While Iowa State University’s College of Design offers a variety of different enlightening degrees, the Art and Visual Culture department is one to note. With a unique curriculum that incorporates various media, the program allows students to learn the process of design as well as develop skills in their desired areas of focus.
The eight areas of focus include ceramics, textiles, jewelry/metalsmithing, furniture design, painting, printmaking, digital media, and photography. Along with these courses, students engage in multiple Art History classes, which enhance their development in the studio.
Ingrid Lilligren, who is head of the department, says, “The Art and Visual Culture department programs help students gain skills and knowledge in a broad range of topics and media. Students are encouraged to participate in exhibition opportunities located on and off campus that are open to the Ames community.
Students serve as interns in the gallery at Design on Main, where they have the opportunity to interact with passers-by and members of the Ames arts community. Combined with their academic courses, we prepare students to be successful professional studio artists, or to continue their studies in a competitive graduate program.”
The talent, skills and ideas that these students yield is something that feeds into the art culture of Ames. Ames has a booming art scene, and these students are continually proving their upcoming presence in it. In a world where graphic and technical design seem to conquer, the Art and Visual Culture program is giving their students an opportunity to keep traditional media alive.
The eight areas of focus include ceramics, textiles, jewelry/metalsmithing, furniture design, painting, printmaking, digital media, and photography. Along with these courses, students engage in multiple Art History classes, which enhance their development in the studio.
Ingrid Lilligren, who is head of the department, says, “The Art and Visual Culture department programs help students gain skills and knowledge in a broad range of topics and media. Students are encouraged to participate in exhibition opportunities located on and off campus that are open to the Ames community.
Students serve as interns in the gallery at Design on Main, where they have the opportunity to interact with passers-by and members of the Ames arts community. Combined with their academic courses, we prepare students to be successful professional studio artists, or to continue their studies in a competitive graduate program.”
The talent, skills and ideas that these students yield is something that feeds into the art culture of Ames. Ames has a booming art scene, and these students are continually proving their upcoming presence in it. In a world where graphic and technical design seem to conquer, the Art and Visual Culture program is giving their students an opportunity to keep traditional media alive.
Pieces by Ames Community Arts Council Intern and Public Relations and Arts and Visual Culture major, Alyssa Steinhagen.