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Ames School of Art & Design

3D ART

Our flexible 3D concentration lets you choose your individualized path toward working in three dimensions. You will gain the conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills needed to build confidently with materials and work with the challenges and dynamics of space. In our popular glass courses you'll learn the tools and methods of fused, cast, and flameworked glass. We also offer courses in sculpture, wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics, and special topics courses in 3D studio art. 

Upper-level BFA students have access to semi private studios, well-lit and well-ventilated, in the art building. Illinois Wesleyan's Virtual Reality Lab may also be of interest to students of 3D exploring a Special Individual Project or Honors Project on human-computer interactive art.

 

BFA in Three-dimensional Art

A minimum of 32 courses are required for the BFA degree with a concentration in 3D art. Eighteen courses minimum in the major:

  1. ART 111, 113, 115, 320, 322, and 399
  2. Select eight courses from: ART 125, 137, 139, 225, 237, 239, 302, 337, 339, 381, 437, 439, 480, 497.
  3. Four courses outside the area of concentration. These may be courses in Graphic Design, 
    Two-dimensional Art, Art History, or BUS 240.
  4. BFA degree candidates must present a senior exhibition or project for approval by the art faculty.

 

Course Descriptions

125 - Glass I

An introduction to glass-working. This course is designed for both the beginning artist and glassworker. The technical basis of the class is paired with assignments that encourage the visualization of original ideas. Historical and contemporary ideologies of glassmaking techniques will be discussed, researched, and put into practice. (AR) Offered each semester.

137 - Sculpture I

Introduction to three-dimensional problem solving and to sculptural processes and concepts. Explores sculpture as a medium of aesthetic expression and develops an awareness of selected historical and contemporary trends in sculpture. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered occasionally.

139 - Ceramics I

Introduction to ceramic processes and concepts. Explores ceramics as a medium of aesthetic expression and develops an awareness of selected historical and contemporary modes of ceramics. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each semester. 

225 - Glass II

Continuation of ART 125 with a focus on a specific glassmaking technique(s) gained in Glass I. Students will stretch their artistic concepts as well as their glass technical skill while focusing on one or more techniques. Critiques, group discussions, research and information-gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Prerequisite: ART 125. Offered each semester.

237 - Sculpture II

A continuation of 137. Individual problems in sculpture. Prerequisite: ART 137. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

239 - Ceramics II

A continuation of 139. Individual problems in ceramics. Prerequisite: ART 139. Offered each semester. 

302 - Contemporary Professional Practices 

This course will address the material, technical, and theoretical choices necessary for producing and understanding contemporary art. It will be an exploratory seminar. The class will promote an interdisciplinary approach to the making of art and help the student to discover how different material and technical decisions can inform their visual and conceptual practice. Prerequisite: Junior standing within the School of Art. Offered occasionally.

337 - Sculpture III 

A continuation of 237. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: ART 237. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.  

339 - Ceramics III 

A continuation of 239. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: ART 239. Offered each semester.  

381 - Special Topics in Art & Design

May vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more issues of process, content, or style. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle, which indicates the specific type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course is not duplicated. Offered occasionally.  

437 - Sculpture IV

Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: ART 337. May be repeated once for credit. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement. 

439 - Ceramics IV

Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: ART 339. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each semester. 

480 - Special Individual Projects 

Individually designed research studies, field experiences, or experimental studio projects in an area of special interest; carried out under the guidance of the instructor or a special supervisor. May be repeated for a maximum of three units of credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered as needed.  

497 - Internships 

Individually designed experiential learning. May include field studios or internship placements such as commercial printing, graphic design, museum or gallery work. Prerequisite: Consent of the School of Art faculty. Offered each semester.  

Julie Johnson - Director of the Ames School of Art and Design

Department - School Of Art

(309) 556-3134