First-Year Core Program
The First-Year Core Program in the Department of Art and Art History welcomes students into the process of becoming a technically-savvy, conceptually-driven, empathic and hardworking creative community. The Core program consists of four courses, spread throughout the first two semesters in the department. These courses (2D, 3D, Drawing, and Time and Technology) provide a foundation of skills in a wide variety of physical materials and processes, including the essential language and practice of group critiques. At the end of their first year, students majoring in Studio Art and Art Education participate in a Portfolio Review for in-depth reflection on achievements, challenges, and risks taken within the First-Year Core Program. During this review, first year students define ideas, interests and future plans, and receive faculty feedback and advice.
Above all, the First-Year Core Program serves to instill a critical sense of trust and deep community among our students that lasts throughout their whole four years in the department and beyond.
Throughout the duration of my Core classes, I’ve learned a lot about new mediums and concepts. I’ve found success in experimentation, letting my work speak for itself rather than my typical prior processes of calculating a specific outcome. I have remained eager to use new methods and processes out of my comfort zone, such as ones like working in the woodshop for the first time or having to experiment with light sources for photography. — Mia Riojas
While each core class offered its own unique challenges, they collectively worked to shape my art into what it is today. — Juno Schwartz
The First-Year Core Program was an amazing groundwork where I was able to use mediums and techniques I was familiar with while also forcing me to be less rigid with my art. I often had to reframe my thinking and try something entirely new. — Mikaela Neri
It was through working on these projects in Core that I was able to find out more and more about the type of person I am and what I want to represent within my artworks. — Arturo Mendiola Quezada
Beforehand, I typically stuck to 2D mediums for my artworks, but Core 3D and Time and Tech forced me to work with mediums outside of my comfort zone. While it was challenging to work with unfamiliar mediums such as wood or sound, it was still fun to make my brain think under different constraints. I enjoyed experimenting in not only these newer mediums but also figuring out how to incorporate my new knowledge with my already preexisting art style. — Nguyen Nguyen
The projects have challenged and benefited me with the intricate processes and demand for out-of-the-box thinking. — Hannah Owen
Core Studios
Core 2D
In Core 2D, students combine innovative compositional techniques, color theory and conceptual thinking in order to create exciting, dynamic two-dimensional images. 2D offers students the opportunity to investigate the basic principles of design and to explore the communicative nature of visual imagery. Students leverage a variety of media and approaches, including paint, photography, collage, drawing, and digital imaging.
Core 3D
In Core 3D, students translate ideas into three-dimensional forms, focusing on creative problem-solving. Students in 3D can expect to learn safe and effective use of hand tools, power equipment, and various media, as well as develop spatial awareness, conceptual thinking, and technical skills. Here, they strive to convey concepts like unity, variety, balance, rhythm, movement, and scale via 3D work.
Core Drawing
Core Drawing introduces students to the fundamentals of observational drawing, perceptive seeing, and visual thinking. Through a range of local fieldtrips, students also use drawing as a catalyst to explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them. This course affirms the role of the human hand in the process that changes thinking into making, preparing students to consider more complex approaches as their practices gradually evolve.
Core Time and Technology
Core Time and Technology is an introduction to the technical, formal and conceptual use of contemporary practices including time and space, sound, video, and performance. Conceptual development, process, problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration combine to create short-form, innovative time-based work.
Note
Art History majors choose between Core Drawing and Core 2D, and do not take the other two Core courses. Studio Art and Art Education majors take all four Core courses.
