques that traditionally join together to create a book. Paper and Book and Words are everywhere, so the first step in this studio is to re-discover these familiar products. You will produce 2D and 3D work in the studio and instruction is focused on integrating this knowledge into your individual practice. Although not available as an area of concentration in the college program, you can take Papermaking as part of your curriculum. Books Arts is also incorporated into paper classes in the college curriculum. The Book Arts and Papermaking focuses on:
+ Papermaking - the basic technique of making
paper and its history and cultural implications + Letterpress - vintage metal type as well as
contemporary methods of image creation + Book binding – the evolution of the book as both concept and structure
ACADEMICS
A CLEAR PATH TO ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
your first year, you will take a series of studio foundation courses, which emphasize the development of visual and conceptual sensitivity, craftsmanship, and the fundamental design skills needed for effective communication and artistic expression. Through both productive and responsive art activities, you will explore varied materials and approaches in 2D, 3D, and 4D. You will hone traditional studio skills while learning to integrate those techniques with the digital domain. Along with studio practice, you will learn the language of contemporary and historic visual culture in order to critically address historic, contemporary, global, and multicultural issues. In addition to your foundations series, you will take general education courses as well.
year 2
3
4
your second year, you will continue your general education coursework and begin to pursue specific studio areas: Printmaking, Ceramics, Metals, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Integrated Media.
your third year, you will take more specialized courses and you are required to complete a community-based project and an internship. Your nonstudio classes will focus on higher level study of social, historical and critical issues in contemporary art.
your fourth year, you will finish your general education courses including your final professionalism course and focus on upper level studio classes and on completing your capstone senior project.
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ACADEMICS: YOUR ROADMAP your educational journey through Southwest School of Art is just the beginning. Through a carefully crafted curriculum of general education and studio foundation courses, you will be prepared with the knowledge and professionalism to pursue a variety of art related careers.
SECOND YEAR CLASSES
FIRST YEAR CLASSES FALL
SPRING
ARTS
AREA STUDIOS: CRMC, MTLS, PAPE, PHOT, PNTG, PRMK, SIMD ART HISTORY AND SUPPORT COURSES
STUDIO
MAYMESTER 2189 Second Year Interdisciplinary Studio
FALL
SPRING
Choose two 1000 level studios
Choose one 1000 level and one 2000 level studio
2304 Survey III: Modern to Post Modern
3304 Contemporary Art History
1289 Visual Literacy 1303 Survey 1
1304 Survey 2
1311 Foundations 1
1312 Foundations 2
1316 Drawing 1
1317 Drawing 2
1313 Foundations & Digital Media
BUSINESS ECONOMICS ENGLISH
2331 Understanding Literature
1301 College Writing
GENERAL SCIENCE
1301 Applied General Science
HISTORY MATH
1324 College Mathematics
PHILOSOPHY PSYCHOLOGY
1301 Intro to Psychology
SENIOR PROJECT SPEECH
1311 Public Speaking
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Possible career paths for a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate: + + + + +
+ + + + +
Arts Administrator Art Critic Art Educator Gallerist or Museum Curator Illustrator
THIRD YEAR CLASSES MAYMESTER
FALL
SPRING
INTERNSHIP
100-hour Choose two Choose two internship 3000 level studios or 2000 level studios may be one 3000 level scheduled studio and a 4000 over Spring level studio 3289 semester, Material Culture Maymester, or over the summer.
Art Historian Art Therapist Photographer Studio Artist Many more options…
FOURTH YEAR CLASSES FALL
SPRING
Choose one 3000 or 4000 level studio
Choose one 3000 or 4000 level studios
2189
Interdisciplinary Community-Based Project
3001 Professionalism 1
4002 Professionalism 2 2301 Intro to Economics 3001 The Artist in Literature and Film
3380 Latin American History
4289 Intellectual History
1301 Intro to Philosophy
3289 Critical Inquiry 4319 The Individual and Society 4801 Senior Project
4802 Senior Project
CAMPUS FIND YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITY Southwest School of Art has over 64,000 square feet of well-equipped, spacious studios, classrooms and galleries to give you the space to embrace experimentation and the confidence to develop new ideas. Located in the heart of downtown along the famous San Antonio River Walk, Southwest School of Art’s beautiful historic buildings and contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities offer a great place for young artists to call home. As the seventh largest city in the U.S., San Antonio, provides the energy and excitement of a growing city combined with history and heritage around every corner. The confluence of rich cultures creates a vibrant art scene bringing artists from around the world to the many galleries in the Alamo City.
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▲ Downtown San Antonio features many landmarks including the Alamo and the River Walk, which was recently expanded to connect the Museum District and the Mission Trails to the city center. There are countless opportunities for you to take part in cultural activities, hike and bike the greenways of local parks, enjoy live music, arts and literary events, and a lively food scene inspired by every world cuisine .
MILES TO THE NEXT NEAREST INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OF ART
▲ As an SSA student, you will have access to the San Antonio Central Library, located adjacent to the campus. The library provides SSA students with free public computers, research databases, books, movies, magazines, local history, genealogy and the Swartz Art Resource Center on the second floor of the Central Library created specifically for SSA students with a collection of 8,000 art books and journals. SSA also has an oncampus librarian available three days a week to help you with research, reference, and writing critique.
◄ Did we mention student life is buzzing at SSA? There are a number of clubs and organizations for you to join and you can participate in some of the School’s favorite traditions, like the annual Fiesta Arts Fair which draws over 12,000 people to our campus for a two-day festival of art, music, food, and fun.
OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM INTERNSHIPS During your third year, all degree seeking students complete a 100-hour internship. Internships provide a great opportunity for you to build your resume, network with influencers in the art community, gain real-world experience and work with artists. EXHIBITIONS The Exhibitions Program at SSA is an integral part of academic life for SSA students and a source of enrichment and engagement for the larger community. Through the presentation of outstanding works of art, SSA’s Exhibitions Program positions itself as a leader in the contemporary art field, encouraging interaction, critical dialogue, and aesthetic engagement through its exhibitions, ancillary programs, and projects centered on the works of emerging and established artists as well as faculty and students. VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM The Visiting Artist Program brings some of the most interesting artists, curators, scholars, activists and innovators to campus to speak. The Visiting Artist Program complements our curriculum and exhibition program by bringing expert commentary and critique, presentations, and discussions to SSA while encouraging an ever-expanding network of collaboration with individuals and institutions. As a student you will often have the opportunity for special time with the visiting artists to discuss process, career pathways, learning experiences and more. Recent visitors include: Carmen Argote, Kukuli Velarde, Mario Ybarra Jr., The Guerrilla Girls, and Cory Imig. STUDENT EXHIBITIONS As a highly respected college of art, we routinely receive invitations from area institutions, businesses and civic organizations to have our students submit exhibition proposals, to create commissioned art, and to participate in community art projects.
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HERE’S WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU TO TAKE YOUR PLACE AMONG YOUR FELLOW ARTISTS. 1 ) COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION
2 ) OFFICIAL SAT and/or ACT TEST SCORES
A $40 application fee is due when submitting your application.
Have your official test scores sent to SSA SAT and/or ACT scores must be submitted by the testing agency to be considered official. Use the following codes to ensure scores are sent to SSA (SAT: 7260, ACT: 6916).
3 ) LETTER/S OF RECOMMENDATION One letter of recommendation is required, but up to three may be submitted.
Test scores are not required if applicant finished high school more than two years prior to applying for admission.
4 ) ADMISSION ESSAY Essays should be approximately 250 – 500 words. Essays can be uploaded during the application process or they can be mailed/emailed to the office of admissions.
5 ) DIGITAL PORTFOLIO See Details, right
6 ) TRANSCRIPTS A. Applicants who are high school seniors must provide official high school transcripts for admission purposes. 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. B. Transfer applicants must submit official college transcripts from all previous institutions. C. Home schooled students must provide the following: ❚ Verification that the home school attended was officially recognized by the applicant’s state of residence, prior to the student’s graduation ❚ A detailed outline of the home school curriculum, including: ❚ Subject areas studied ❚ Total hours spent within each discipline ❚ Grade awarded (if applicable) ❚ NOTE: A home-school academic portfolio may fulfill this requirement D. 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.
7 ) OPTIONAL ADMISSION ITEMS A. Resume B. Interview ❚ Applicant may request an interview with a member of the Admission Review Committee, if they so choose. ❚ In some cases, the Admission Review Committee may request a personal interview with the applicant, as part of the review process.
PREPARING YOUR DIGITAL PORTFOLIO
m
Your digital portfolio should include 10-15 images of your original work (no more than three detail shots should be included).
m
Your digital portfolio should include at least three examples of observational drawings (at least one should be a still life).
m
Your artwork images must be submitted as JPEGs and should be approximately 800x600 pixels at 300 DPI.
m
Your digital portfolio must be accompanied by a typed Portfolio Inventory Sheet.
n Your Portfolio Inventory Sheet may include a very brief commentary on concept, process, or other relevant information.
n Your Portfolio Inventory Sheet must include the following details:
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Names of the files submitted Titles of the works included Medium or media of the depicted works Actual size of the works Dates that the works were completed Identification of the computer platform necessary to view the files (MacOS or Windows) IMPORTANT: Once submitted, digital portfolios become part of an applicant’s file and will not be returned. Keep a copy of your digital portfolio for your own records.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:
■
Photograph 2D work hanging on a wall at eye level to avoid distortion
■ ■ ■
Place 3D work on a neutral surface Light from both sides to avoid unnecessary shadows Limit each photograph to just one work
SUBMITTING YOUR PORTFOLIO IS EASY You can upload your digital portfolio (along with your Portfolio Inventory Sheet) to Google Drive, or you can mail it to us on CD/DVD or thumb drive. For more info, visit our website at swschool.org/bfa
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SCHOLARSHIPS + TUITION HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP Through the generosity of our many donors, SSA has historically been able to award scholarship support to a large percentage of our degree seeking students. We encourage you to apply. The Admission Review Committee reviews all scholarship applications and awards scholarships based on merit and need. Scholarship applications may be submitted online, along with the Admissions Application. Scholarship applicants are required to submit a short essay detailing the reasons they should be considered for a scholarship award, along with a copy of their (or their family’s) most recent tax returns or a copy of a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
TUITION + FEES Tuition is charged on a per credit basis at the rate of $620 per credit hour.
YEAR ONE (33 hours)............................. $20,460 YEAR TWO (33 hours)............................. $20,460 YEAR THREE (30 hours) ........................ $18,600 YEAR FOUR (24 hours)............................$14,880
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 Internship..................................................$75 * These charges are subject to change. Southwest School of Art is seeking accreditation and will be eligible for federal financial aid when accreditation is earned from a state approved accreditor. At this time, we are not eligible to disburse federal aid. 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 available to students at the school. 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.
IMPORTANT ADMISSION DATES
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SEPTEMBER 1 Admissions application is available online at swschool.org/ bfaapplicationforms
FEBRUARY 1 Priority application and scholarship deadline
90
%
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RATE SCHOLARSHIP
90
AWARD RATE
%
FEBRUARY 15
Decision and scholarship decision letters are mailed
Note: We continue to accept applications after Feb. 1; however, applicants who apply early will have a greater chance of receiving scholarships.
MAY 1 Fall enrollment deposit due ($250)
AUGUST 1 Applications close for the Fall semester Student Abigail Billingsley, Lover’s Ankles, 2019.
COME VISIT, GET TO KNOW US. HAVE QUESTIONS? DON’T BE SHY; WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AT SSA 210.200.8208
TAKE A TOUR
Take a walk with us and see all SSA has to offer; spacious studios, friendly faces, and a place to unleash your potential. You’ll see why SSA is such a special place to create your future. To schedule a tour, visit swschool.org/visitthecampus INFORMATION SESSIONS
Informal and welcoming, our information sessions are a great opportunity to hear more about our programs and have your questions answered. PORTFOLIO PREP DAYS
Join us for one of our Portfolio Prep Days, hosted several times throughout the year on our campus. You’ll find out what it takes to put together a dynamic portfolio and receive expert feedback on your portfolio from one of our faculty members. TEEN PROGRAMS
SSA offers the Teen Studio Intensive Program for talented high school students with a strong interest in the visual arts. High school students who are accepted into the program meet twice a week after-school, during both the fall or spring semesters. The program allows students the opportunity to develop their art-making skills through intense professional instruction, in a serious learning environment, and with a focus on providing foundational skills in drawing and painting. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Teen Studio Intensive is a low-cost program. However, space is limited and interested students must complete the application process to be considered for acceptance. For additional program information, contact 210.200.8266. EXHIBITIONS
Come take part in one of the many opportunities to see an exhibition on campus by a renowned artist or hear directly from artists, curators and innovators at a Visiting Artist Talk. All exhibitions and talks are free and open to the public. For the latest information on events and activities at SSA, be sure to visit swschool.org
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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER.
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Lauri Garcia Jones, Hide & Seek, acrylic, canvas, and MDF, 2018
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at Southwest School of Art deeply immerses students in the process of making as a form of inquiry and discovery. With equal emphasis on content and skill, we instill in our students an appreciation for both tradition and innovation, which equips them to move freely between the creation of one-of-a kind works and applied design. Graduates of the program will stand ready to enter a modern economy, driven by a convergence of culture, commerce, and creativity. In short, we want every one of our program graduates to leave with the skills necessary to think critically, work expertly and engage professionally.
THE MISSION OF SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART TEACHES AND ADVANCES THE VISUAL ARTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS SEEKING HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOR OTHERS SEEKING EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT.