About The Department of Art and Design 

The Department of Art and Design provides students with a broad-based liberal arts education infused with the principles of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Inclusive within the vibrant liberal arts education the department offers modern programs focused on specific professional skills in graphic design, media arts, photography, videography studio arts, self-designed program in the arts, and the therapeutic dimensions of art therapy. 

There is an emphasis upon an interdisciplinary approach toward the visual arts and design, psychology and the creative arts therapies. In the classroom professors emphasize a broad understanding of the dignity of humankind, the importance of developing compassion, and the need to cultivate the awareness of just and ethical practice. 

Essential to all programs is The Studio Model. In a studio course, students work in a specifically designed space which creates an open collaborative environment. This Studio Model provides an expansive and expressive atmosphere for learning. The studio environment allows open communication and constructive criticism to enrich and forward art practice. Imperative to the model is the required work outside of designated meeting times. The studio demands the constant process of production-critique-production, seeking feedback from all participants. The faculty teaches, guides, and nurtures the group or cohort.  

In the junior and senior years, advanced course work is designed to run concurrently with community field placements to afford students the opportunity to observe and work alongside professionals. Each student’s placement in the community is chosen to directly reflect her/his interest and to provide a comprehensive and hands-on, team approach to learning. Students are placed by the College in appropriate settings and supervised by College personnel. The internships/practica are credit-bearing and are available to students in all of the above disciplines. Art Therapy placements range from public and private hospitals, community treatment centers providing therapeutic services to a wide range of clientele. Graphic Design  Media Art, and Art internships provide students with real world experiences. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to experience study abroad through programs ranging from summer study in the creative arts, to a spring break in Berlin, Paris or Vienna with our Urban Seminar program. It is important to note that Anna Maria College is a member of The American Art Therapy Association. 

A bachelor’s degree from the Department of Art and Design prepares students for a wide range of graduate study and career options in art therapy, marketing/advertising/social media, creative industries, graphic design, media production, studio artist, or museum/gallery study. 

The approval of an advisor is required for the student to undertake a self-designed program of study in the Department of Art & Design. Students are required to work closely with their advisor in designing the curriculum.

Suggestions for Self-Design Majors

• Photography/Video
• Painting/Mixed Media
• Sculpture/Installation Art
• Digital Arts
• Performance Art
• Art and Business

Self-Design Program Outcomes

• Identify and describe the historical and cultural context of art and design
• Demonstrate working knowledge of technologies and equipment applicable to their area(s) of specialization
• Demonstrate perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, and the technical facility at a professional entry level in their chosen field(s). The ability to perceptively analyze works of art and design and to critically evaluate its quality
• Demonstrate functional competence with principles of visual organization, including the ability to work with visual elements and its application in drawing, two-dimensions and three-dimensions, color theory, and digital arts
• Work independently on a variety of art and design projects. The ability to conceptualize, research, and produce an independent project. Produce a capstone exhibition and portfolio

Click here to download the Digital & Social Media Design Curriculum Map.

Students interested in art who major in another field may minor in art. An art minor may be of particular interest to the Liberal Studies major who wishes to engage in a creative endeavor, or the business major who may find art and design skills an asset for a career in marketing, advertising, or public relations. A portfolio presentation of basic artistic skills is required to declare a minor in art.

Minors are possible in:

• Art
• Art Therapy
• Digital and Social Media Design
• Graphic Design
• Video and Photographic Art

Upon completion of a BA in Digital and Social Media Design, students will:

• Demonstrate proficiency with the principles of visual organization, including the ability to work with visual elements in two and three dimensions; color theory and its applications; and digital arts
• Exhibit working knowledge of technologies and equipment applicable to their area(s) of specialization
• Solve communication problems, including the skills of problem identification, research and information gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, prototyping and user testing, and evaluation of outcomes
• Examine design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including those of art history, linguistics, communication and information theory, technology, and the social and cultural use of design objects
• Collaborate with others, both as a leader and participant, to produce high-quality work

We encourage the submission of an Art/Design Portfolio, as a valuable part of the admissions process. This allows the College and the Department of Art & Design to gain insight on your application.

Click here to submit your portfolio.           

Portfolios are now reviewed via SlideRoom. Please visit SlideRoom to upload your images now!

Digital media portfolios and portfolios submitted using the form must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Images: individual .jpg files titled with your name and image number, 2MB maximum size
• Include: size, media, and date of completion
• Video or Time Based Performances: Quick Time or .mpg

Physical portfolios and digital media are accepted as well. If you wish to present a physical portfolio or schedule an appointment to meet with Darrell Matsumoto, Director of Art & Design please email dmatsumoto@annamaria.edu. If you wish to send us your portfolio on a flash drive, please include a Word document listing the title, size, media, and date of your work. Please direct questions to David Wackell at dwackell@annamaria.edu.

Please address physical portfolio submissions to:

c/o David Wackell
Box E
Department of Art and Design
Anna Maria College
50 Sunset Lane
Paxton, MA 01612

Scholarships are also awarded every January to select students participating in the Secondary School Art Scholarship Competition. Please see accordion menu below for a complete prospectus and submission form.

The New England Secondary School Virtual Art & Design Competition at Anna Maria College
Virtual Exhibition Dates: February 8 – March 12, 2021
ZOOM Awards Presentation: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 7:15 p.m.

Please Submit Materials and Register Online Using the Links below

Formstack for 2D and 3D submissions
SlideRoom for video submissions

Eligibility
Open to all secondary/high school  students.
All work must be original and completed within the last two years.

Categories

• Digital Design
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture/3D
• Video

Awards

Anna Maria College Art/Design Merit Scholarships (Senior standing required):

• $2000 – $10,000 Merit Scholarship Awards

Requirements

• Up to 3 Works per Individual submission
• 2D: 72 dpi at 10” or 720 px
• 3D: one additional photo allowed/piece
• Video: MP4, H264 CODEC, no longer than 3 minutes

Dates and Deadlines
Online Submission: November 1, 2020 – January 15, 2021

Please Register Online
Contact: David Wackell, dwackell@annamaria.edu

We encourage all students to visit us during Open House.
Visit www.annamaria.edu/visit for more information.