Department of Visual Arts
Department Chair: D. Knotts
Faculty
Professors: S. Bell, D. Knotts
Assistant Professor: P. Spangler
Mission Statement
We believe that visual arts education is important in a world driven by visual persuasion. Our goal is to provide professional visual arts education to Gardner-Webb University students within the context of a well-rounded liberal arts education. We will educate our students in our common Western artistic and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, we seek to broaden and expand the enthusiasm and intellectual depth of our students through exposure, education and understanding of non-Western cultures, and their artistic contributions and heritage, in keeping with our philosophy of a liberal arts education.
The Department of Art will develop the artistic skills and abilities of our students, celebrate their growth as individuals, as artists, and as art educators. We will train our students in the history, exhibition, teaching, composition, business, and creation of art while upholding strong Christian values and ethics that hold a high regard for the dignity and worth of all people.
Major Fields of Study
Bachelor of Art
Bachelor of Fine Art
Minor Fields of Study
Studio Art
Art History
The Department offers two concentrations for BA in Art and BFA students. The Two-Dimensional concentration includes additional studio classes in drawing, painting, figure drawing, and printmaking. The Three-Dimensional concentration includes additional studio classes in ceramics and sculpture.
The following additional graduation requirements are required for BA and BFA art majors and second majors in Art.
- Pass a comprehensive art history slide identification exam with an average grade of “C” or better during, or before, the senior year of study.
- Pass a foundation portfolio review with an average grade of “C” or better during, or before, the senior year of study.
- Participate in one all-studio critique each year.
- Attend four art department events per year.
BA and BFA art majors must also:
- Exhibit individual selections of their work during both the junior and senior years of study and write a critical essay in defense of the work for the junior exhibit, and write, present, and publish a creative thesis defending the work for the senior exhibit.
- Formulate and present a digital slide portfolio, actual work portfolio, and résumé.
Second Majors in Studio Arts must also:
- Mount an exhibit of the strongest body of work created during or before the senior year of study.
Second Majors in Art History must also:
- Complete and present an independent research paper in art history.
Minors in Studio Arts must:
- Pass a comprehensive art history slide identification exam with an average grade of “C” or better during, or before, their senior year of study.
- Pass a foundation portfolio review the senior year (before graduation).
- Mount an exhibit of a body of work before or during the senior of study.
Minors in Art History must:
- Pass a comprehensive art history slide identification exam with an average grade of “C” or better during, or before, their senior year of study.
- Exhibit and portfolio requirements are detailed in the Art Student Handbook.