Department of Art and Design
Chairperson: Stephanie K. O’Dell Daugherity
Location: Fauntleroy Annex, Room 103
Contact Information: (804) 524-2452 | sodell@vsu.edu
Department Overview
The Art and Design program offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Arts degree. All students begin with the CORE program (Communication, Organization, Realization, Expression), covering the first two years, which produces a strong understanding of the design fundamentals and applications of traditional art media. Foundation level courses, including 2D and 3D design, color theory, drawing, and creative technology, are designed to prepare students to begin their advanced concentration coursework in the sophomore year.
Students in the program can decide from three concentrations, aligned with primary creative career paths: Studio Arts, Animation, or Graphic Design. The program also offers minors in Animation, Graphic Design, Photography, and Studio Arts.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Art and Design Department at Virginia State University is to produce the artists of tomorrow, one individual at a time. Our faculty is committed to the artistic development of each student as a unique individual through the process of instruction and mentorship. Our goal is to prepare students for success in whatever professional arena of art they choose by providing a solid base of artistic knowledge and technical skill, then encouraging creative exploration and stylistic development from this foundation. Through the creative work and service of our students and faculty, we hope to engender a broader appreciation for the arts to enhance the vitality of the university and surrounding community.
Accreditation Information
The Art and Design program is accredited by NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 328 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.
Virginia State University is one of few public HBCUs in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Visual Arts.
Department Goals
The department goals of the Art and Design program are to ensure that:
- Students will demonstrate an entry-level competence for a professional in their area of specialization, including technical mastery of their media, understanding and use of the concepts of design, and the ability to clearly communicate the intended message.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop a cohesive artistic concept (focus) evident throughout a body of work produced in their chosen media.
- Students will be able to research, form and defend value judgments about art and design in both written and oral statements. The student will effectively communicate these ideas at a professional level.
- Students will engage through the arts with their university and local community.
Program Listings
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Arts
Studio Arts Concentration - Prepares students for contemporary artistic careers among the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, and new media. As they follow their focus through sequential courses, students can shape their own curricula to span across traditional artistic boundaries and learn a variety of media specially designed to meet their needs and creative desires. This artistic “cross training” permits students to expand their creative horizons using new media tools, techniques, and concepts, and become the artistic leaders of the 21st century.
Animation Concentration - Teaches students the principles and skills of motion and time-based media, using 2D and 3D traditional and digital methods. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter graduate programs of study in animation, and/or entry-level apprentice positions within the industry.
Graphic Design Concentration - Students follow a course sequence that builds the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in today’s commercial arts marketplace. The program prepares students for careers as commercial artists in areas such as branding, digital illustration, print, and packaging design.
Although a portfolio review is not required for acceptance into the BFA in Visual Arts CORE Program, advancement to the specific concentrations (Studio Art, Animation, Graphic Design) in the second year is dependent on a review of the student’s portfolio of artwork, along with the successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade.
Minors
- Animation
- Art History
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Studio Art
Major(s)
- Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in Animation (B.F.A.)
- Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in Studio Arts (B.F.A.)
- Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in Graphic Design (B.F.A.)
Minor(s)
ART AND DESIGN
ARTS 101. Drawing I. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of drawing expression. Pencil, charcoal, conte, and wash media are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions.
ARTS 102. Drawing II. (3 Credits)
Continuation of drawing expression. Introduction to linear perspective, foreshortening, and the use of color. Pencil, charcoal, conte, pastels, prismacolor, and wash media are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 101.
ARTS 103. Two Dimensional Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of two dimensional design, color theory, form relationships and their function in various design situations. Contemporary and traditional concepts of design principles and elements are explored. Course includes critiques and discussions. Art & Design Majors & Minors Only Course.
ARTS 104. 2 Dimenl Design;Color Theor. (3 Credits)
Examination of the interaction of color through studio experience and the manipulation of color to achieve various effects for problem solving and individual expression. Course includes critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 101 and ARTS 103.
ARTS 108. Computers for Artists. (3 Credits)
An introductory course in the hardware, software, set-up, and use of computers, specifically designed for the needs of artists. Basic hardware and peripherals set-up, use of operating systems and artist-based programs for both Macintosh and PC systems. This course is only for Art & Design Majors.
ARTS 131. World Art Survey I. (3 Credits)
Examination of the key stages in the evolution of art and architecture from around the world until approximately 1400 CE. Emphasis on understanding the visual language of art as an expression of relationships to the cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts in which the artist lives.
ARTS 132. World Art Survey II. (3 Credits)
Examination of the key stages in the evolution of art and architecture from around the world from approximately 1400 CE to today. Emphasis on understanding the visual language of art as an expression of relationships to the cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts in which the artist lives.
ARTS 199. Art Appreciation. (3 Credits)
An introduction to the study and understanding of the visual arts. The various methods through which humans are able to access, interpret, and interact with art will be discussed. Topics include various cultural definitions of art and its use, the elements of design, the characteristics of art media, and the interpretation of content. Emphasis is placed on the areas of painting, sculpture, and architecture, but other areas (drawing, graphics, crafts, etc.) are discussed.
ARTS 200. Art Crafts. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the functional and decorative handicrafts through a variety of media.
ARTS 202. Life Drawing I. (3 Credits)
Continuation of drawing fundamentals and expression introduced the previous year using the human figure as the means of study. Pencil, charcoal, conte and wash media are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and ARTS 103.
ARTS 203. Printmaking I. (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of graphic expressions employed in woodcuts, etchings, lithography and other vehicles for graphic reproductions. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 102.
ARTS 204. Printmaking II. (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of graphic expressions employed in woodcuts, etchings, lithography and other vehicles for graphic reproductions. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 203.
ARTS 206. Watercolor. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of transparent and opaque watercolor painting techniques. Prerequisites: ARTS 102.
ARTS 207. Three Dimensional Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the functional concepts of three-dimensional design. Form relationships as applied to the elements and principles of design. Course includes critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 102.
ARTS 208. Perspective Drawing. (3 Credits)
Examination of perspective as a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface. Emphasis on the development of comprehension in perspective through drawing exercises and projects. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and ARTS 103.
ARTS 209. Cognitive Develop for Artist. (3 Credits)
Increasing the creativity of artists through the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. Emphases on different methodologies for creative development of individual and group artwork. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and ARTS 104.
ARTS 212. Life Drawing II. (3 Credits)
Advanced development of drawing skills using the human figure as means of expression. Techniques such as gesture, abstraction, composition, and foreshortening are explored using a variety of wet and dry media. Prerequisites: ARTS 202.
ARTS 215. Introduction to Animation. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the history and methodology of animation. Regular animation screenings of commercial and experimental works with students responding to the work orally and/or in written form. Prerequisites: ARTS 225.
ARTS 216. 2D Methods & Materials. (3 Credits)
Overview of the tools, materials, and processes of two-dimensional media. Emphasis on the manipulation and safe handling of materials and tools, their use in artistic expression, and historical development. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and ARTS 104.
ARTS 217. 3D Methods & Materials. (3 Credits)
Overview of the tools, materials, and processes of three-dimensional media. Emphasis on the manipulation and safe handling of materials and tools, their use in artistic expression, and historical development. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and ARTS 104.
ARTS 225. Electronic Animation. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the various software, hardware, and equipment used in the creation of animation. Prerequisite: ARTS 215.
ARTS 301. World Art Survey I. (3 Credits)
Examination of the key stages in the evolution of art and architecture from around the world until approximately 1400 CE. Emphasis on understanding the visual language of art as an expression of relationships to the cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts in which the artist lives.
ARTS 302. World Art Survey II. (3 Credits)
Examination of the key stages in the evolution of art and architecture from around the world from approximately 1400 CE to today. Emphasis on understanding the visual language of art as an expression of relationships to the cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts in which the artist lives.
ARTS 303. Sculpture - Wood. (3 Credits)
Odd Exploration of sculptural fundamentals, emphasizing materials (cardboard and wood) and methods (both additive and subtractive). Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 304. Sculpture - Mold MakingI. (3 Credits)
In-depth exploration of the three-dimensional concepts, skills, and processes for mold making and plaster casting as generated from clay models. Emphasis is placed on the development of design and construction skills, concept realization, and creative personal invention. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisite: ARTS 207.
ARTS 305. Painting - Still Life. (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of painting in oil and acrylics introduced through the imagery of the still life. Traditional and experimental painting processes are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 216.
ARTS 306. Painting - Landscape. (3 Credits)
Continuation of painting in oil and acrylics using the imagery of the landscape. Traditional and experimental painting processes are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 216.
ARTS 307. Modern Art: 1860-1960. (3 Credits)
Examination of the historical styles and artists of the 'Modern' period from 1860 through 1960, how they compare and relate to previous periods, and how they have been influenced by social and political conditions. Prerequisites: Students must have junior status or special permission from the instructor.
ARTS 309. Ceramics - Hand Building. (3 Credits)
Exploration of ceramic design, basic forming, and firing techniques. Focus is on the basic construction techniques (pinch, coil, and slab), and finishing techniques in ceramic media including hand building; fabrication, surface design, glazing and kiln firing. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 310. Ceramics - Wheel Throwing. (3 Credits)
Development of skills with a focus on wheel throwing. In addition to being introduced to the potter’s wheel, students develop their glazing techniques, knowledge of ceramics, and its terminology. Emphasis is placed on the development of design and construction skills with ceramic materials, concept realization, and creative personal invention. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 312. Advanced Drawing. (3 Credits)
An advanced exploration of the traditional history, methods, and materials of drawing for students who have mastered basic drawing skills and who wish to develop them to enhance visual thinking. Studio approach using live model, via anatomical and perspective approaches to drawing. Emphasis is placed on the technical mastery of drawing techniques and media. Prequisite: ARTS 312.
ARTS 313. Black & White Photography I. (3 Credits)
An introduction to the basics of black and white photography will be covered to include: Basic features and operation of an SLR (manual) camera, black and white film processing, and darkroom procedures. Students will participate with basics of composition, design, lighting, printing, processing, and final print presentation. Students will learn how to develop film, process prints, and other printing controls such as dodging, burning, and the use of filters. The concentration is placed on photography as a fine art medium. Students should have a 35mm film camera that includes manual controls. Prerequisites: VCAD 206.
ARTS 314. Black & White Photography II. (3 Credits)
A continuation of the exploration of traditional wet process photography, with emphasis on developing film, processing prints, and other printing controls such as dodging, burning, and the use of filters. The concentration is placed on photography as a fine art medium. Students should have a 35mm film camera that includes manual controls. Prerequisites: ARTS 313.
ARTS 315. Sound for Animation. (3 Credits)
Examination of the basic theory and methodology of sound design. Project emphasis is on the creation of sound for use in animation. Prerequisite: ARTS 225.
ARTS 325. Animation Basic I. (3 Credits)
Examination of the principles that govern animation. Student will explore these principles through various exercises and projects. Prerequisite: ARTS 225.
ARTS 330. Animation I. (3 Credits)
Examination of animation components for the identification of individual strengths in animation methodology through the completion of animation exercises and projects. Prerequisite: ARTS 325.
ARTS 335. Animation Basic II. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the principles of special effects animation. Exploration of these principles through various exercises and projects. Sound will also be incorporated into their animation. Prerequisite: ARTS 325.
ARTS 403. Survey African American Art. (3 Credits)
Examination of art produced by African-Americans in the United States from the Colonial Period to present. Exploration of the social and political climates influencing the art of African-Americans. Prerequisites: Students must have junior status or special permission from the instructor.
ARTS 404. Art of the Motion Picture. (3 Credits)
Discussion in a seminar setting of the artistic development of the motion picture from its early beginnings to the present, with both technical (editing, production) and aesthetic (cinematography) consideration. Students engage in analysis and discussion after viewing selected films. Prerequisites: Students must have at least junior status or special permission from the instructor.
ARTS 405. Survey Of African Art. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the major forms of art and architecture produced by various cultures of Africa. Examination of the art forms and their places within society for pre-historic and ancient civilizations, medieval empires, and the peoples of the Colonial Period in northern, western, central, southern, and east Africa. Prerequisites: Students must have junior status or special permission from the instructor.
ARTS 407. History of Photography. (3 Credits)
A visually oriented history of the development of photography from its earliest manifestations to today and explores photography’s applications as a commercial enterprise, a documentary tool, a cultural force and a means of personal expression. Although the emphasis is on photography as a fine art and its relationship to the other arts, topics include documentary photography and photojournalism, fashion and portraiture, and the use of photography in mass media. Prerequisites: Students must have at least junior status or special permission from the instructor.
ARTS 409. Ceramics - Mold Making. (3 Credits)
Examination of ceramic mold making, slip casting, and clay/glaze formulation. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 410. Ceramics - Mixed Media. (3 Credits)
Exploration of mixed media formats and techniques to begin the development of a personal style through the creation of a series of related ceramic pieces. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 412. Experimental Drawing. (3 Credits)
An exploration of the contemporary conceptual and creative approaches to drawing. Emphasis on the expansion of the definition of drawing through the use of unfamiliar/unexpected materials, methods, and theories for visual thinking. Prerequisite: ARTS 312.
ARTS 413. Sculpture - Metal. (3 Credits)
Even Exploration of three-dimensional concepts, skills, and processes with an emphasis on metal fabrication. Using the machinery of the woodshop, expand technical vocabulary with tools such as MIG welders, oxy- acetylene torches, grinders, and chop saws. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 414. Sculpture - Mixed Media. (3 Credits)
Exploration of conceptual and expressive problems in a variety of sculptural media and various sculptural processes which may include casting, metal fabrication, and/or wood sculpture techniques. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 207.
ARTS 415. Painting - Figure. (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of painting in oil and acrylics introduced through the imagery of the human figure. Traditional and experimental painting processes are explored. Course includes weekly critiques and discussions. Prerequisites: ARTS 216.
ARTS 416. Painting - Mixed Media. (3 Credits)
Odd Continuing in-depth study of painting formats and techniques integrating various media to begin the development of a personal style through the creation of a series of related paintings. Prerequisites: ARTS 216.
ARTS 425. Animation Basic III. (3 Credits)
Examination of experimental animation. Exploration of any available methodology/technology for animation exercises and projects. Prerequisite: ARTS 335.
ARTS 430. Animation II. (3 Credits)
Writing and production of individiual animation(s) in prepartation for senior studio. Prerequisites: ARTS 330.
GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSES
VCAD 200. Graphic Design History. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the evolution of graphic communications from prehistoric times to the development of modern graphic design. The uses of and styles of graphic design will be covered. Art & Design Majors Only Course.
VCAD 201. Typography I. (3 Credits)
A study of typography fundamentals. History and development of lettering and type reproduction methods. Exploration of letterform aesthetics and communication value through practical design projects. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 and 108.
VCAD 202. Typography II. (3 Credits)
An advanced exploration of typography. Functional and expressive type treatments and the effective implementation of type as a visual communication tool. Emphasis placed on the development of ideas and the ability to communicate them effectively. Introduction to proofreading and editing type. For Graphic Design majors only Prerequisite: VCAD 201.
VCAD 203. Graphic Design I. (3 Credits)
An introductory survey to the professional field of graphic design as related to print, multimedia, entertainment, environmental and other areas of visual communications. Emphasis on fundamental principles and skills with a broad approach to the application of techniques and concepts of the field. Prerequisite: ARTS 102 and 108.
VCAD 205. Graphic Design II. (3 Credits)
An advanced investigation of the professional field of graphic design as related to print, multimedia, entertainment, environmental and other areas of visual communications. Emphasis on the principles and skills of graphic design with a broad approach to the application of techniques and concepts of the field. Prerequisite: VCAD 203.
VCAD 206. Basic Photography. (3 Credits)
An introduction to photography, emphasizing the basic operation of a camera. Students will learn to adjust the settings for exposure, speed, and light conditions. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: ARTS 102 or permission of instructor.
VCAD 207. Digital Photography I. (3 Credits)
A digital approach to photography as a communication tool. The course emphasizes the use of the digital camera and photo-correction software and techniques. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: VCAD 206.
VCAD 300. Traditional Illustration. (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the fundamentals of rendering images while exploring various media and techniques. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 208.
VCAD 301. Silkscreen Procedures. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the various silkscreen procedures employed in advertising art and design. Exploration of hand-cut stencils and photographic processes. Prerequisites: ARTS 202.
VCAD 302. Print Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the printing process. Examination of commercial printing: the presses, inks, paper, and finishing. The pre-press operations to prepare digital files will be emphasized. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 304. HTML. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the language and structure of HTML documents, markup techniques, and validation. Topics include text formatting, lists, tables, META tags, and CSS. Prerequisite: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 305. UX/UI Design. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the planning and development of useful, aesthetically appealing interfaces and digital experiences through the effective use of navigation techniques with the creative use of graphics, sound and typography.
VCAD 307. Digital Photography II. (3 Credits)
Students will explore the creative use of digital cameras, and digital printing techniques. Imaging software will be used for editing and printing techniques. Students will learn advanced lighting, cropping, and formatting techniques. Course includes the regular critiques of student work and discussions of photographic fundamentals. Prerequisites: VCAD 207.
VCAD 310. Digital Illustration. (3 Credits)
Creating illustrations for editorial and business communications using traditional and digital media. For Graphic Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 300.
VCAD 312. Print II. (3 Credits)
Designing print media using experimental formats, as well as special multi-media materials and techniques. For Graphic Design majors/minors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 302.
VCAD 314. Motion Graphics. (3 Credits)
Exploration of the effective use of animations in digital design and the graphics software used to make them.
VCAD 315. Publication Design. (3 Credits)
Analysis of professional design studio problems and processes related to publication design. Integrating cohesive design solutions, strategies, grid structures, layouts and compositions throughout multi-page formats. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 400. Editorial Illustration. (3 Credits)
Course devoted to generating commercial illustrations based on printed and digital publications with an understanding of the history of editorial illustration and its role in commercial art today. Contracts and forms, time management, client relationships and current trends are explored. Prerequisite: VCAD 310.
VCAD 401. Web Design II. (3 Credits)
Advanced work in the planning and development of useful, aesthetically appealing web sites. Students will learn the effects of browser choices and computing platforms on their design choices and should gain a critical eye for evaluating web site designs. Prerequisite: VCAD 305.
VCAD 410. Visual Narrative. (3 Credits)
Illustration-heavy course devoted to exploring the art of visual storytelling and character development. Proficiency in digital and traditional illustration required. Prerequisite: VCAD 400.
VCAD 411. Web Design III. (3 Credits)
Continuing in-depth study of web design formats and techniques to begin the development of a personal style through the creation of a series of extended web sites utilizing a variety of graphics. Prerequisite: VCAD 401.
VCAD 415. Package Design. (3 Credits)
Professional design studio processes and procedures related to packaging design. Developing brand identity and focusing on product positioning, while designing the three dimensional structure. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 416. Advertising Design. (3 Credits)
An introduction to advertising fundamentals. Development and implementation of strategic design concepts across multi-vehicle marketing materials. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and 205.
VCAD 430. Portfolio (SP). (3 Credits)
Exploring the various methodologies for creating a professional portfolio and resume. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: Senior status.
VCAD 450. Internship. (3-6 Credits)
Pragmatic work experience under the supervision of qualified professional practitioners. For Art & Design majors only. Prerequisites: VCAD 202 and VCAD 205.
VCAD 451. Senior Thesis Project. (3-6 Credits)
Examination of the business aspects of the commercial art world. Culminates in a formal presentation of a cohesive body of work before a departmental committee. Prerequisites: Senior status.
VCAD 489. Strategic Design. (3 Credits)
Students will be selected to work with area nonprofit clients to create and produce a wide variety of fully designed advertising and promotional materials. Students will work in teams to develop brand, marketing, and design strategies, write creative briefs, recruit teams to work with them during CreateAthononCampus (a 24 hour creative event held during Spring Break), present works to clients, and follow any deliverables through to production. Strong emphasis on leadership, team work, and a commitment to working with nonprofits. Prerequisite: Permission by Instructor.