Printmaking, BFA

Printmaking Fundamentals

The printmaking program in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art is centered upon a dynamic investigation into the meaning of printed matter and the production of multiples in our complex world. Students energetically examine the visual and expressive potential of fine art printmaking while developing theoretical grounding in the historic context and contemporary applications of printmaking. The curriculum is structured to provide a firm technical and conceptual foundation in print media as students develop problem solving and analytical skills. Through independent and communal efforts students refine their art making abilities, discover their individual voices and aesthetic sensibilities, and learn the habits essential to the lives of active artists and engaged global citizens.

Purpose

The purpose of the Printmaking program is to offer a comprehensive, forward-thinking undergraduate education in printmaking preparing students for professional work as visual artists and practitioners in the fields of printing/printmaking and for graduate level study in printmaking and the visual arts. The program aims to offer students an education in a wide range of printmaking techniques —from historic to progressive—while continuing to provide high quality printmaking courses to support and broaden the educations of students in other areas of study within The Myers School of Art.

Goals

• To help students gain technical strength in the four primary printmaking media—relief, intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting—and progressive contemporary printmaking practice—digital printing, printstallation, relational aesthetics, etc.
• To foster student learning of the problem solving skills, methods of critical thinking, and idea development of the printmaking discipline and greater art making practice.
• To aid students in seeing the potential for transference of basic printmaking skills, concepts, and thought process into other fields of study and areas of personal investigation.
• To lead students in learning to work collaboratively in a communal space with a sense of social responsibility.
• To teach contextual knowledge of contemporary and historic printmaking.
• To foster the ability to critically analyze artworks created through printmaking process.
• To provide students with unique opportunities beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning to both expand upon the education that we offer as well as encourage an appreciation and love of lifelong learning.

Graduates of the Printmaking BFA pursue careers in: 

• Fine art printmaking 

• MFA programs in studio art 

• Community-based art initiatives 

• Print and edition studios 

• Museum or gallery education 

• Creative entrepreneurship