Art
Fine Arts Building (ARTS), Room 302A, (907) 786-1783
www.uaa.alaska.edu/art
The mission of the Art Department is to prepare and empower students to make a difference in society through the Arts. Students acquire technical skills and gain the confidence to work with a variety of materials while exploring and evaluating our broad cultural heritage in art and design. A comprehensive multi-studio approach strengthens creativity, encourages independent thinking, and reflects our commitment to engaging the community.
The Art Department is the only educational program in the University of Alaska Statewide System that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Our faculty are dedicated to upholding the rigorous standards required for accreditation by developing an engaging curriculum that prepares students for a career in the fine arts as well as graduate study.
The Department offers several options for the baccalaureate in art:
Bachelor of Arts in Art (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts in Art degree combines a diverse liberal arts curriculum with studio art and art history courses. Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to sample courses in a variety of academic areas, acquire a general understanding of art and Art History and develop a method of artistic expression in a chosen studio area of emphasis.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (B.F.A.)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art program allows students to concentrate their efforts in a studio arts education. Mentorship by dedicated faculty prepares students for a successful career in the arts.
Admission into the B.F.A. program is a selective process, requiring acceptance by both the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Department of Art B.F.A. Committee. Students who exhibit the potential for success through strong coursework and portfolio are encouraged to apply for admission into the program.
Students who become B.F.A. candidates have demonstrated the considerable commitment required for the study and production of art. They are expected to devote a large measure of time to studio work as they plan for a professional life in art.
The structure of the program provides the candidate with many opportunities for interaction with the department faculty and fellow B.F.A. students, encouraging close working relationships and mentorship.
Completion of the program culminates in a written thesis and exhibition at the Kimura Gallery in the Fine Arts Building.
Minor in Art (N.F.G.)
Areas of emphasis include Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Digital Art and Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Native Arts. In keeping with the university mission of supporting life-long learning, we also offer opportunities for continuing education to members of the community.
Curriculum in studio classes is designed to blend time-honored traditions with contemporary ideas and technologies, thus providing a comprehensive course of study. Classes in art history, art education, professional practices and general education encourage critical thinking and the development of an understanding of history and culture. Our goal is to train students to be successful, well-rounded artists and good citizens that are integral to the quality of our vibrant culture.
Art exhibitions in the Kimura Gallery and the Arc Gallery at the Consortium Library offer students and the community an opportunity to view and study the work of local, national and international artists. The Hugh McPeck Gallery in the Student Union provides a venue for students to exhibit their work through a series of invitational and juried exhibitions.
Students must note the following:
- Some courses do not apply to degree programs.
- Some courses may be taken for repeat credit.
- Many art courses require completion of certain prerequisite art courses. Non-art majors who wish to enroll in an art class without first having completed the recommended prerequisites are free to do so with appropriate instructor permission, but may find the classroom experience difficult or unrewarding.
- Art majors must obtain pre-registration approval from art faculty for upper division art coursework undertaken each semester.
Faculty
Alvin Amason, Term Associate Professor, alvinamason@hotmail.com
Thomas Chung, Assistant Professor, tpchung@alaska.edu
Alanna DeRocchi, Term Instructor, aderocchi@alaska.edu
Herminia Din, Professor, hdin@alaska.edu
Steven Godfrey, Professor/Chair, smgodfrey@alaska.edu
Mariano Gonzales, Professor, mariano@alaska.edu
Charles “Sean” Licka, Professor Emeritus, kanchiku@gci.net
Garry Mealor, Assistant Professor, grmealor@alaska.edu
Kristy Summer, Assistant Professor, kasummers2@alaska.edu
Riva Symko, Assistant Professor
Deborah Tharp, Associate Professor, dktharp@alaska.edu