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Explore a multitude of media, techniques, and ideas reflective of contemporary sculpture and integrated practices in a dynamic learning environment. You will investigate diverse conceptual approaches, media, and processes through core studio and elective courses.
A large gallery space with various mixed media art pieces displayed. In the foreground is a large, soft sculpture of a reclining human figure made from light pink fabric with visible seams. Behind it is a grid of white panels with curved patterns, a wooden structure resembling a small house, and other sculptural elements made from natural materials.
BFA Fine Arts '24 Sculpture + Integrated Practices Thesis Exhibition by Ava Teetsel, Thomas Klebe, Walter Morrison, Serafina Ariel, Isabelle Schary Schumaker, Selin Sel, Kael Frank, Nicole Newman, Kai Barker Dennett, Katrina Wu, Sofia Leilani Kugelberg Photography credit: Cary Whittier
Type
Undergraduate, BFA
Courses
Plan of Study
School and Department
School of Art,
Fine Arts

All first-year students take the Foundation program’s core curriculum, along with required art history and liberal arts courses, and begin the fine arts major curriculum in the fall of the second year. While continuing with their required art history and general education coursework, second-year students take more focused courses in their chosen area of emphasis, whether painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and integrated practices, or jewelry. In addition to their studio requirements, all fine arts students take a series of departmental seminars that address social, historical, and critical issues in contemporary art.

Beyond their major requirements, students may use elective credits to take courses of their choosing, to pursue a minor in a second field or discipline, or to gain internship experience. The senior year is focused on developing a self-directed body of work for the senior thesis exhibition in the spring semester. Departmental courses in professional practice help students prepare their portfolios and make a realistic plan for sustaining their careers after graduation through approaching funders, galleries, residency opportunities, and employers.

Photography credit: Cary Whittier
A gallery view showcasing contemporary sculptures. On the left, a large black, egg-shaped sculpture with concentric rings is prominent. To the right, a smaller sculpture made from beige material is on a wooden stand, and another sculpture with black, hair-like extensions protruding from a soft, textured base is on display.
BFA Fine Arts '24 Sculpture + Integrated Practices Thesis Exhibition by Ava Teetsel, Thomas Klebe, Walter Morrison, Serafina Ariel, Isabelle Schary Schumaker, Selin Sel, Kael Frank, Nicole Newman, Kai Barker Dennett, Katrina Wu, Sofia Leilani Kugelberg Photography credit: Cary Whittier

Students will:

  • Understand basic design principles with an emphasis on three-dimensional design, and the ability to apply these principles to a specific aesthetic intent;
  • Gain advanced abilities in drawing sufficient to support work in sculpture;
  • Understand the possibilities and limitations of various materials;
  • Gain knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, techniques and processes sufficient to work from concept to finished product;
  • Have functional knowledge of the historical and contemporary movements and issues in the field of sculpture;
  • Demonstrate the development of a personal expressive style in one or more sculptural media;
  • Demonstrate the ability to create a coherent body of work and complete all tasks necessary to mount a public exhibition of that work in a professional manner.
a gallery setting, with 7 face mask sculptures
Theresa Girvan BFA Fine Arts '23 Sculpture + Integrated Practices, Photography credit: Cary Whittier
a sculpture of a door
Ilayda Celik BFA Fine Arts '23 Sculpture + Integrated Practices, Photography credit: Cary Whittier