• Studio Art (BA)
  

The strength of the Department of Art comes from its emphasis on art and design in the context of a broad liberal arts program.

Art majors have many outstanding opportunities in studio and academic studies to work with, study, and experience the visual arts from diverse cultural sources, historical periods and media.

1. The department’s faculty are regionally and nationally recognized artists and scholars. Through their guidance and instruction, students learn to:
   interpret the non-verbal language of art and design,


2. develop strong foundation level skills in art and design,


3. become familiar with and develop competence in a number of 2-D and/or 3-D art or design techniques,


4. establish a focus in at least one specific studio area of emphasis,


5. develop responses to visual phenomena, and organize perceptions and conceptualizations both rationally and intuitively,


6. become familiar with the major achievements in the history of art, including the works and intentions of leading artists in the past and present,


7. understand and evaluate contemporary thinking about art or design, and 


8. make and defend valid assessments involving design projects and works of art.
   

In addition, the department provides survey and activity courses for the non-major seeking learning experiences in the visual arts area. 

The Department of Art is located in the R. Wright Spears Music/Art Center. This facility houses five large studios, two darkrooms, the Goodall Gallery, classrooms, and faculty/staff offices. In addition, a Macintosh computer lab located in the Edens Library gives students access to the latest in computer-based graphic design and imaging techniques.

Scholarships

The Department of Art awards substantial scholarships each year to students who are majoring in art. Portfolio reviews are held each spring. Simply call for an appointment.

After Graduation

Graduates from the art program have become teachers in public schools throughout South Carolina and beyond, pursued careers in graphic design, opened their own advertising agencies and become practicing artists. Many art majors also choose to pursue graduate degrees.

Selamat Datang

Selamat Datang is a fascinating collection of contemporary Indonesian art first exhibited in the Goodall Gallery at Columbia College.

Part of a private collection, this important exhibition is now available as a travelling exhibition to non-profit educational institutions. Learn more about Selamat Datang