Courses

Forward thinking and adaptive classes allow faculty to work with students as they develop aesthetic and analytical judgment, as well as the confidence to be self-reliant and collaborative. Faculty and students work together to challenge conventional thinking and blur the lines between traditional artistic disciplines.

AVT 496 - Furniture Design as Social Justice

3 credits 
Tuesday 4:30 p.m. - 7:10 p.m.
Instructor: Mallory Kimmel

Furniture Design as Social Justice is an upper-level conceptual furniture studio and theory blended course focusing on object-making, within the context of addressing the politics of space. The focus on this course is making experimental furniture to reposition the body, community, and society at large to restructure the dynamics of value and expandability. The three main projects within this course are: 1) Making Furniture Around Posture, 2) Designing for More than One, and 3) Designing Furniture to Redact Hostile Design.

AVT 419 - Is There a Black Graphic Design Aesthetic?

3 credits 
Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 1:10 p.m.
Instructor: Pierre Bowins

Students will examine historical, social, and cultural contexts that have shaped the Black artistic aesthetic, which laid the foundation for developing an argument for a Black graphic design aesthetic. They will embark on a broad journey focusing on the Black American graphic designers and their omission in the historical narrative. Through case studies, critical thinking, and hands-on design projects, students will gain a deep understanding of how graphic design reflects and contributes to the diverse tapestry of the Black identity.

AVT 419 - Exhibition Design

3 credits 
This course introduces students to the practical elements of exhibition design and development, addressing permanent and changing exhibitions for traditional and non-traditional venues. Students will learn the steps required to create successful exhibitions through mentoring and hands-on experiences in design, installation, and interpretation. 

AVT 496 - Papermaking

3 credits 

"Papermaking" introduces students to methods of production and uses of paper. The class uses several fibers to make paper by hand in a variety of techniques ranging from sheet formation to sculptural paper. The class investigates paper - not just as a substrate, but as a vital material to incorporate into a larger artistic practice. Class discussions and readings help develop knowledge in the history and contemporary practice of papermaking. 

AVT 496: Forensic Sculpture

3 credits

Explores topical studies in AVT including theoretical and critical aspects of art or studio production.

AVT 496 - Botanical Illustration 

3 credits 
Friday, 1:30 p.m.- 4:10 p.m.  
Instructor: Carol Beach

Learn botanical illustration by observing and drawing from live plant specimens. Students will bring in plants and flowers and by careful observation learn how to draw them. We will start in graphite, and then go on to colored pencil, using a full palette to illustrate the incredible colors found in nature. Students will learn how to layer the colored pencil to get a realistic, vibrant portrait of the plant.

This course integrates the study of contemporary art history and theory, video production, and artistic practices with an application to new media and technology. Special focus on visual culture and video art, sound design, art performance, and the sociopolitical effects of media in our culture today.