OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you feel compelled to satisfy your need for self-expression by creating works of art? Does the history of human artistic expression interest you? Would you like to develop your artistic talents through structured study and practice? Are you interested in educating people in the arts? Do learning technical skills and creating artwork through a wide variety of mediums excite you? Do concepts and expressions of beauty motivate you? Then, a major in Art may be the choice for you.
Visual arts comprise the study of the variety of means of visually expressing human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions, and ideas. Artists use several media such as oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, clay, plaster and computers. Visual artists create abstract works and images of objects, people, nature, topography and events. The Art Department offers several options of study. The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree in studio art and the BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree in Art History or Art Education or Studio Art are all professional degrees, leading to related to art careers.
The B.A. Degree (Bachelor of Arts) has three areas of concentration available to students:
The Art History Concentration provides a basic preparation in art history for graduate studies; careers in research and teaching at the college level; for positions in museums, libraries, or private collections; or for writing and criticism in the arts. Graduate studies or advanced level classes are necessary for professional advancement.
The Art Education Concentration embraces the artist-teacher concept, which allows students to develop a studio concentration while preparing to teach art at the K-12 level. The program is comprehensive, meaning students take coursework to prepare them to teach at the elementary and secondary school levels. The Art Education program enjoys good working relationships with school districts in the state of Colorado. Students integrate studio, art history, criticism, and aesthetics as they observe and teach--through a variety of experiences--in the public schools.
The Studio Concentration gives students a liberal education with a focus on one or more of the visual arts. The concentration enables graduates to incorporate their specialty into their careers and life activities. People who are knowledgeable about art may contribute much by supporting community arts activities and teaching others.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Creativity and artistic ability
* Good powers of observation
* Imagination
* Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
* Ability to communicate thoughts and feelings through visual aides
* Ability to communicate ideas
* Aptitude for spatial relationships
* Ability to recognize differences in shapes shading, and color
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Employment of visual artists is expected to grow faster than average throughout the next several years. Demand for the work of graphic artists will be strong as producers of information, goods, and services put increasing emphasis on visual appeal in product design, advertising, marketing and television. Because art graduates possess a number of transferable communication, analytical and critical thinking skills, they find positions in government, industry, and academia. Many employers appreciate liberal arts majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Depending on your interests, the electives you take or the concentration you select, available career choices include but are not limited to:
* Art appraiser
* Art director
* Art therapist
* Exhibit designer
* Art critic
* Jeweler
* Gallery director
* Graphic design artist
* Free lance artist
* Sculptor
* Technical illustrator
* Painter
* Textile designer
* Weaver
* Art educator
* Art historian
* Art curator
* Art librarian
* Art museum educator
* Web page designer
* Photo lab technician
* Art restorer
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Students of Visual Arts (SOVA)
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Art
G100 Visual Arts Bldg
1770 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1770
970-491-6774
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Art/
* Academic advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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