BFA in Art

In the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art you will explore the breadth of art making and creative problem solving available across the School’s many disciplines. The BFA in Art is a professional art degree that prepares students for entry level work in their discipline. We believe in ECU’s mission as an access university, and do not require a portfolio review for admission as a BFA in Art student. However, after approximately two years of study in the School of Art and Design students are required to apply to their desired area of concentration. Acceptance into each concentration is based on disciplinary standards and requirements. At the end of your study you will be required to complete a senior exhibition, portfolio, reel, or film, depending on your area’s standards. This culminating experience is an important capstone experience that prepares you to pursue your professional goals beyond ECU.

As an umbrella degree program, all students in the BFA in Art take common courses during their study to provide a foundation of critical knowledge and technical skills. These courses include common first year studios, art history surveys, interdisciplinary art courses, and a capstone course.

Students choose an area of concentration during their second year of study that allows for more in-depth exploration of one discipline. Concentration work is balanced with continued study in art and art history courses of your choosing, allow you to customize your program of study to suit your interests and career goals. While many students enter ECU with a desired concentration, many choose their concentration based on experiences in first- and second-year studio courses, where new ways of thinking, making, and problem solving are explored in all the School’s disciplines.

The School offers 30-hour concentrations in:

In addition to these concentrations, coursework in glass, book arts, letterpress, community arts, wood design, and interdisciplinary studios are available. At the School of Art and Design, you have the power to combine you art and design interests in a professional degree focused on your desired career pathway.

BFA in Art Concentrations

Animation/Interactive Design

The Animation/Interactive Design concentration blends traditional fine art disciplines with digital media. Coursework covers a broad array of digital applications and media, ranging from video art to game design and interaction design. Student gain experience creating digital environments, with 2D animation, character design, and game design.

Animation/Interactive Design Faculty

Ceramics

The ceramics concentration supports students’ development of the skills, knowledge, and personal direction necessary for professional artists. The curriculum addresses the importance of technical information and skill and requires rigorous ideation and critique. Facilities and studios accommodate all aspects of ceramics processes and maximize the benefits of community-based learning. The curriculum teaches a broad array of techniques including hand building, wheel throwing, mold making and casting, kiln design and construction, clay and glaze chemistry, individual research, and senior exhibition. Glaze and clay technology, business practices, installation, individual research, photography of work, and professional portfolio preparation are covered throughout coursework.

Ceramics Faculty

Film and Video Production

The film and video production (FVP) concentration focuses on writing, shooting, editing and marketing film and media projects. Projects are written and developed in classes and produced through a collaborative effort with fellow FVP students. Finished works are screened in film festivals, on TV, the web, and in client presentations. Genres include narrative film, documentary, and advertising agency production. Students develop as individual artists who use their skills in a wide variety of opportunities in field.

Film and Video Production Faculty

Graphic Design

In the graphic design concentration words meet images, clear and purposeful communication meets aesthetic impact, and a range of human needs and desires are addressed.

Although most graphic design is produced using computers, the idea that graphic design centers on computer tricks is a misinterpretation of the profession and certainly doesn’t describe the graphic design concentration at ECU.

Graphic design at ECU includes a strong grounding in the traditions of typography and addresses issues of business, communication, social science, and art. Most classes center around the examination and discussion of student work so a consistent output of graphic design is essential. This limits the graphic design students to those who want to work. The work includes thinking, reading, and talking as well as the production of designed objects.

Graphic Design Faculty

Illustration

The illustration concentration is committed to teaching students to successfully communicate concepts visually for a variety of applied contexts. In tandem with the continual development of conceptualizing abilities, students are exposed to a variety of illustration mediums from the traditional to new media. The ultimate goal is a competitive portfolio of work that reflects the student’s unique visual style and conceptual voice.

Illustration Faculty

Metal Design

The metal design concentration is committed to creating an atmosphere that promotes creative thinking and innovative approaches to working in the jewelry and metal design field. This includes using a wide range of materials (not just metal) and creating both functional and non-functional, work. We meet the needs of a broad base of students with diverse career goals, instilling in each a habit of research and experimentation to develop creative and personally expressive work.

Metal Design Faculty

Painting & Drawing

The painting and drawing concentration is committed to creating an atmosphere tolerant of diverse views in which personal direction, technical skills, and critical thinking converge. The area’s goal is to strengthen each student’s capacity for becoming passionately engaged in his/her work at the highest level possible. The concentration is structured to expose participants to a carefully designed sequence of studio experiences and critical encounters.

Painting & Drawing Faculty

Photography

The photography concentration focuses on providing a comprehensive learning experience with exposure to the rich range of tools our medium has to offer—from 19th century techniques to the newest digital technologies. We provide students with a balance of technical mastery, historical and contemporary understanding of theory and practice, and the development of written and spoken art vernacular. We encourage our students to be skillful makers of meaningful visual experiences.

Photography Faculty

Printmaking

The printmaking concentration introduces students to a broad range of techniques, fosters personal growth, and offers in-depth investigation. While traditional and contemporary approaches to lithography and intaglio are emphasized, the area and studios facilitate work in relief, screen-printing, and photomechanical processes. Specialized techniques such as mezzotint, metal engraving, drypoint, monotypes, paper casting, digital explorations, and bookmaking are also available to students.

The printmaking curriculum prepares students with a strong knowledge of printmaking techniques, develop concepts and content of one’s own work, and become aware of contemporary issues as artists. We mentor the conceptual and technical growth of students to prepare them for professional studio practice and encourage the development of their understanding of materials and techniques for related jobs in the field.

Printmaking Faculty

Sculpture

The BFA in Art with a concentration in sculpture focuses on establishing a foundation of knowledge and skills in traditional media and techniques of sculpture. From the foundation students develop a personal aesthetic based on individual strengths and interests. The relationship between concept, media and expression is a focus of critiques, readings and research. Verbal articulation of aesthetic concerns is expected as a companion to growing mastery of media and technique.

Sculpture Faculty

Textile Design

In the textile design concentration, students study a variety of fabric printing/dying/surface embellishment techniques as well as a number of multi-harness weaving processes. Classes in portfolio formation, felting, and other fibers areas are offered giving the students a wide range of experiences during their time at ECU. The program offers students traditional technique along with the opportunity to explore individual creativity, cross boundaries, and create contemporary work.

Textile Design Faculty