Department of Art Mission and Goals

Western Connecticut State University’s visual arts curriculum incorporates a structure consistent with C.A.A. guidelines, based on classic design principles inspired by the Bauhaus and the exploration of traditional and emerging media. The options offered by the BFA are Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Studio Arts: Painting. A traditional BA in Art is also offered adapted to student interests in Art and other minors within the university. All areas of emphasis share a common two-year foundation program. This foundation program is of critical significance as it instills in each student a comprehensive background in aesthetic form, structure, and dynamics. Additionally, our students have the opportunity to participate in professional internships and the annual Senior Exhibition.

The liberal arts component is vital; it promotes and develops a set of skills that are of fundamental importance to any citizen and critical for the successful artist or designer. These include the ability to think critically, the development and refinement of verbal and written skills, and the acquisition of a diverse and extensive visual vocabulary and knowledge base.

This combination of professional artistic training and acquired liberal arts skills enables visual artists to successfully develop, create and articulate their creative visual dialogues.

The primary goals of the Department of Art are:

1. To provide a professional education for art majors that develops, nurtures, and assures their competency in all aspects of the discipline; and
2. To encourage development of the creative, intuitive, and intellectual capabilities of students, faculty, and audience; and
3. To assist students in discerning appropriate careers through diligent advising.
4. To provide an education for the greater university community that introduces them to the discipline of art through appreciation and exhibition, thus developing an informed group of advocates and affirming that art is an integral part of a classic liberal arts education; and
5. To provide for and to enrich the cultural and educational life of the campus, city, state, and region through excellence in instruction, research, studio practice, and exhibition; and
6. To prepare students for graduate education in multiple areas of art and the visual communication industry; and
7. To support collaborations between art and related disciplines, and to cultivate and apply new approaches to studio practice, scholarship, and education.