Majoring in Art
The Art curriculum is designed to support the student seeking a B.A. degree in Art with a solid core
of foundational skills; the flexibility to pursue and define a clear personal direction;
and intensive upper-level experiences designed to launch careers in the visual arts
and related fields. In their final semester, graduating students develop and present
their Senior Project, a professional quality exhibition of self-generated work with
accompanying research, writing, publicity, and documentation. Studio coursework includes
painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography; digital media
design incorporates screen and print based media in graphic design, web design, interactive
design, typography and videogame design. In art history, the full chronological survey
of Western art is covered at both introductory and advanced levels, plus topical courses
in global, environmental, and contemporary art issues.
Our faculty balance excellence and accessibility as active practitioners and dedicated teachers through exhibitions, lectures, conference presentations, publications, field work and research. Art Program faculty model behavior for professional careers while closely mentoring art students within the curriculum and beyond the classroom. Faculty involvement in service-learning, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and study abroad further expands and enriches the student experience as an art major at FGCU.
Our facilities have been purpose-built from the ground up, designed and driven by the needs and
interests of faculty and students. The FGCU Arts Complex houses the Wasmer Art Gallery,
studio classrooms, offices and support facilities, and expansive outdoor covered work
areas for ceramics and sculpture. Digital media design students have access to a studio
classroom and lab spaces with industry-standard Apple computers and continuously upgraded
design software. Campus galleries provide an exciting schedule of contemporary art
exhibitions, regular opportunities for presenting student work, and a lively focal
point for professional networking and peer learning.
Our alumni have consistently demonstrated the value of their commitment to the arts as they continue on to new and exciting opportunities – the active creation, exhibition and marketing of artwork; graduate studies in studio art, art history, and art therapy; teaching jobs in public and private schools and in community arts organization; administrative and management positions in museums and galleries; and web and print design careers in rapidly expanding digital fields.
To visit the Arts Complex and discuss the Art Program with faculty and staff, please contact Program Coordinator Patricia Fay at 239-590-7229 or pfay@fgcu.edu.
