ART 497A - Developing a Studio Practice for the Thesis

Prerequisite, senior standing. During the preparation for the senior thesis students will participate in committee work to develop their artistic practice and an exhibition proposal for the capstone BFA show in the spring semester. Faculty will guide students to steadily engage with their production through tailored assignments and discussion aiming to develop a self-directed studio practice. Students will work one on one with full-time faculty committee members over the semester to brainstorm subject matter, experiment technically, get exposure to new artists and artwork that relate to their work and begin drafting the writing and develop a language that critically supports their work. Students will develop a research strategy to explore their subject matter that will go tandem with preliminary sketches and experimentation in different materials. Senior exhibitions can take the form of various mediums, including installation, video, photography, sculpture, paintings, or performance. At the conclusion of the semester students will identify their artistic intentions, the central theme and materials that their senior exhibition will take, and have a clear plan for timeline, exhibition layout, budget, and artist statement. P/NP. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits