Art and Design

Department Chair: Chad W. Colby
Email: colby_c@fortlewis.edu

Professors: Susan M. Moss (Business Art Coordinator) and Amy K. Wendland
Associate Professors: Paul E. Booth (Graphic Design Coordinator), Chad W. Colby (Art Option Coordinator & Art History Minor Coordinator), and Jay C. Dougan
Assistant Professors: Anthony J. Holmquist (Art K-12 Coordinator), and Shawn C. Meek

The Art and Design Program approaches the study of art as an intellectual and creative enterprise. Both professional and liberal education learning outcomes are addressed as students become adept in design, visual communication, critical analysis, problem solving, and creative production. Students also develop an understanding of the diversity and complexity of art’s role in a global society. The Art Gallery, an integral part of program curriculum, hosts diverse exhibitions and visiting artists to engage students with the issues and ideas of contemporary art.

Four options within the major plus two minors allow students to focus their studies according to individual interest and professional goals: Graphic Design Option, Art K-12 Teaching Option, Art Major - Art Option, Business Art Option, Art Minor, and the Art History Minor.

The Graphic Design Option prepares students as professional graphic designers. Students develop the skills essential to synthesizing a broad range of information into compelling, informative, and persuasive visual communication. The program is centrally focused on content, critical thinking, and visual problem solving. Students become proficient with a variety of digital media platforms, including print, web, and interactive media.

The Business Art Option combines courses in studio art and art history with business knowledge. Students learn about a variety of art world work contexts along with skills related to the business side of being an artist. Experiential learning is available through a Gallery Management/Internship course.

The Art K-12 Teaching Option is designed to prepare students to become Colorado licensed K-12 art teachers. This option recognizes that students need to have a broad knowledge of art-making skills and techniques as well as an understanding of art teaching methods and concepts. Due to the specific demands of the Art K-12 Teaching option, careful planning is extremely important. Students choosing this option should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section for the steps and requirements for applying to and completing the Teacher Education Licensure Program. Students should also consult with both Art and Teacher Education faculty advisors.

The Art Option allows students to focus on the conceptual and technical aspects of studio art. Possible courses include drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, painting, digital media, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, crafts, and digital photography. Students can also choose to minor in art.

The Art History Minor provides students in all majors the opportunity to document their studies in this unique discipline. This minor helps students be more competitive in applying to graduate art and art history programs and in entering professional fields related to the study of art history (museum studies, gallery work, architecture, advertising, art marketing, and other art-related professions).

Majors and Minors in Art:

Art Major - Art Option

Art Major - Business Art Option

Art Major - Graphic Design Option

Art Major - Art K-12 Teaching Option

Art History Minor

Art Minor