Sculpture
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
The sculpture program encourages thoughtful integration of concept and media. Students are encouraged to explore diverse interests while acquiring skills in woodworking, metal fabrication, casting, and digital technologies. The faculty foster independent artistic development in a studio environment where beginners work alongside experienced students. The program offers a full range of courses in traditional media and encourages innovation and experimentation in performances, installation, and other contemporary sculptural media. The BFA in sculpture readies students for graduate work while the MFA program readies students for even greater success in the professional art world.
Student Profile
Students come to the Sculpture program from a wide range of socio-economic, age, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. This variety produces a rich mix of ideas and skills. There is no typical student. Often students from other fields find success in this program.
Program Descriptions
No portfolio is required for entrance into the School of Art and Design’s undergraduate program. Requirements for acceptance into the sculpture concentration follow this program description.
The undergraduate Sculpture program follows a traditional approach with strong emphasis on directed study. As students mature in their studies, they are encouraged to move into directions of individual interest at their own pace. Careful attention is given to maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and encouragement. Students share opinions freely and work closely to assist one another in complex projects. Any limitation is treated simply as a problem to be solved.
Transfer Credits
Upon acceptance into the University and before initial registration, students who wish to transfer credit for art courses taken elsewhere must bring a copy of their transcripts with a GSU transfer evaluation to the School of Art and Design undergraduate advisor in room 117 Art and Humanities. A catalog description, course syllabus, or portfolio review may be required for course evaluation.
Course Requirements for the Concentration – Area G (60 hours)
- Concentration Core Requirements (9)
- Sculpture requirements (33)
- 2-D Elective (3-4)
- 3-D Electives (6-8)
- Art History electives at 4000 level (6-7)
Because art and design courses consists of both 3 credit hour courses and 4 credit hours courses, ART 4980 Special Problems (1-6 hours), may be used to adjust program in order to meet the 60 hour requirement. Consent of departmental advisor and instructor required.
Application to the Concentration
Before Application:
- Students should consult in Fall or Spring semesters with the area coordinator in the concentration for information requirements, preferably as soon as they know they will be applying to the concentration.
- Students must take 18 credit hours of courses appropriate to the major field (4 studio foundation courses and 2 art history surveys).
- Students must also have completed or be taking two 3000 level courses in the concentration.
- Portfolios, slides, or photos are required for entry when students have completed the courses appropriate to the major field.
Application Procedures:
Applications to the concentration are reviewed Fall and Spring semesters and include presentation of art work from the four studio foundation courses plus two 3000 level courses of sculpture judged on the following criteria:
Applications to the concentration are reviewed Fall and Spring semesters and include presentation of art work from the four studio foundation courses plus two 3000 level courses of sculpture judged on the following criteria:- technical ability
- creativity and experimentation
- conceptual thought
Students must also present for review a current PACE advisement form obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Academic Assistance, room 724 General Classroom Building. Application to the concentration must occur prior to completing 33 credit hours in art. Students should contact the area coordinator in the concentration in Fall or Spring semesters for information about criteria and application procedures well before the review date.
Sculpture Facilities
The Sculpture studios occupy a 7500 sq. ft. single floor facility located in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District. Adjoining the indoor studios is an uncovered courtyard of 2500 sq. ft. and a fenced lot of 2300 sq. ft. These areas provide space for activities and equipment for foundry, woodworking, metal fabricating and stone carving.
Edgewood Sculpture Forum
Edgewood Sculpture Forum is comprised of sculpture students and is part of the student organization Art Student Union in the School of Art and Design. This group is instrumental in sponsoring guest artists for workshops and lectures. It organizes exhibits of member works and arranges field trips to conferences, museums and galleries. In addition, members work to secure or fabricate equipment for the studio. The forum provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and technical information.
Exhibition
Atlanta has a large number of commercial and institutional galleries as well as many alternative exhibition spaces. Students exhibit regularly and are reviewed in local art journals and newspapers.
Career Opportunities
A wide variety of opportunities are available; some directly related, others, tangential. Past graduates have acquired positions as sculptors, public sculpture artists, museum employees, instructors on the college level, fabricators and installers, foundry workers and movie set designers/fabricators. The business climate in Atlanta supports many art related fields.
For more detailed information about the program please see the Georgia State University General Catalogues
