Fine Art
Program Narrative
The goal of the Fine Art Program is to provide students with a thorough introduction to the basic areas of study in the visual arts and to develop a strong set of foundation skills for future artistic growth. Upon successful completion, students will have developed a clear understanding of the core technical, conceptual and aesthetic issues involved in the creation of successful works of art and prepared a portfolio, drawn from examples from all course work, for transfer to a four-year baccalaureate program (B.A. or B.F.A.) at a college, university or art school.
First year art offerings include Drawing I, Drawing II, Principles of 2-D Design & Color, and Principles of 3-D Design to emphasize these essential skills for studying all of the visual arts; plus introductory courses in Art History, Computer Graphics, and Painting. Advanced Drawing and Painting follow along with additional choices in 2-D and 3-D media, such as Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Ceramics. In the final semester, Media Art features a synthesis of traditional art techniques and experimental digital technology.
During the final capstone course, Individual Studio/Professional Practices, students have the opportunity and personal challenge of synthesizing their accumulated experience and knowledge into a highly individualized series of artworks for a final group exhibition. Students also maintain an extensive sketchbook/journal and utilize this resource for writing assignments and studio work. Knowledge of the professional fine art world is gained through visits to museums, galleries, and art centers in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley; and by speaking with artists, curators, gallery directors, and art museum personnel. A visiting artist from New York City will critique student's work in progress, prior to final critiques by the NCC Art faculty.
See examples of student artwork and more on the NCC Art Department website: art.northampton.edu
Program Features
In NCC's well-equipped studio facilities you will have the opportunity to explore the arts in small classes with close student-instructor interaction. In your fourth semester, studio time will increase greatly to allow you to hone your talents while working on art projects for credit. Also during this semester, you will have the chance to consult one-to-one with a professional artist from a gallery in New York City, who will examine and critique your work. Courses in this program are offered primarily during the day.
Program Requirements
Applicants to the program are required to submit a portfolio or pass an art test as part of the admission requirements.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Understand basic art media (materials) and create artworks demonstrating acquired core chniques and their applications with proficient craftsmanship.
- Understand and utilize design (elements of art and principles of organization) in the creation of successful artworks.
- Show creativity (the process of synthesizing understanding and imagination) in design solutions on issues of form, style, and content.
- Recognize and use the technical and aesthetic terminology of the fine arts.
- Develop and use critical thinking skills to analyze artworks, both verbally and in writing.
- Understand the essential workings of the professional art world and be prepared to transfer to four year colleges/universities/art schools offering the B.A. or B.F.A. degree.