Art Education at VSU College of the Arts IS NOT going away!!!

The Department of Art & Design at VSU is undergoing a transition, replacing the BFA in Art Education with the new Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT-ARED). While this change may initially cause concern, efforts are being made to ensure current students can finish their degrees through a "teach-out plan." The MAT-ARED program aims to enhance teaching skills, provide initial teaching certification, and open doors for career advancement in art education. The transition process is still in its early stages, with details pending on the timeline and structure of the new program, but support for students and faculty remains a priority throughout.

 

COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW –

Last week, a VSU campus announcement listed several academic programs that were submitted to the USG for deactivation review – one from the CoA – the BFA in Art Education (however, beyond deactivation, launching a new MAT in Art Education was also recommended).

POSITIVE NEWS – a transition to a new Art Education degree. Both Monika Meler, Head of Art & Design, and Jenny Evans, Art Education Coordinator were included in this process – As CoA Dean, I continue to have discussions with them about the future (and importance) of Art Education at VSU and throughout our service region and beyond. While the deactivation of a degree may appear to be difficult news, we are all committed to our students finishing the degree they started, the BFA in Art Education, here at VSU. When a program is deactivated, the news is typically followed by shock and rumors or a narrative that may not be accurate. I am working with Monika and Jenny to address any questions you or our students may have.

The Department of Art & Design is in the process of organizing a “teach-out plan” for the BFA ARED degree, which means that students who are currently enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to finish according to this plan. Students will still take all the courses they need to complete for their degree. The “teach out” means that we have a timeline/plan for when the students who are currently enrolled will finish the program, as well as a “stop point” to accept new students into the BFA-ARED program as we transition to a new Art Education degree. We are here to support every student through this process and are committed to their success in the program and in their professional lives. 

The positive and exciting news is that the B.F.A in Art Education is planned to be replaced with a new degree program, the Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT-ARED). The MAT-ARED will, like the BFA in Art Education, provide students the opportunity to gain their initial teaching credential. The MAT-ARED is deeply rooted in the classroom, honing teaching skills and instructional strategies that directly impact students. Other key benefits of a MAT-ARED Degree:

  • Enhance teaching and assessment skills alongside pedagogical theory

  • Allows a transition to a teaching career from another field in the visual arts
  • (Opens doors for students with a BA, BS, or BFA Art Degree to enter into Art Education)
  • Attain initial teaching certification, boost career prospects, and salary growth
  • Ready individuals for further certification or an advanced degree, such as doctoral studies in P-12 education
  • Expands career opportunities including curriculum developer, instructional coordinator, or education leadership
  • Increased chances for teaching at the college level, often with higher salaries than P-12.

The Department is in the beginning stages of designing the VSU MAT-ARED program, it will likely be primarily online and will allow aspiring teachers to earn a Master’s level degree, which equates to a larger salary in the state of Georgia and many other states (~10-20% more annually). At this moment, we do not have a comprehensive “teach out” plan for the BFA-ARED, or a timeline of when the MAT-ARED will launch, because much of this depends on the University System of Georgia’s timeline for these changes. The VSU College of the Arts has made changes like this before when the Department of Music transitioned from an undergraduate Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree to a MAT in Music Education, so there is a successful precedent set in the College for this transition. Know that we are here to support our students and our faculty.

My thanks and appreciation to the Department Head, Program Coordinator, and faculty members involved who provided key information, data, and support narratives so that I could complete, submit, and present a comprehensive Program Situation Analysis for the BFA Art Education program – This was a difficult task/process, their input was critical. Please feel free to connect with Monika Meler, Head of Art & Design, Jenny Evans, Program Coordinator, or myself if you have any questions or concerns or need our help in understanding the information above.

Michael Schmidt, Dean of the College of the Arts

 

The Department of Art & Design is comprised of a wide range of studio areas, in 3 basic locations within 2 major buildings on campus. The Fine Arts Building is home to the Department of Art & Design office (Room 1070A on the first floor), the Fine Arts Gallery, faculty offices, and over 7 studio areas within the Art Program. Located in the University Center, across from the food court "breezeway," you will find 4 additional art studios and faculty offices. The University Center (South) houses Interior Design, Computer Graphics/Design, Art History and several faculty offices as well.

vsu art map

 

VSU Art Studio Program-Areas

Fine Arts Building (first floor):

  • Art & Design Administrative office suite:
    • Main A&D Office, Dept. Head office, 9 faculty offices, copy/mail room.
  • Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery
  • Martha G. Smart Student Gallery
  • Painting studios & outdoor covered patio
  • Art Education studio & outdoor covered patio
  • Drawing studio
  • Ceramics studios & outdoor covered patio
    • Gas kilns: Geil DLB downdraft, Alpine HF20 Updraft, Cross-draft forced air soda kiln, 3 small gas kilns, raku kiln
    • Computerized Electric Kilns: 2 Skutt PTK 1227 Pro, 1 Skutt 1231PTK Pro, 1 L&L e23t
    • Kiln Sitter Electric Kilns: Skutt KS818, KS714, & KS614-3 Test Kiln
    • 16 Brent CXC wheels, extruders, slab rollers etc. 
    • Full glaze tech studio (mix glazes “in-house)
    • Delta/Wasp 3D ceramic printer

Fine Arts Building (second floor):

  • Photography studios, lighting lab/studio, clean/critique room, darkroom
    • Digital Photo Lab (27” iMacs [x20], high output large format Epson printers 18”x & 24”w / Makerbot 3D printers)
  • Drawing studio (figure drawing & advanced drawing)
  • Lecture classrooms (x5) shared by CoA (seat 30-40 with technology, etc.)
  • Professional Advising Suite (part of the CoA) 3 professional advisors and 2 GAs

University Center (Middle):

  • 3 faculty offices and 1 staff office – Art Studio Supervisor
  • Printmaking studios includes multiple presses, tech room; (ventilation, screen-printing, lithography, intaglio/etching, woodcut, etc.) Clean/critique room seats 20+, includes abundant flat file storage
  • Sculpture studios & outdoor covered patio (MIG welders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, foundry for bronze casting, stone/marble carving, burnout kilns, and a comprehensive tool room w/pneumatic & hand tools)
  • Sculpture studio/wood shop have loading access, and roll up door/hoist system
  • Metalsmithing & Jewelry studios -- equipped with three ventilated soldering stations, an enameling kiln, equipment for lost wax casting, ergonomic workspaces for 13 students, and an array of hand tools for small metal fabrication.
  • Wood shop w/ventilation & outdoor covered patio
    • (Table Saw *SAW-STOP, panel saw, miter saws x2, band saws x3, lathes, drill press, jointer, planer, scroll saws x4, disc/belt sanders x2 oscillating spindle sander, outdoor portable saw mill w/trailer, and a large comprehensive tool room with hand/power tools).
    • Laser cutter/etching machine w/Apple iMac & software

University Center (South):

  • 7 faculty offices, conference room, copy room and 3D scanning/printing room w/Makerbot 3D printers
  • Graphic Design Computer Lab (21” iMacs [x20], high output large format 48”w Epson p9000 printer)
  • Interior Design Computer lab (HP Z-Workstations w/ 27” monitors [x20], high output large format 48”w HP Z5200 printer)
  • Interior Design Studios (Drafting, modelmaking, resource room/library, storage rooms, etc).
  • Art History lecture room (Tech = 2 large screens, seats 40)
  • Foundations studio (seats 20+) includes a large restored 100 year old letter press w/assorted metal, wood and 3D printed type

A comprehensive base in Foundations promotes an understanding and application of the basic elements of design, creative and analytical thinking, and problem solving, all of which are essential to pursuing a program in the visual arts. By learning to make meaningful connections between art and design, students are able to formulate informed decisions regarding their educational experience in the Department of Art & Design.

Learn more about Foundations

The Art Education program leads to a BFA degree and certification to teach in the public school system. Service forms a large component of the degree program, with students participating in professional activities, local, state, and national conferences, workshops, and research. Additionally, the program provides the experience of working directly with P-12 teachers and students in the classroom. Opportunities also exist for membership in the VSU chapter of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and its state-based arm, the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA). During the course of the degree program students not only learn about art, but also the art of becoming a professional educator, with outstanding opportunities for employment as a result.

Individuals seeking instruction in Ceramics are exposed to a variety of methods and concepts, such as coil, pinch, slab construction, extruding, and wheel throwing techniques in a traditional studio environment. Emphasis is placed on the creation of both functional and sculptural forms which employ a wide range of materials and clay bodies including stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware, with an exploration of techniques such as electric/oxidation, raku, soda firing, and high fire reduction. Advanced ceramics students gain exposure to methods and concepts which include mold making, multiples, sets, installation, digital transgfers, and other multidisciplinary procedures to build a vast portfolio.

Learn more about Ceramics

The Art History section offers students courses covering periods from Prehistoric through Contemporary, including classes on aesthetics and art criticism. Additionally, special offerings courses familiarize students with a diverse range of arts traditions, from African American and Native American to the arts of Latin American peoples. Critical thinking, written communication, and the role and function of the arts in a holistic context as they relate to global culture are emphasized. Students may also pursue directed studies with an emphasis on research and art historical methodology.  

Graphic Design offers instruction through project based assignments that introduce students to the many facets of the design field, and provides practical experience in the applications of typography, layout, illustration, web design, and animation. The Graphic Design section has a state of the art Macintosh lab with twenty networked computers and large format printers for the creation of high quality comprehensives. Not only are students introduced to the field of Graphic Design, but they are also provided the opportunity for individual exploration through advanced courses. The advanced courses focus on the creation of quality works comprising a professional portfolio which facilitates entry into the job market.

Interior Design is a four year program leading to a BFA in Interior Design. The program is structured around standards for professionalism, and incorporates aspects that focus on the creation of sustainable, safe, and healthy environments that enhance the quality of life. Courses also emphasize design fundamentals, design history, knowledge of business principles, and building codes and regulations. Students develop communications skills through construction documents, color renderings, and oral presentations. The curriculum provides students with the necessary skills to effectively plan for both residential and commercial interior spaces, with electives that enrich and encourage individual creativity.

Learn more about Interior Design

In the Jewelry/ Metalsmithing area students learn metal fabrication and construction methods used to create jewelry and small-scale sculpture.  Students are encouraged to think creatively, explore alternative materials, and work across disciplines and media.  Metalsmithing is a medium rich with history and tradition, where artists have the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting objects of adornment and art.

Painting instruction in the Department of Art & Design includes both perceptually based study as well as more conceptual and experimental approaches to the medium. Students work with oils, acrylics, watercolors, encaustics, and mixed media. Introduction to the fundamental concepts of painting and materials is emphasized in introductory courses, while courses at all levels are designed to foster knowledge of the historical and theoretical background of painting. Upper division students are encouraged to explore the development of individual style and personal vision, preparing them for continued growth and excellence in a professional context.

Photography provides a wide based experience in the visual arts with course offerings satisfying requirements for electives in the Department of Art & Design degree programs and minors offered through a number of University departments. Instruction includes exposure to techniques incorporating black and white wet media processes, digital imaging, and time-based media. Students learn the fundamentals of analog and digital shooting and processing, in addition to color management, lighting techniques, video and audio capture, presentation (matting and dry mounting), and the analytical and conceptual assessment of photographic works in a professional yet intimate studio setting.

Printmaking provides students with experience in another traditional studio area. The Department of Art & Design’s printmaking section provides instruction in intaglio, lithography, and screen printing. The facilities include two etching presses, one lithographic press, and one combination press. Introductory courses expose students to a variety of printmaking techniques, while advanced courses provide opportunities for individual exploration and development in selected media. All levels of instruction emphasize safe studio practices and use of less toxic printmaking techniques.

For students interested in sculptural arts, the Sculpture area offers instruction in a variety of media and techniques, including subtractive sculptural processes in stone and wood, as well as bronze and aluminum casting. Students gain experience in three dimensional design, beginning and advanced sculpture, and workshops focusing on advanced techniques. Facilities include a large and well equipped tool room housing both hand and power tools, pneumatic equipment, welding facilities, kilns, a nineteen foot saw mill, work tables and storage. The sculpture studio is located adjacent to a well equipped wood shop.