Visual Arts

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Michael (Tim) Steele, Department Head
Department of Visual Arts
Grove Hall 101
605-688-4103
Fax: 605-688-6769
E-mail: sdsu.artdept@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/art

Faculty
Professor Steele, Head; Professors French, Wallace; Professors Emeriti Edie, Gambill, Spinar; Professors Emeritae Morgan, Stuart; Associate Professors Cempellin, Clark, Hardin; Assistant Professors Behl, Carton, Melkumyan; Instructors Heeren, Reichardt, Stemwedel, Taylor, Van Benschoten, Weaver, Wicks

Department Overview
The Department offers courses in animation, art education, art history, ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, film, interactive design, graphic design, painting, printmaking, sculpture and web design. Students may pursue careers as artists, art educators, illustrators, graphic designers, or web designers. Graduates also prepare design or studio art portfolios necessary for pursuing graduate study.

Department Objectives
The department of Visual Arts seeks to prepare graduates for leadership in a world that requires a unique combination of artistic ability, innovative thinking, creative problem solving, conceptual skills and technical abilities. Through distinctive academic programs, strategic collaborations, and scholarship, research and creative activity the department:

• Encourages the creation of original art and design.
• Inspires critical thinking and study of aesthetics and history of art, graphic design and studio art.
• Fosters creative problem solving and conceptual thinking necessary for activities and promotes careers in the ever-changing fields of art education, graphic design and studio arts.

Programs

Memberships
AIGA is the professional organization for graphic designers. Their mission is to define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, inspire designers and the public, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all.

FATE is the national association dedicated to the promotion of excellence in the development and teaching of college-level foundation courses in both studio and art history.

ICS, the International Sculpture Center, champions the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique and vital contribution to society. Their mission is to advance the art form, promote a supportive environment for sculpture that educates and effects social change.

NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is the professional organization established to promote high quality teacher preparation. NCATE works to make a difference in the quality of teaching and teacher preparation today, tomorrow, and for the next century. NCATE believes every student deserves a caring, competent, and highly qualified teacher.
 
Facilities and Services
The department provides art and design studios: six specialized studio art, three graphic design, two multi-purpose and two animation/computer graphics, located in Grove Hall and the North Head House in Brookings and at the University Center in Sioux Falls. The Ritz Gallery is located in Grove Hall and houses a program of public exhibitions with works by students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists/designers throughout the year. Ritz exhibitions offer visual art enrichment for the campus, community, and the state of South Dakota, as well as the public scrutiny of the Department programs in all of their variety. The annual schedule of 20 exhibitions also functions heavily in the curriculum.

Instruction is enhanced by student travel opportunities to national art and design centers through study abroad programs, and national and international art and design conferences. Five to seven nationally recognized visiting artists and designers supplement instruction yearly.

Student Engagement Opportunities
The department offers opportunities for student engagement through creative activities, scholarship and student organizations.

• Art Club
• AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Art)
• Annual juried student art exhibitions
• SoDak Animation Festival
• Honors Art History
• Undergraduate scholarship and creative opportunities
• Internship opportunities

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