The printmaking studio is open to all students enrolled in a printmaking class 24 hours a day. Student assistants are often there to assist both students and faculty by pulling prints, keeping the facility clean and keeping stock of all supplies. The focus here is to familiarize the student with basic materials and concepts of art-making practice and critical thinking. Lecture and demonstrations offer a historical perspective to the science of color. Examples by artists and movements illustrate the emotional and expressive uses of color.
Assignments vary from semester to semester.
In the Spring 1998 term, for example, a major class project involved a collaborative effort with the Department of Theater and Dance in which printmaking students interpreted a play being staged and exhibited works in the lobby of the theater during the run of the production. Student images were also used for public relations and program designs. The applications include a slide portfolio, an artist statement and course transcripts. All applications are reviewed by the area coordinator in collaboration with other faculty and are accepted or rejected on the basis of the quality of the work, evidence of self motivation, personal commitment and grade-point average. Our 3000-level courses are largely tailored to make maximum use of the printmaking facility's strengths.