Art: The UDC Edge
At the University of the District of Columbia, students are blocks away from some of the most prestigious art collections and resources in the world. The National Gallery of Art, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and hundreds of galleries help extend the learning experience beyond the studio and into the world. On campus, the art, photography, and graphic design labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Instructors are dedicated to providing expert guidance as students discover their own creative methods and avenues of expression.
At UDC, students can explore their creativity, expand their technical skills, examine art history, and express a unique artistic vision.
Art: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
For students who are interested in the visual arts, UDC can shape that interest into the foundation of a lifelong career. The Bachelor’s Degree in Art provides the foundation for creating art, graphic design, and photography that reflects and supports individual vision. Students are equipped with the skills relevant to today’s creative marketplace. Regardless of artistic inclination, the department has a concentration to fit every student’s needs. Courses are taught by working art professionals who focus on the fundamentals of effective visual communication, creative visual problem-solving, and merging classical techniques with emerging technology.
UDC’s Art Program will develop students from inspiration to innovative technique and expression, culminating in a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates unique creative vision.
Student Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to
- Use the core elements of design to create work that effectively communicates a message.
- Solve visual problems using an understanding of visual literacy.
- Generate original concepts for visual communications.
- Discuss art and design in oral and written communications.
- Analyze and critique artwork using professional language and appropriate terminology.
- Create work in a variety of media and formats.
- Work socially and/or collaboratively with other artists and designers.
- Engage in independent creative development.
- Manage professional presentation of their portfolio of work.
- Use current technology to create art and designs.
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Curriculum and Requirements in the Art Program
The art program offers courses in conceptual thinking, drawing, design, photography, and digital media. Advanced studio and art history courses help students synthesize diverse art techniques and theories.
Transfer students, including those from UDC’s Community College, can submit an application and portfolio to be considered for admission into the four-year program. Students must submit their application through the Registrar’s Office, meet the requirements (including a”C” average or higher), and successfully complete the portfolio review to be admitted.
The faculty takes a pragmatic approach to teaching art. All students develop a professional portfolio and résumé in their senior year, with the opportunity to participate in a senior practicum to gain experience in their creative field.
Program of Study – Studio Art
Program of Study – Graphic Design
Program of Study – Photography
Students can choose from the following degree options:
- Studio Art (BA, 120 credits) – Includes advanced studio courses in the areas of painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and figure drawing
- Graphic Design (BA, 120 credits) – Includes communication design courses that explore logos, posters, digital typography, web design, illustration, and animation
- Photography (BA, 120 credits) – Includes darkroom and digital photography classes, as well as exposure to photographic lighting, commercial photography, and experimental photography
Student Organizations and Activities in the Art Program
Student organizations within the UDC Art Program provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and the exchange of creative ideas. The UDC Art Students Union and the UDC Photo Club bring students together for social events, field trips, presentations by guest lecturers, and networking within their creative discipline.
For more information, contact: dvenne@udc.edu
Faculty Spotlight: UDC Art Program
Iwan Bagus (BA, M.Sc, MA), Assistant Professor, is a commercial, editorial and fine art photographer whose work has been published and exhibited nationally and internationally.
Rukman Niyangoda (BA, MFA), Assistant Professor has spent over 20 years in the graphic design industry as an art director/creative lead. His design works have been published nationally and internationally.
Davide Prete (MFA, MA), Assistant Professor, is a nationally and internationally known Italian American sculptor, artist, and art educator. His work focuses on art, architecture, and new technologies such as 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, VR, and AR.
Daniel Venne (BFA, MFA), Professor, is an artist whose paintings, illustrations, and artists books have been exhibited nationally and internationally.
