SAN ANTONIO | TEXAS
Margaret Craig, found objects and work in progress,2017
THE ONLY INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OF ART IN TEXAS
Thank you for your interest in Southwest School of Art. As the only independent college of art in Texas, our students and faculty play a major role in the arts scene in San Antonio and the region. Located downtown along the famous River Walk, our beautiful and historic buildings and contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities offer an extraordinary environment for making and learning about art. We also present outstanding exhibitions, symposia, and visiting artist talks for our students and the general public in addition to offering studio programs for children, teens, and adults.
We expect every one of our students to graduate with many new skills and networks, to be able to think creatively and critically, and to succeed professionally. Our Bachelor of Fine Arts program centers on the process of making as a form of inquiry and discovery, and we put a lot of emphasis on nurturing each student, one by one. Our students become part of a welcoming community, where everyone knows each other by name, and where both innovation and tradition are highly valued. We look forward to welcoming YOU!
Paula Owen, President
OUR BFA DEGREE PROGRAM is designed to inspire emerging artists to find their voice and flourish in their career. Students receive a solid general education while sharing intense studio experiences… all in an intimate, art-focused environment. Every BFA faculty member is a practicing artist and each one is very well connected within the San Antonio art scene.
“
My work has changed for the better because of my teachers. They have pushed me to expand the ideas in my work, to perfect my craftsmanship and explore new media.” JUAN ZAVALA-CASTRO BFA CLASS OF 2018
STATE-OF-THE ART FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT With over 75,000 square feet of well-equipped, industry-standard studio space at their disposal, SSA students are well positioned to continue on their journey of expressing new ideas and exploring new ways of making. SMALL CLASS SIZES AND EXPERT FACULTY By keeping class sizes small we can provide individualized attention, and our students can work directly with department chairs and other full-time faculty members. Our BFA faculty members are nationally recognized artists who have a passion for helping emerging artists discover, polish, and present their own unique style of making art.
AREAS OF EMPHASIS: CERAMICS DRAWING + PAINTING METALS PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTMAKING SCULPTURE + INTEGRATED MEDA
SSA KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
85% SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RATE
4:1
RATIO STUDENT : FACULTY
100% OF FACULTY ARE PRACTICING ARTISTS
800 MILES
TO THE NEXT NEAREST INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OF ART!
CERAMICS
AREAS OF FOCUS
Visual expression of ideas Materials, techniques + processes Historical evolution of clay
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS our ceramics program
features 8,000 square feet
of workspace, an award-winning faculty, and great equipment. We provide the space, tools and instruction to develop and hone each student’s conceptual and functional skills in: n Wheel-throwing n Hand-building
CERAMICS
n Glazing and firing
[ CRMC]
CERAMICS FACULTY Ryan Takaba Department Chair and Professor
Photo Credit: Ansen Seale
Jennifer Ling Datchuk Professor
Blake Kennedy Studio Technician Dennis Smith Faculty Emeritus
Professor Jennifer Ling Datchuck Gurl Power Chinese porcelain, ceramic decals, gold luster, 9” x 8” x 5” 2016.
DRAWING + PAINTING
AREAS OF FOCUS
Visualization + technique Concept + design Style, form and structure
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS we believe that no matter what
their area of emphasis,
every emerging artist needs a strong foundation in Drawing & Painting. Building upon that foundation, students are encouraged to experiment with style, form, and structure. Our Drawing and Painting program equips students with: n Historical knowledge n Understanding of materials n Critical vocabulary
DRAWING + PAINTING FACULTY Chris Sauter Director of Foundations and Special Courses; Interim Department Chair and Professor
Gregory Alan Johnson Studio Manager and Professor Daniel Rios Rodriguez Faculty
“
Foundation studios have been one of the most critical components of my education. For me, it was especially important to learn the principles of design and the fundamental aspects of making art.” LATA GEDALA BFA CLASS OF 2019
DRAWING + PAINTING
[ PTNG ]
METALS AREAS OF FOCUS
Scale, format + non-traditional materials Concept + design Interplay between art + craft
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS our metals program empowers students
to push the
emotional, intellectual and physical boundaries that are traditionally associated with metalworking as an art form. Along this path of discovery, students use state-of-the-art studio space, tools and equipment to gain proficiency in the following functional areas: METALS
n Soldering and riveting n Mold-making and casting
[ MTLS ]
n Electroforming and enameling n Computer-aided construction
METALS FACULTY Jillian Sortore Department Chair and Professor
Sarah T. Roberts Studio Manager and Professor
Students focus on building technical skills while developing conceptually driven projects with imagination and innovation.
PHOTOGRAPHY
AREAS OF FOCUS
Historical, theoretical + contemporary practice Cross-media technique Traditional + non-traditional imaging
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS our photography program focuses
on mastering the
technical, aesthetic, and intellectual aspects of photography. Students are purposefully exposed to a fusion between old and new approaches and traditional versus non-traditional practices pertaining to: n Composition PHOTOGRAPHY
n Lighting n Processing and printing
[ PHOT ]
PHOTOGRAPHY FACULTY Victor Pagona Department Chair and Professor
Joe Harjo Studio Manager and Professor
Students learn new techniques in the digital imaging lab.
PRINTMAKING
AREAS OF FOCUS
Traditional methods: relief, lithography and screen printing Concept, design + technique Contemporary innovations
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS in our printmaking program, students
learn
traditional methods for creating multiple originals, while exploring contemporary innovations in printmaking. The Flohr Printmaking Studio is one of the best-equipped studios in South Texas and our department chair is a nationally recognized pioneer in non-toxic processes. The printmaking curriculum covers a wide range of areas, including: n Lithography, etching, and screenprinting n Relief and related photo-processes n Computer-aided construction n Critical vocabulary
PRINTMAKING FACULTY Margaret Craig Department Chair and Professor
Gregory Alan Johnson Professor
Students are encouraged to develop as independent and self-directed artists.
PRINTMAKING
[ PRMK ]
SCULPTURE +
INTEGRATED MEDIA
AREAS OF FOCUS
Evolution of traditional sculpture Integration of sculpture with other media and technology Past and present ideas, methods, and practitioners
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS our sculpture and integrated media program
couples
processes with a variety of media and technology to help students develop a wide range of interdisciplinary skills. Together, students and faculty explore ideas, methods, and practitioners from both the past and present. The Sculpture & Integrated Media Studio features: n Traditional tools and equipment n CNC milling and 3D printer
SCULPTURE + INTEGRATED MEDIA [ SIMD ]
n Video and sound production equipment n New interactive and kinetic platforms n Critical vocabulary
SCULPTURE + INTEGRATED MEDIA FACULTY Justin Boyd Academic Director; Department Chair and Professor
“
Without a doubt, what makes this program so special is its deep sense of community among the students, faculty and staff. It feels great to know that while they all want to support my growth as an artist, it's just as important to them that I grow as a person. Every one of us matters.” JOSUE ROMERO BFA CLASS OF 2019
BOOK ARTS +
PAPERMAKING [ COURSE WORK ONLY ]
AREAS OF FOCUS
Understand 2-dimensional + 3-dimensional forms Explore a range of techniques Experiment with paper pulp applications
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS our book arts
& papermaking department
helps students gain a thorough understanding of paper, one of the most basic art materials. Following completion of study at the 3000 level, students will have access to the studio to enhance projects created in other media. Our Papermaking and Book Arts Studios are equipped with: n Beaters for making paper pulp n Moulds, deckles, dryers n Presses for forming paper n Tools, equipment, and letterpress type for making artist books
BOOK ARTS + PAPER MAKING FACULTY Eléonore Lee Program Coordinator
Beck Whitehead Faculty Emeritus
“
Even though the thought of stepping out into the ‘adult’ world for the first time is a little scary, I’m also very excited because I feel at home here at Southwest School of Art and I know they want me to succeed.” ALEJANDRA GARRITY BFA CLASS OF 2021
BOOK ARTS + PAPER MAKING [ PAPE ]
SHAPING ART AND ARTISTS ONE BY ONE.
BFA CLASSES STUDIO CLASSES Foundation Studios are an immersive, transformative experience that covers vocabulary, materials, technical skills, and 2-D, 3-D, and digital design. Students learn fundamentals that may be used across an array of art forms. Area Studios dive deeply into particular materials and explore traditional and innovative techniques. Each studio class meets weekly for six (6) hours . This typically includes two (2) sessions that last for three (3) hours each.
NON-STUDIO CLASSES Non-studio classes include business, math, science, literature, art history, economics, and philosophy. The goal of these general education classes is to provide students with practical knowledge and foundational context for navigating the world around them. Non-studio classes meet twice weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours.
ACADEMIC YEAR The academic year includes three (3) terms: Fall Semester
Fifteen (15) weeks of combined studio and non-studio classes
Spring Semester
Fifteen (15) weeks of combined studio and non-studio classes
Maymester
Four (4) weeks of studio classes that last for four (4) hours Monday through Thursday.
IMPORTANT ADMISSION DATES SEPTEMBER 1 Admissions application is available online at swschool.org/ bfaapplicationforms
MARCH 1 Priority application and scholarship deadline
border photo MARCH 15
Decision and scholarship decision letters are mailed NOTE: We continue to accept applications after March 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
Want to Apply to SSA? HERE’S WHAT WE’LL NEED FROM YOU 1 ] COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION A $40 application fee (payable online) is due when submitting the application.
2 ] OFFICIAL SAT and/or ACT TEST SCORES
3 ] LETTER/S OF RECOMMENDATION
SAT and/or ACT scores must be submitted by the testing agency to be considered official.
One letter of recommendation is required, but up to three may be submitted.
Use the following codes to ensure scores are sent to SSA (SAT: 7260, ACT: 6916) 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 emailed/mailed to the office of admission.
5 ] DIGITAL PORTFOLIO See Details, right
5 ] 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, 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. 6 ] 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
The digital portfolio should include 10 to 15 images of your original work (no more than three detail shots should be included).
The digital portfolio should include at least three examples of observational drawings (at least one should be a still life).
Artwork images must be submitted as JPEGs and should be approximately 800 x 600 pixels at 300 DPI.
The digital portfolio must be accompanied by a typed Portfolio Inventory Sheet.
n T he Portfolio Inventory Sheet may contain a very brief commentary on concept, process or other relevant information.
n T he Portfolio Inventory Sheet must provide 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.
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
ACADEMICS: YOUR ROADMAP FIRST YEAR students take a combination of general education and studio foundations courses.
SECOND YEAR students continue their general education coursework while also given the opportunity to pursue specific studio areas: Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Sculpture and Integrated Media, Printmaking, Photography, and Metals. SECOND YEAR CLASSES
FIRST YEAR CLASSES FALL
SPRING
MAYMESTER
ARTS
AREA STUDIOS: CRMC, MTLS, PAPE, PHOT, PNTG, PRMK, SIMD ART HISTORY AND SUPPORT COURSES
STUDIO
FALL
SPRING
Choose two 1000 level studios
Choose one 1000 level and one 2000 level studio
1289 Visual Literacy 1303 Survey 1
1304 Survey 2
1311 Foundations 1
1312 Foundations 2
1316 Drawing 1
1317 Drawing 2
2304 Survey III: Modern to Post Modern 1313 Foundations & Digital Media
BUSINESS
2301 Intro to Economics
ECONOMICS ENGLISH
2331 Understanding Literature
1301 English Composition
GENERAL SCIENCE
1301 Applied General Science
HISTORY MATH
1324 College Mathematics
PHILOSOPHY
1301 Intro to Philosophy
PSYCHOLOGY
1301 Intro to Psychology
SENIOR PROJECT SPEECH
1311 Public Speaking
THIRD YEAR students take more specialized and technical area courses and are required to complete a community-based project and an internship. Their non-studio classes focus on higher level study of social, historical and critical issues in contemporary art.
FOURTH YEAR students focus on upper level studio classes and on completing their capstone senior project. They also complete the final professionalism course during this time.
THIRD YEAR CLASSES MAYMESTER
FALL
SPRING
Choose two 2000 level studios
Choose one 3000 level studio; Community Based Project
3289 Material Culture 3304 Contemporary Art History
FOURTH YEAR CLASSES INTERNSHIP
FALL
SPRING
100-hour internship may be scheduled over Spring semester, Maymester, or over the summer.
Choose one 3000 or 4000 level studio
Choose two 3000 or 4000 level studios
2189 Sophomore
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Studio
3001 Professionalism 1
4002 Professionalism 2
3001 The Artist in Literature and Film
3380 Latin American History
4289 Intellectual History
3289 Critical Inquiry 4319 The Individual and Society 4801 Senior Project
4802 Senior Project
SCHOLARSHIPS + TUITION HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
nThrough the generosity
of our many donors, SSA has historically been able to award scholarship support to a large percentage of our BFA students and we encourage all applicants to apply. The Admission Review Committee reviews all scholarship applications and awards scholarships based on merit and need.
nScholarship 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).
SWSCHOOL.ORG/BFA
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. 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 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.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS INTERNSHIPS During Third Year, all BFA students complete a 100-hour internship. Internships provide a great opportunity to build their resume, network with influencers in the art community and work with artists!
VISITING ARTISTS SSA regularly hosts wellknown artists for public lectures and symposia. Students in our BFA program often have the opportunity for special time with the visiting artists to discuss process, career pathways, learning experiences and more!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS As a highly respected college of art, we routinely receive invitations from area institutions, businesses and civic organizations to have our BFA students submit exhibition proposals, to create commissioned art and to participate in community art projects.
STUDENT EXHIBITIONS Our BFA students show their work in our campus galleries or in one of many San Antonio galleries.
SSA CAMPUS
+ DOWNTOWN LIFE
SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART CAMPUS reflects San Antonio's urban texture: a harmonious blend of historic and modern – an arts oasis located in the heart of downtown. swschool.org/visit
SSA is known for exhibitions by prominent regional, national and international artists, and our students. As part of our strong commitment to arts education in the community, we regularly provide special programming: lectures and panels by local and visiting artists, concerts, symposia and film screenings.
Swartz Art Resource Center, located in the adjacent Central Library, was created to provide our BFA students a rich collection of art books and journals.
McNay Art Museum and Blue Star Contemporary (left); two of the many local institutions presenting contemporary works.
Weekend farmers' market at the Pearl.
Many urban neighborhoods are walkable and bikable.
Beyond barbecue: the local food scene is multicultural and adventurous.
SAN ANTONIO
RISING
San Antonio is one of the top ten largest cities in the U.S., but one of the most livable. It’s a town with a very rich colonial heritage that also strives to be on the cutting edge of economic development and cultural relevance. With dozens of new and established contemporary art galleries bringing in artists from around the world, the San Antonio art scene is well known throughout the region. In addition to the visual arts, the city also features a symphony orchestra and ballet company. Our downtown is home to several iconic landmarks: the Alamo, and the River Walk – the beating heart of the city. Recently expanded to connect the Museum District and the Mission Trails to downtown, the River Walk is a unique linear park, used and loved by visitors and locals alike. Near downtown are many livable, walkable neighborhoods, along with parks and hiking/biking greenways for easy access to outdoor life. The lively local food scene is inspired by every world cuisine; several well known craft breweries call San Antonio home. Live music, literary events, innovative arts events like Luminaria, Fotoseptiembre, and Contemporary Arts Month; culture low and high – all contribute to the vibrant, colorful palette of San Antonio life.
Let’s meet up! 6 GREAT WAYS TO CONNECT WITH SSA PERSONAL TOURS
1
Take a walk with us to get a close-up look at our amazing facilities, and meet members of our BFA faculty and student body. Along the way, we’ll do our best to help you understand what makes Southwest School of Art such a special place and a great choice to launch your career as a professional artist! For details on scheduling a tour, go to swschool.org/visitthecampus
OPEN HOUSES
2
Informal and welcoming, our open houses are a great opportunity to hear more about our program and to ask questions. You’ll learn about BFA admissions criteria and scholarship information, take a tour of the campus, and have a chance to speak with members of our staff, BFA faculty and student body.
PORTFOLIO PREP DAYS
3
Join us for one of our Portfolio Prep Days which are offered several times throughout the year. You’ll learn what it takes to put together a dynamic portfolio and have the opportunity to receive informal feedback on your portfolio from a BFA faculty member. January 26, 2019 June 22, 2019
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE DAYS
4
Many potential students take advantage of this special opportunity to receive expert, one-on-one assistance in completing and polishing their application, essay or resume. February 23, 2019
EXHIBITIONS
5
More than a dozen curated exhibitions by prominent artists are offered each year, and they provide a first-hand opportunity to see the caliber of artists that exhibit in our galleries. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
ARTIST TALKS AND LECTURES
6
Local, regional and nationally known artists are on campus often to share their thoughts about art, life and how they approach their work. Typically, there’s a special session just for our BFA students. Visiting Artist: David Platzker February 11, 2019 Visiting Artist: Daniel Garver February 21, 2019 Visiting Artist: Michael Corris February 28, 2019 Working Artist Panel March 28, 2019
WANT TO RSVP FOR AN EVENT? Go to www.swschool.org/visitthecampus • HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact the Office of Admission at Southwest School of Art (210) 200-8208. • SWSCHOOL.ORG/BFA
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER.
OUR MISSION IS TO TEACH AND ADVANCE THE VISUAL ARTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS SEEKING HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOR OTHERS SEEKING EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT.
THE ONLY INDEPENDENT COLLEGE OF ART IN TEXAS