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.

Student Work

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Course Descriptions

125 Introduction to Kiln Glass

An introduction to glass-working techniques using electric kilns. Explores glass fusing and casting as medium of aesthetic expression and develops an awareness of selected historical and contemporary methods of making glass art in the kiln. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each fall.

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 Three Dimensional Glass

This course explores the fundamentals of kiln cast and flame-worked glass. Both historical and contemporary ideologies of these glassmaking techniques will be discussed, researched, and put into practice. The technical basis of the class is equally paired with assignments that encourage and promote thoughtfulness with gained hand skills. (AR) Offered each spring.

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 Studio Art 

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, A, B

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

439 Ceramics IV, A, B 

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.