The Department of Art and Art History believes a sound foundation and an exploration of the fields of studio art and art history should be combined with a strong liberal arts education to expand the intellectual horizons of our students. The department also believes an education in the visual arts should go beyond the classroom and studio. Opportunities are provided to exhibit artwork, visit galleries and museums, obtain internships, and study abroad. The B.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in Studio Art is designed to combine a broad-based training in the visual arts with a traditional liberal arts education.
Students also select additional studio courses to expand their knowledge of the visual arts.
The Studio Faculty is composed of full-time and visiting art professionals who are committed to creating a nurturing but challenging environment in which students can explore, experiment, and develop their own personal visions. The B.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art History is designed to provide both a survey of western art and an in-depth study of selected periods. In addition to the required course work, students concentrating in art history must pursue an alternative discipline, preferably in a foreign language. All majors, whether in Studio Art or Art History, are encouraged to apply for internships in their junior or senior year. The programs of the Fine Arts are augmented by trips to nearby galleries and museums in the Hudson Valley and New York City, and opportunities to study abroad.