Visual Arts

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

Faculty
Professor Steele, Head; Professors French, Wallace; Professors Emeriti Edie, Gambill, Spinar; Professors Emeritae Morgan, Stuart; Associate Professors Cempellin, Clark; Assistant Professors Behl, Carton, Hardin, Melkumyan; Instructors Frewaldt, 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 pursue careers as artists, art educators, illustrators, graphic designers, and web designers. Graduates also pursue graduate study, receiving advanced degrees in art and design.

Department Objectives
The Visual Arts Department seeks to enhance academic excellence and strengthen scholarship and artistic activities.

• Encourage the creation of original material objects and virtual forms of graphic design and studio art.
• Inspire critical thinking, study and appreciate the aesthetics and history of ideas in graphic design and studio art.
• Foster creative activities and promote careers in the ever-changing fields of graphic design and studio arts.

Programs

Memberships
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.
NCATE The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education 
International Sculpture Center (ISC) is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique, vital contribution to society.

Facilities and Services
The department provides ten specialized and two multi-purpose studios, located in Grove Hall 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.

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