PROGRAM TYPE
On Campus

DEGREES
BA

Contact

Darrell Matsumoto, MFA

Associate Professor of Photography, Director of Art Programs & Art Gallery

Department of Art & Design

(508) 849-3464

dmatsumoto@annamaria.edu

Bio

Academic Agreements

Accelerated Degree Program

Art Therapy | BA

Program Overview

Art Therapy is an exciting career field that offers a challenging opportunity to combine creativity, psychology and compassionate service. The Art Therapy curriculum is balanced between art courses, psychology, and human services courses, and includes two courses in art therapy, theory and methods, two Art Therapy internships and two senior capstone courses. The two consecutive Art Therapy courses taken in the junior year are comprised of experiential and didactic components. The required internships also take place in the junior year.

The art therapy program prepares undergraduate students for the Master’s degree program in Art Therapy and Art Therapy licensing through the American Art Therapy Association.

Graduate Study Articulation Agreement: After successful completion of the Department of Art & Design’s B.A. in Art Therapy and meeting specific criteria detailed in the agreement (for details, contact the Department of Art and Design, Anna Maria College), the student qualifies for admission to Springfield College’s M.S. Art Therapy/Counseling.

Course of Study

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

Art/Design Competition

Art Center Gallery

Meet Our Faculty

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About the Department

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.

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Curriculum Highlights

ART 204 – Introduction to Sculpture and Clay

Required

This course is an introduction to three-dimensional studio art techniques, including sculpture in a variety of media. Provides students with an understanding of elements and principles of design as they apply to three-dimensional forms. Lecture, visual exploration, demonstration, class discussions, readings and hands-on projects are a part of the course.

3 credits

ATH 150 – Methods, Materials, and Techniques in Art Therapy

Required

This course covers the range of materials, methods, and techniques employed by the art therapist. The course will also focus on art therapy with special needs populations.

3 credits

ATH 201 – Art Therapy I (minimum grade of “C” required)

Required

This course is an introduction to art therapy through reading, discussion, videotapes, in-class experiential exercises, and field trips. Grade of C or better required.

3 credits

ATH 202 – Art Therapy II (minimum grade of “C” required)

Required

This course assists students in the exploration, study and practice of art therapy through reading, discussion, videotapes, in-class experiential exercises, and field trips. ATH 201 prerequisite for
ATH 202. Grade of C or better required.

3 credits

ART 233 – Painting I

Required

A study of composition, color theory, and elements of design as they apply to the painting medium. Studies of the master artists and techniques are incorporated into a research project. Prerequisite: ART 101, 102, 103. ART 233 prerequisite for ART 234. Studio fees.

3 credits

ART 235 – Printmaking

Required

Introduction to the basic elements and principles of design as they apply to printmaking. Provides basic printmaking skills, including the creation of simple prints, with and without the use of a press. Develops a working vocabulary for the discussion of prints. Second semester develops further skills, focusing on mastery of series and edition printing. Prerequisite Art 102. Open to non-majors. Studio fees.

3 credits

ATH 350 – Art Therapy Internship I

Required

Supervised clinical experience in community settings. Students observe, assist, and conduct sessions with children and adults with various disabilities. Prerequisite: ATH 201–202; for majors only.

3 credits

ATH 351 – Art Therapy Internship II

Required

Supervised clinical experience in community settings. Students observe, assist, and conduct sessions with children and adults with various disabilities. Prerequisite: ATH 201–202; ATH 350; for majors only.

3 credits

PSY 201 – Introduction to Psychology

Required

A study of the basic concepts, theories and findings in learning, perception, motivation, thinking, and personality.

3 credits

EDU – Developmental Disabilities (consult advisor)

Required

Introduces the student to the “sociological perspective” which involves critically analyzing human behavior in society. Some of the concepts studied are patterns and problems in human interactions, socialization, identity groups, social institutions, deviance and crime. Diversity will be used as a central theme in this course.

3 credits

PSY 306 – Abnormal Psychology

Required

The course will discuss how these behaviors manifest and are diagnosed using the DSM-5-TR. The course will examine the contributions made by analytic, neurological, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic schools in understanding the onto genesis of abnormal behavior as well as the effectiveness of various treatment models.

3 credits

Download Full Curriculum Map

Course Of Study

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a BA in Art Therapy, students will:

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
To 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
Experience using a variety of art materials and processes, and develop a portfolio demonstrating competence. A portfolio demonstrating competence is a requirement for the application to graduate degree programs in Art Therapy
Knowledge of the basic principles of sociology, and cultural anthropology, including the understanding of social conflict, group dynamics, the relationship of culture to the development of personality, and ethnic and multicultural issues, and its context.
Knowledge of basic principles of general psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology, with additional coursework in educational, clinical, experimental, and social psychology, and child/adolescence psychology, developmental disabilities, and family systems
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

Art Portfolio Guidelines

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.

New England Secondary School Art/Design Competition

Deadline for Entries: December 6, 2024
Virtual Exhibition Dates: December 18, 2024 – March 5, 2025
ZOOM Awards Presentation: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Learn More

Art Center Gallery

Director: Darrell Matsumoto, MFA

Art Center Gallery in Miriam Hall at Anna Maria College serves as the venue for numerous art and design exhibitions throughout the year, to support the intellectual and cultural life of the College and surrounding community. Of special note, the gallery presents special exhibitions, which showcase the contemporary work of practicing artists and designers, which also includes a published catalogue.

View our exhibitions below.

2024 Fall - 2025 Spring

2024 Fall – 2025 Spring

View Gallery

2023 Fall - 2024 Spring

2023 Fall – 2024 Spring

View Gallery

2022 Fall - 2023 Spring

2022 Fall – 2023 Spring

View Gallery

2021 Fall - 2022 Spring

2021 Fall – 2022 Spring

View Gallery

2020 Fall - 2021 Spring

2020 Fall – 2021 Spring

View Gallery

2019 Fall - 2020 Spring

2019 Fall – 2020 Spring

View Gallery

2018 Fall - 2019 Spring

2018 Fall – 2019 Spring

View Gallery

2017 Fall - 2018 Spring

2017 Fall – 2018 Spring

View Gallery

2016 Fall - 2017 Spring

2016 Fall – 2017 Spring

View Gallery

Self-Designed Major

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

Art and Design Minors

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.

Students interested in art who major in another field may minor in art. An art minor may be of particular interest to all majors who wishes to engage in a creative endeavor. The Art Minor is perfect complement to any major.

ART 101 Drawing I
ART 103 Fundamentals of Design and Color
DES 103 Introduction to Digital Design
ART 204 Introduction to Sculpture and Clay
ART Elective
Art History Elective

This minor and the course selection is designed to provide the Visual Art major with the necessary foundation in psychology, forming an excellent introduction to the field of Art Therapy. Note: Students must have completed PSY101, PSY207 or PSY215 prior to ATH courses.

ATH 150 Methods, Material, and Techniques for Art Therapists
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 207 Child Development or PSY215 Psychology of Adolescence
PSY 306 Abnormal Psychology
ATH 201 Art Therapy I
ATH 202 Art Therapy II

A minor in Graphic Design may be of particular interest to students in the art or business programs, providing them with knowledge of technology coupled with design relevant to both the creative and professional worlds.

Requirements for Art majors:

DES 140 Introduction to Graphic Design
DES 251 History of Graphic Design
DES 210 Typography II
ART 248 Introduction to Digital Photography
DES ___ Upper-level Graphic Design course
Business or Marketing elective

Requirements for non-Art majors:

ART 101 Fundamentals of Design and Color
DES 103 Introduction to Digital Design
ART 248 Introduction to Digital Photography
DES 140 Introduction to Graphic Design
DES ___ Upper-level Graphic Design course
Business or Marketing elective

This minor is designed for any student interested in the study of Photography and Videography. The minor will provide a solid foundation in the lens and light arts, which has a myriad of applications in our media driven society.