Art & Graphic Design

Art

Buena Vista University’s art program is conceived as an integral part of the university’s liberal arts curriculum and is designed both for majors and minors and those simply interested in art. The Art curriculum includes courses in studio foundations, art history, and courses in the studio disciplines of painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, drawing, and mixed media. The Art program provides students with an opportunity to actively participate in the shaping of their education. BVU Art courses are taught by faculty members who are dedicated to both teaching and producing/showing their own art. The BVU art major presents a solid base for continuing work in graduate school and art-related fields such as teaching, arts administration, publishing, exhibition, and much more. The program is supported by the recently renovated Social Science and Art Hall, and the newly built Center for Sculpture and Ceramics.

Graphic Design & Visual Communication

Buena Vista University’s graphic design & visual communication program offers both a major and minor degree. The curriculum consists primarily of courses in graphic design, art, and digital media. The core graphic design courses are Graphic Design Foundations, Typography, Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design, and History of Graphic Design. Illustration is also offered as an elective. Additionally, students will participate in a graphic design internship as well as a capstone project/exhibition, usually displayed in the Buena Vista University Art Gallery.

Courses are offered in both the newly renovated Social Science & Art Hall, and the Lage Communication Center, which contains a Mac lab and printing area. The Mac lab is open to all students, and the computers are regularly updated with the most current version of the Adobe Creative Suite software. The student-issued laptops also contain the Adobe Creative Suite for all students. The printing area includes several printing options, including an Epson large-format printer to allow students to create large work.