Art Department – Studio Major FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Q— What’s the difference between an Art-Studio degree and an Art-Visual Communications degree?
A— An Art – Visual Communications major works primarily on a computer designing advertisements or illustrations for others. A studio art major creates artwork for self-expression. A studio art major can select a concentration in the 2- D areas of painting and photography or 3-D areas of ceramics and sculpture.

Q— Is there any financial aid available for studio art majors?
A— Yes, Art Performance Grants are available for incoming students. An application is located on the Art Grant/Scholarship Applications Page in the menu to the left. Interested students must complete the application and submit eight to ten of their best works in slide or digital format. A letter of support from an art teacher is also required for consideration.

Q— What courses should I take first?
A— We recommend a student enroll in the Foundation courses: Drawing I, 2-D Design, 3-D Design and Drawing II, during his/her first year. Space is limited in studio classes, so be sure to sign up early.

Q— Do I have to immediately decide if I want to be a 2-D major or 3-D major?
A— No, since you want to concentrate in area you are skilled at and passionate about, you have until the end of your sophomore year to decide. Your first year is spent taking foundation courses and your second year is spent taking introduction courses in both the 2-D and 3-D areas. Once you have completed those requirements, you will be better equipped to make this decision.

Q— What kind of facilities are available?
A— The Helene Center for the Visual Arts opened in Spring 2004. This new state-of-the art facility houses all the art studios – drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics – as well as a MAC lab, photography lab, and two gallery spaces. 

Q— How much will art supplies cost?
A— Art making is not cheap. At the beginning of each semester, the instructors will hand out a list of needed art supplies with the class syllabus. In addition to any required books, expect to spend $75-125 per course on art supplies. Some instructors purchase all the required supplies for you and charge a resale supply fee. Since some items are not available in town, this allows students to come prepared to class while passing savings of quantity discounts and no tax onto you.

Q— Where can I purchase art supplies?
A— Most supplies for the 2-D classes are available at the Follet Bookstore on campus. Since most materials for the 3-D classes are not available in town or for a reasonable cost, supplies are purchased by the instructor and sold to students at cost. Other excellent sources for art materials include the Lamoni Building Co-Op, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Creative-Coldsnow, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight Tools in Des Moines and Blick.

Q— What kind of job opportunities are available for studio majors on campus?
A— The department has 10 student positions open each year ranging from instructor assistants to Mac lab technicians to gallery director. These jobs require and demand one to have specific and advanced knowledge so junior and senior students are generally the ones hired.