Education in the arts lies between the practices of making, intellectual reflection, and an understanding of the relationship between visual media and society.
Our degree programs integrate the values of a liberal education while preparing graduates for intensive engagement with the production and examination of the visual arts.
A RT E D U C AT I O N A RT H I S T O RY S T U D I O A RT: CERAMICS GRAPHIC DESIGN I L L U S T R AT I O N J E W E L RY / M E TA L S M I T H I N G PA I N T I N G PRINTMAKING SCULPTURE VISUAL STUDIES
becomes the deliverance the
burden
becomes the deliverance the
point some at
Our professors are dedicated to their roles as teachers, artists, and scholars. We value our place
as educators to help ready students for their professions and lives after graduation. Small class sizes,
academic advisors who are faculty in the art department, and energetic collaboration between emphasis
areas means that professors know you as a person and a student.
All of our majors and minors benefit from working with faculty members who are professionally active in the scholarly and creative communities. The questions and ideas that fuel the faculty’s research efforts translate into enthusiasm for the material that they teach, respect for inquiry, and an awareness of diversity in current practices.
Chicago
Lake Michigan
Chicago Cultural Center
National Forest and National Lakeshore
Close proximity to these centers allows
Art Institute of Chicago
1,180 cubic miles of freshwater
for class and department sponsored
Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art
Breeze and waves
trips so students can take advantage of
Hundreds of Galleries
Sand dunes, beaches
special exhibitions and studio visits with
Sunsets, wildlife
professionals working in the arts.
Detroit
Calder Art Center
Grand Rapids
Mary Idema Pew Library
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
Detroit Institute of Arts
Visual Resources Library
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Detroit Artists Market
Stuart B. and Barbara H. Padnos Gallery
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Detroit Museum of Contemporary Art
GVSU Art Gallery
Avenue for the Arts Market
Cranbrook Museum
Quiet, isolation, focus
Small, close community
2D Design
First year students take six core
F O U N D AT I O N S
classes building
Drawing I
Making and Meaning
drawing, design,
3D Design
and problem-solving skills.
Color
Drawing II
Art Education and Studio Art majors submit the body of work completed in the foundation courses for review. 10:51
HONORS COLLEGE
FOUNDATIONS REVIEW Graphic Design and Illustration programs require a secondary admissions process.
LAKE ONTARIO HALL
TURN RIGHT
TURN INTO THE CURVE
10:54
THE WOODS
10:56
speed up girl
THE WOODS
10:57
mission completed
CALDER 1302
MURRAY LIVING CENTER 220
MISSION
10:50
power walk
10:59
ADMISSION Students choose either a broad involvement in art, a specialization in one of the eight studio
JUNIOR REVIEW B.F.A. degree only
SENIOR REVIEW B.F.A. degree only
emphasis areas, or the Art Education program.
1221
1211
1732
1730
1718
1715
1510
1313
1311
Break Room
Main Entrance
1103
1216 1214
1208
1105
Main Office
1218
Padnos Gallery 0700
1219 1217
1215
1207
1201
6 1114 1112 1110 1108
9 1117 1115 1113 1111 1109
Where will you create your work?
1716 1714
1506
Computer Lab 1312
Computer Lab 1310
1302
1704
1705
1504
1415
Digital Printshop
1306
Visual Resource Library
1304
1406 1404
1422
1412
1815
1805
1813
1815a
1811
1801
1428
1426
1424
0710
0706 0704
Computer Lab 0703
1810
1820
1830
Padnos Gallery 0700
0702
1826
1828 1824
1818
1812 1804
1802
1822
1808 1806
FA C I L I T I E S
1734
The Art and Design program
The GVSU campus offers students
Art and Design majors are eligible
is housed in a 72,000 square
a fully maintained woodshop, Mac
to live in Calder Residence which
foot building equipped with
computer labs, Visual Resources
has efficiency apartments and is
the facilities and support staff
Library, Digital Print Shop, Digital
located next door with easy access
necessary for researching,
Fabrication Lab, Stuart B. and
to department activities.
creating, and displaying
Barbara H. Padnos Gallery, and
student’s new work.
B.F.A. Advanced Student Studios.
You’ll build skills of inquiry, self-awareness, reasoning, communication, and critical thinking through a combination of study in the arts with a comprehensive university program.
Nationally and internationally known artists, designers and critics visit campus for public lectures, and frequently include individual critiques and demonstrations. Each year, the Stuart B. and Barbara H. Padnos Distinguished Artist-in-Residence position in Art and Design brings well-known artists to campus for a teaching residency.
Our alumni go on to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. From community focused organizations, to building their own business, to taking positions in art direction, design, manufacturing, and art production. Many others go on to further their fine arts education around the world.
“A liberal arts college encouraged me to listen and learn from multiple sources within and outside my area of emphasis. I find my own work is better when I seek outside influence and advice.� Allyson Haller, B.F.A. Illustration, 2004
“I gained a better understanding of the role art can play in the real world, it is not something that is simply hung on a wall or put on display, but an amorphous, and magical part of our everyday experience.� Giles Hefferan, B.F.A. Sculpture, 2008
first
S K YS C R A P E R
Art Education
Art History
1885
t h e w o r l d ’s
The Home Ins urance Buildi ng
Ceramics
Graphic Design
Illustration
Kyle DeGroff
Jesse Gregg
Creative Director Barfly Grand Rapids, MI
Animator Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Robot Chicken, ParaNorman
The Home Insurance Building, erected on the corner of LaSalle and
Zyra Castillo Media Arts/Technology Faculty Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology
Becca Guyette Director of Teen Programs West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology
Mary Hall Elementary Art Teacher Traverse City Public Schools
Rosie Haugen Art Teacher North Oakview Elementary Northview Public Schools
Kelly Junis Middle School Art Teacher Greenville Public Schools
In recent years alumni have been admitted to competitive graduate programs for museum studies and art history. This has led them to careers in collections management and curating positions at arts and history museums. Others have put the transferable skills emphasized in the major to good use working at publications including Time Out New York and teaching English overseas with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
Jeremy Brooks
Adams Streets in downtown Chicago, is regarded as the world’s first skyscraper. Ten stories were completed on October 14, 1885. The building rose to a height of 138 feet. The architect, William Lebaron Jenney, utilized a steel frame which supported the entire weight of the walls instead of having the exterior walls themselves carry the weight of the building. As a result, the building weighed only a third as much as a stone building. The development of this “Chicago Style” of construc-
MFA, Alfred University Professor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL klai-body.com
tion made possible the tall buildings of later years that now define our cities. The creation of this “skyscraper” revolutionized urban life because taller buildings allowed larger numbers of people to live and work in smaller areas.
Brian Caponi MFA, Alfred University The Ceramics Instructor at The Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China
Nathan Dorotiak MA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Art Teacher at Arthur E. Canty Elementary School, Chicago, IL
Dean Foster MFA, University of Montana, Missoula Ceramics Instructor The Clay Studio of Missoula, MT deanrfoster.com
Chris Scamehorn MFA, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL Professional Studio Potter Instructor; CMS Ceramics Fairfield, IA chrisscamehorn.com
Ryan Fitzgibbon Hello Mr. Brooklyn, NY
Kuu Hubbard Vodori Chicago, IL
Jesse Hora Make and Co. Chicago, IL
Ian Macnider Apple Cupertino, CA
Allyson Haller Illustrator Random House Chronicle Books Time Out! NY
Geoffrey Holstad Cabin Time Artist Residency Designer, Patagonia
Kim Main
Hook Minneapolis, MN
Medical Illustrator New England Journal of Medicine
Amber Stout
Laura Mayes
Grand Rapids Ballet Grand Rapids, MI
Illustrator/Designer Hallmark Cards
Corey Price
Andy Van Solkema Visualhero Design Co. Grand Rapids, MI
Eliza Von Hagen Hook Studios Ann Arbor, MI
Valerie Waldbauer True Fabrications Seattle, WA
Jewelry/Metalsmithing
Painting
Printmaking
Sculpture
Visual Studies
Peter Antor
Angela Bryant
Todd Freeman
Paul Amenta
Dulcee Boehm
MFA, Jewelry/ Metalsmithing Edinboro University peterantor.com
MFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Artist, Curator and Director Dominican University
Independent Artist
MFA, School of Visual Arts Co-Founder and Curator at Site Lab
Staff, Oxbow School of Art dulceeboehm.com
Kyle Fleet
Assistant Designer The Scott Group kategarman.com
David Huang Independent Metalsmith
Abbey Hunter Blodgett Full-time Welder at Founders Brewery Founder of Hot Spot Grand Rapids, MI
Jessica Scimeca Dental Lab Technician Davis Dental Lab Wyoming, MI
Alec Zielinski Bench Jeweler Jensen’s Jewelers Hudsonville, MI
Shanna Shearer Campus Director OxBow School of the Arts Saugatuck, MI
Marion Siebert Art Director Brightly Grand Rapids, MI
Casey St Louis Master of Art Therapy/ Counseling Southern Illinois University Art Therapist St Elizabeth Hospital St Louis, MO
Julia Victor Art History Graduate Student Artist in Residence West Side School for the Desperate Chicago, IL
Kim Hindman Professor University of Memphis
Katie Platte Kalamazoo Book Arts Center
Jenny Pope Jpop Studios Independent artist
Lisa Price Founder and Proprietor of Artgoodies
Adrienne Quint Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art
Jenn Schaub Director at Dwelling Place and Avenue for the Arts Artist and Curator
Lisa Sweet Professor of Printmaking Evergreen College
Amanda Wieczorek MFA program at the Royal Academy, London
MFA, Cranbrook Academy of Art Industrial Designer Herman Miller/Hayworth
Giles Hefferan MFA, Tyler School of Art Preparator Pace Gallery, NY
Ashley Lieber MFA, University of Michigan Independent Artist
Alison Stehlik MFA, Penn State Assistant Professor of Sculpture University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Kate Garman
Steve Koller Web Developer Pillar Technology
Megan Oswald River City Scholars Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI
Jessica Pleyel MFA, University of Iowa jessicapleyel.com
Michael Wolf Division Avenue Arts Collective Dwelling Place Grand Rapids, MI
In the Department of Art and
In your first year, you’ll focus on
Students can also earn a Bachelor
Design, students enrolled in the
foundation courses that introduce
of Arts (B.A.) degree or a minor in
studio program can pursue a
you to technical and conceptual
Art History at GVSU. The curriculum department, you’ll focus on the
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a Bachelor
approaches to the visual arts.
encourages investigation of the
completion of six core classes
of Science (B.S.), a Bachelor of
This culminates in a review of your
historical and cultural contexts for
in the Foundations curriculum.
Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree, or an
work. In your second year, these
the production and interpretation
These courses emphasize drawing,
art minor. Majors can choose
skills are enhanced in emphasis
of visual media. The program has
design, and problem-solving
from an emphasis in Ceramics,
area classes, electives, and art
an interdisciplinary model which
skills. This shared curriculum
Graphic Design, Illustration,
history courses. As you continue
offers students intensive study
provides students with the
Jewelry and Metalsmithing,
in the program, you’ll create a
within the Department of Art and
conceptual, technical, and critical
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture,
personal body of work under the
Design and the opportunity to take
skills necessary for later studio
and Visual Studies. The curriculum
supervision of faculty mentors in
selected courses offered in other
work. Upon finishing these
fosters each student’s development
your emphasis area. At the end of
departments on campus.
classes, you’ll choose a
of conceptually driven work based
the third year, all students enrolled
on rigorous studio practice, an
in the B.F.A. program meet with
Regardless of which degree
eight studio emphasis areas
awareness of contemporary issues
a panel of professors for a Junior
and emphasis one chooses, the
or the Art Education program.
and theoretical frameworks, as well
Review to assess their work.
Department of Art and Design
as a respect for the historical and
The self-direction nurtured early
supports a student’s investment
cultural contexts of art production.
in the program is reinforced
in the challenges and potential
The curriculum of upper level
throughout your time at GVSU.
of a university education. It is an
Drawing courses - Life Drawing,
interdisciplinary program that
Intermediate Drawing, and
The Art Education program offers
During your first year in the
specialization from one of the
either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Students experience independence
encourages the diverse interests
Advanced Drawing 1 & 2 - serve
or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
for sustained growth in the visual
and strengths of undergraduates.
to undergird the work of majors
The curriculum emphasizes the
arts as they acquire the skills
training of committed artists who
necessary for participation in art
For admissions procedures, course
department. While Life Drawing
desire to work as teachers after
communities and for self-advocacy
descriptions, program curricula,
affords students the opportunity
graduation. In addition to extensive
after graduation. Every student
and faculty listings, please visit
to work directly from the human
studio training, students receive
pursuing the B.F.A. degree
the Grand Valley State University
figure, Intermediate Drawing
grounding in teaching and learning
prepares a senior thesis exhibit for
catalog online at: gvsu.edu/catalog
increases the range of materials and
theory, the role of technology in the
faculty review as the culmination
processes explored, and introduces
classroom, and community-based
of their experience in the program.
more conceptual, expressive, and
arts education. The program leads
Those seeking a B.A. or B.S. in
non-mimetic modes of drawing.
to teacher certification for visual art
art have the opportunity to
Finally, Advanced Drawing more
in the Michigan public schools at
participate in the annual juried
fully bridges the work students are
the primary and secondary levels.
student exhibition.
doing in their major classes.
DEGREE AND EMPHASIS AREAS
in all eight emphasis areas of the
A R T E D U C AT I O N Art Education prepares you to become a qualified and effective art educator. Graduates gain knowledge and skills to enter a teaching career in a K-12 visual arts classroom. You will explore a wide variety of media and styles, understand the relationship of the visual arts with other disciplines and will be given opportunities to experience teaching in arts education as you matriculate through the program. Recent graduates teach full-time in K-12 schools, work in education-related fields such as museums, galleries or nonprofit organizations as well as seek graduate degrees in fields related to teaching, education administration and professional studio practice.
ART HISTORY The Art History program supports you in your exploration of visual culture within contemporary, historical, and global contexts. Majors benefit from a supportive faculty, a diverse curriculum, and a flexible program that encourages the pursuit of a second major or minor in another discipline. You can enrich your educational experience through internships at regional museums and independent research projects that are shaped by your interests. The acquisition of critical thinking skills as well as effective written and oral communication ensure that you will develop an understanding of the visual arts from diverse cultures and eras. Alumni have been admitted to competitive graduate programs for museum studies and art history, and have found employment in publishing and teaching English overseas.
explore various approaches to clay while drawing from other art and design disciplines. You will explore a variety of applications of ceramic art including function, design, sculpture, mixed-media, installation and performance that will prepare you for numerous professional opportunities. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
CERAMICS
Ceramics students are encouraged and challenged to
Graphic Design is the intersection of art and industry. Graphic designers communicate content in support of specific client needs using typography, image and color. You will be prepared for a career in commercial graphic design by developing proficiencies in critical thinking, problem-solving, application of technology and practical experience. Professional areas for you as a graphic designer include the design of brochures, catalogs, packaging, brand identity, wayfinding, exhibition, websites, interactivity, graphical user interfaces and advertising. Students interested in pursuing an emphasis in Graphic Design must participate in a secondary admissions review after completion of the Foundations Review. Students may pursue a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
U.S. Popu lation
1
Rank
2 3 4 5
Rankings
by city a nd deca de
New York 7.89 M
3.62 M
7.78 M
3.55 M
7.89 M
3.37 M
7.07 M
3.01 M
7.32 M
3.49 M
Chicago
Philadelphia
Los Angeles
8.16 M
3.69 M
3.79 M
Los Angeles
2.07 M
2.81 M
2.48 M
2.97 M
2.78 M
2.9 M
2.7 M
Chicago 2.0 M
1.97 M
1.85 M
Detroit
8.01 M
1.67 M
1.95 M
1.51 M
1.69 M
1.6 M
1.63 M
1.59 M
1.95 M
2.1 M
Houston 1.52 M
1.53 M
Philadelphia
diverse professional opportunities. Faculty will help you explore a variety of media and styles to find your best professional fit. Our alumni work in areas as varied as magazines, book covers, children’s books, website design, advertising, clothing design, greeting cards, educational materials, social/political advocacy, animation, and gallery work. Students interested in pursuing an emphasis in Illustration must participate in a secondary admissions review after completion of the Foundations Review. Students may pursue a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
JEWELRY/METALSMITHING
I L L U S T R AT I O N
As an Illustrator you can look forward to rich and
The program in Jewelry/Metalsmithing engages you with materials, technique and craft while reinforcing a dedication to innovation and experimentation. The field embraces a wide range of ideas, objects and methods of making including emerging technologies. Career development and professional practice skills are an integral part of the curriculum. You can choose a direction from a broad range of professional options that best complement your personal goals. Jewelry/ Metalsmithing graduates are found in careers such as bench jewelers, sales, dental labs, designers and manufacturing. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
PA I N T I N G The Painting emphasis encourages and supports a broad range of stylistic and conceptual exploration nurturing your unique artistic voice. Painting students have pursued graduate work in painting, art history and art therapy as well as found employment in careers such as curatorial fields, gallery work, design and education. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
PRINTMAKING The Printmaking emphasis offers you full access to a comprehensive printmaking curriculum including intaglio, relief, screen printing, a digital lab, papermaking and a dedicated darkroom. You will develop both skills and a personal voice allowing you to function as an exceptional contributor to visual and creative culture. Beyond preparation for professional studio practice, printmaking is supportive for many graphic designers, illustrators, educators and studio artists who primarily practice in other media. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
DEGREE AND EMPHASIS AREAS
SCULPTURE The Sculpture emphasis embraces a contemporary approach to the field offering you exposure to a broad range of media and directions. Our Sculpture facilities provide a wood shop, metal shop, foundry, laser cutter and 3D printing encouraging you to develop a strong skill set necessary for professional careers in the field. Sculpture graduates can be found in the fine arts, architecture and industrial design. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
VISUAL STUDIES The Visual Studies area emphasizes real-world skills to equip you for future employment and work as a practicing artist. You will acquire skills including digital imaging, curating, exhibition and project organization/management and video and sound production. The curriculum is structured to allow Visual Studies majors to gain concentrated experience in other areas of the department. Visual Studies alumni exhibit their work, curate exhibits in galleries, museums and other public venues and are active participants in the community. Students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Art Education or a B.F.A. in Studio Art in this emphasis.
Apply to GVSU
ADMISSIONS
Visit gvsu.edu/apply
Grand Valley State University
Contact GVSU Department of Art and Design About Admission Complete Application for Department of Art and Design
1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401-9403 (616) 331-2025 (800) 748-0246
We will mail an application to you, or
admissions@gvsu.edu
fill out an application at gvsu.edu/art
gvsu.edu/admissions
Schedule Portfolio Review Date
DEPARTMENT OF
You may bring your portfolio in on
ART AND DESIGN
one of our review dates, send us
1105 Calder Art Center
your portfolio on a CD, or provide us
Allendale, MI 49401
with the url to an online portfolio. For specific information on the
(616) 331-3486
review process and how to prepare
artdept@gvsu.edu
your portfolio visit gvsu.edu/art/apply
gvsu.edu/art
Entrance Portfolio Review
Looking for more information?
Bring your portfolio, tour the facilities,
Visit gvsu.edu/art and fill out
and meet some of the faculty.
our interest form to receive
Review Results You’ll receive your results within two weeks. If you’ve been accepted at
application information from GVSU Department of Art and Design or give us a call.
Grand Valley State University and
Visit Us
the Department of Art and Design,
Call us to schedule a tour
be sure to complete registration.
or meet with faculty.
GVSU.EDU/ART Published January 2015 All student work created at GVSU Department of Art and Design All photography created for Grand Valley State University except: Detroit-Airport-walkway by Rob Annis - flic.kr/p/57Wyi1 Detroit People Mover by Daviddje - flic.kr/p/7WKT2W