Visual Arts
We believe that art enriches our lives, brightens our world, and opens our hearts and minds. The Visual Arts Department at Shelton State Community College focuses on instruction in art techniques and engages students in creative thinking, self-exploration, and critical evaluation. The courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in studio arts and art history. The art program offers an experience for students pursuing transfer to a four-year college, art careers, and/or personal enrichment.
The Martin Campus Art Gallery, a component of the visual arts program, showcases a changing series of exhibitions of local, regional, and national artists. At the end of each semester, the gallery also features a juried student art exhibition with purchase awards.
Art Courses
(The following courses are currently offered at SSCC).
Art 100 – Art Appreciation 3Hrs.
This course is designed to help the student find personal meaning in works of art and develop a better understanding of the nature and validity of art. Emphasis is on the diversity of form and content in original art work. Upon completion, the student should understand the fundamentals of art; the materials used, and have a basic overview of the history of art.
Art 180 Introduction to Graphic Design (3 hrs.)
This course is a general introduction to graphic design. Topics include history, processes, and production design. Upon completion, the student should understand the concepts used to create media graphics.
Art 203 – Art History I (Pre-historical – 1300s) 3Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: ENR 098 with a grade of C or higher placement.
COREQUISITE: ENG 093 or equivalent placement score.
This course covers the chronological development of different forms of art, such as sculpture, painting, and architecture. Emphasis is placed on history from the ancient period through the Renaissance. Upon completion, the student should be able to communicate a knowledge of time period and chronological sequence including knowledge of themes, styles, and the impact of society on the arts.
Art 204 – Art History II (1200s – Present) 3Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: RDG ENR 098 with a grade of C or higher placement.
COREQUISITE: ENG 093 or equivalent placement score.
This course covers a study of the chronological development of different forms of art, such as sculpture, painting, and architecture. Emphasis is placed on history from the Baroque to the present. Upon completion, the student should be able to communicate a knowledge of time period and chronological sequence including knowledge of themes, styles, and the impact of society on the arts.
Art 113 – Drawing I 3Hrs.
This course provides the opportunity to develop perceptional and technical skills in a variety of media. Emphasis is placed on communication through experimenting with composition, subject matter, and technique. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate and apply the fundamentals of art to various creative drawing projects.
Art 114 – Drawing II 3Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: ART 113.
This course advances the student’s drawing skills in various art media. Emphasis is placed on communication through experimentation, composition, technique, and personal expression. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate creative drawing skills, the application of the fundamentals of art, and the communication of personal thoughts and feelings.
Art 233 – Painting I 3Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: ART 113 or ART 121.
This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental painting processes and materials. Topics include art fundamentals, color theory, and composition. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of art and discuss various approaches to the media and the creative processes associated with painting.
Art 234 – Painting II 3Hrs.
PREREQUISITE: ART 233.
This course is designed to develop the student’s knowledge of the materials and procedures of painting beyond the introductory level. Emphasis is placed on the creative and technical problems associated with communicating through composition and style. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the application of the fundamentals of painting and the creative process to the communication of ideas.
Art 121 – Two-Dimensional Composition 3Hrs.
This course introduces the basic concepts of two-dimensional design. Topics include the elements and principles of design with emphasis on the arrangements and relationships among them. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate effective use of these elements and principles of design in creating two-dimensional compositions.
ART 127 – Three-Dimensional Composition
Prerequisite: ART 113 or ART 121.
This course introduces art materials and principles of design that acquaint the beginner with the fundamentals of three-dimensional art. Emphasis is placed on the use of art fundamentals and the creative exploration of materials in constructing three-dimensional art works.
Art 175 – Digital Photography I
This course introduces students to digital imaging techniques. Emphasis is placed on the technical application of the camera, digital photographic lighting methods, and overall composition. Upon completion, students should be able to take digital images and understand the technical aspects of producing high-quality photos.
Art 275 – Advanced Digital Photography
This course explores various uses of digital photography. Subjects may include studio, portrait, landscape, and other areas of photography. Upon completion, the student should be able to apply the techniques necessary to produce professional photographs of a variety of subjects.
Visual Arts Facilities
Drawing Studio
The Drawing studio environment supports learning through observation and practice. Equipment includes drawing horses, easels, drawing boards, and drafting tables. The still life collection is bursting with interesting objects to draw such as found objects, bones, household items, and old furniture. The lighting of the space is both natural and artificial to enable students to learn through observation and practice. The Drawing Studio is on Martin Campus, Room 1943.
Painting Studio
The Painting Studio is adjoining to the Drawing Studio, therefore, shares the same still life collection and equipment. Especially for painting are rolling easels, painting carts, stools, and wall space. The lighting of the space is both natural and artificial to enable students to learn through observation and practice. The Painting Studio is on Martin Campus, Room 1942.
Photography Studio and Digital Lab
The Photography Studio is an analog black and white photography facility that consists of a lecture room for processing film, and a separate digital lab with 15 enlarging stations with digital timers to develop prints up to 16×20. It includes all the necessary equipment for processing film and prints within archival industry standards. This includes two large sinks: one for developing trays and one for washing prints. Also, a dryer for the fastest possible dry times for wet film that omits most dust particles with the use of filters. The photography facility is also equipped with an additional lighting studio housing four electric strobes with modeling lamps, incandescent lights, backdrops, stands, and other essential equipment for still life and portrait photography. The Photography Studio and Digital Lab are located behind the Cadence Bank Art Gallery.
Cadence Bank Art Gallery
The Cadence Bank Art Gallery of primary importance is giving student artists support and encouragement to experiment with new ideas while gaining an educational gallery experience. Thus, the gallery exhibits juried student art exhibitions twice a year to showcase student works. Throughout the year, the art gallery also exhibits local and regional artists and photographers that are innovative in their approach to contemporary art. The Art Gallery is committed to personal expression; the gallery promotes the visual arts as a dynamic and vibrant contribution to the cultural growth of Shelton State Community College.