Art

Admissions: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3465 or (207) 621-3465
Advising Center: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149
Coordinator: Peter Precourt
Website: www.uma.edu/academics/programs/art/

Intro/Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in art degree is an innovative program designed in collaboration with the University of Maine at Farmington. An understanding between the two schools affords students access to more extensive and better equipped facilities, combined library resources, a more diverse faculty, and adds more depth and breadth to the educational experience than a student might experience at a single campus. In addition, the gallery programs at both schools are enhanced by sharing visiting artists, exhibitions and publications.

The Bachelor of Arts is a program designed to encourage critical thinking and creative problem solving, which are requisite skills for functioning in today’s complex global society. Rigorous undergraduate studies in the art provide the structure and opportunities for students to develop these skills. In addition, students are afforded the freedom and support to evolve their own creative potential, which is linked to the study of achievements of artists past and present. Students complete the art foundations and then progress into a specific art concentration area.

Portfolio Review - Once students have finished their foundation courses (ARH 105 , ARH 106 , ART 112 , ART 113 , ART 115 and ART 215 ), they are encouraged to submit their work for a portfolio review. A committee of fulltime and adjunct faculty from all studio areas - ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture- will come together and review portfolios of student work. The committee will determine if the student has a body of work that displays the craft, composition, and conceptual foundation needed to succeed in the advanced studio courses. All students are required to pass the portfolio review before declaring a concentration and taking any 300 ART/PHO level classes, except ART 315 . Reviews typically take place at the end of the Fall and Spring semester.

Mode of Delivery

The Bachelor of Art in Art is offered live in Augusta [and Farmington]

Learning Outcomes - Graduates of the UMA Art Department will be able to do the following:

Think critically, integrate research from a multiplicity of resources and creatively solve problems
Create, share, deconstruct and understand visual images, which are an essential component of 21st century culture
Prepare a quality application for post-baccalaureate degree programs in the arts with a documented portfolio of a thematic body of work, artist statement and letter of intention
Demonstrate a strong foundation and understanding of the elements and principles of art and design
Demonstrate an understanding of major art movements and significant artists past and present
Create a body of work and understand professional practice expectations in order to exhibit professionally
Effectively advocate for art both within the various disciplines and within the community
Understand the creative potential of new technologies

Academic Advising

Art majors are advised by full-time faculty members and are required to meet with their advisors prior to registration. An advisor’s signature or electronic equivalent is required for registration. Students are encouraged to continue to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to help ensure a productive and meaningful college experience.

Admissions Requirements (see UMA general requirements )

Transfer Students:

A minimum over 2.5 GPA and a 3.0 GPA in any art courses are required
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in the major at UMA or UMF

Graduation Requirements

Upon successful completion of the program requirements listed below, the student will be awarded a bachelor of arts in art degree.

Completion of 121 semester hours of credit
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
Completion of the General Education Requirements
Completion of Major Requirements

Career Opportunities

Skills You’ll Acquire

As a UMA Art student, you’ll develop abilities ranging from specific knowledge of the artistic expression to analysis of art works, their quality, purpose, and meaning. Critical thinking and writing skills, along with an understanding of materials and process, will enable you to contribute to and succeed in many professions. The following is a selected list of skills and abilities acquired through the study of art:

Organization

Visual organization
Organizing in 3-D
Accurate observation & recording
Planning
Working independently
Attending to details

Analysis/Technical

Evaluating aesthetic
Analyzing data
Applying knowledge creatively
Working with tools
Working with hands

Communications

Communicating images
Communicating concepts
Visual communication
Expressing ideas through various media
Understanding art as a cultural and social phenomenon

Artistic

Strong color sense
Sensitivity to beauty
Aesthetic awareness
Sketching/drawing
Demonstrating artistic expression

Careers You Can Seek

Our B.A. degree in Art can serve as a foundation for many diverse career paths. The selected list below offers a few options that may be available to you.

Fine Arts & Crafts

Potter
Photographer
Jeweler
Weaver
Glass Blower
Basket Maker
Printmaker
Furniture Maker
Painter

Education/Community

Teacher’s Aide
Art Teacher/Professor
City Cultural Events Planner
Gallery/Museum Curator or Director
Docent
Art Critic
Exhibition Installer
Art Therapist
Interior Designer

Printing & Media

Book Jacket Designer
Graphic Designer
Art Director
Greeting Card Designer
Cartoonist
Children’s Book Illustrator
Medical/Scientific Illustrator
Copy Camera Operator
Special Effects Artist

Business/Industry

Fashion Designer/Illustrator
Advertising Sales
Retail Buyer
Computer Imager
Image Consultant
Product/Package Designer
Merchandise Displayer
Artist’s Agents
Craft Shop Owner/Operator
Industrial Designer
Fabric Designer
Color Separator