Art and Design

Associate Dean: Amy Wendland
Email: wendland_a@fortlewis.edu

Chair: Jay Dougan
Email: dougan_j@fortlewis.edu

These programs balance a liberal arts framework with real world professional practices specific to the visual arts. The program is committed to developing students as effective conceptual thinkers, communicators, and creative problem solvers.

The Studio Art Major offers students the chance to build skills, explore concepts, employ current technologies, learn safe studio practices, and hone their professionalism. With the guidance of mentoring faculty who are active artists themselves, our majors explore a high-caliber variety of course work that prepares them to participate in one of the many facets of the art world.

Possible Career Paths:

Fine Artist
Illustrator / Animator
Art Therapist
Gallery Director
Art Education

The purpose of the Communication Design Major is to produce students with skills in traditional (logos, branding, publications, packaging, advertising, typography) as well as digital (mobile, websites, online interfaces and user experience) applications to become marketable for a variety of career paths. The curriculum introduces students to the principles of design, client research, conceptual development and image creation. Studio courses, internships and the generation of a professional portfolio prepare students for employment within the advertising and design industry.

Possible Career Paths:

Graphic Designer
Art Director
Web Designer
Web Developer
Design Education

The Art K-12 Education Major is designed to prepare students to become Colorado licensed K-12 art teachers. This major 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 Education Major , careful planning is extremely important. Students choosing this major 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 History Minor provides a rich and unique understanding of social and cultural movements through the lens of art. This minor is a good foundation for applying to graduate art and art history programs, and important background for a career in art-related fields such as museum studies, gallery management, architecture, advertising, and art marketing. In all, this minor promotes visual literacy, giving our students the ability to become informed citizens who comprehend the power of images to communicate and shape their world.

Majors in Art

Art K-12 Education Major
Communication Design Major
Studio Art Major

Minors in Art

Art History Minor
Communication Design Minor
Studio Art Minor