Possible curriculum changes and upcoming student exhibits are currently in the works for the department of contemporary art and theater.
According to Rhonda Smith, the chair of the department of contemporary art and theater, enrollment has remained steady over the past several years with approximately 200-250 majors. Included in this number are students seeking a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art education as well as those earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
There are five concentrations, including graphic design, painting, photography/computer digital imagery, printmaking, and sculpture, available to BFA students. However, there is talk of expanding the number of programs offered within the department.
“Currently we are engaged in a conversation to add a minor in art history,” said Smith. This would expand on the two minors in art and photography/computer digital imagery that the department already offers. The proposed addition of an art history program is accompanied by a new faculty member, Chris Coltrin, who specializes in the subject.
Smith said, “It has been over 26 years since the department had a dedicated art historian and we are overjoyed to have Chris Coltrin.”
In addition to working toward an art history minor, there is hope of adding a major in theater. Student interest and the added benefits to other performance-based programs are incentive to build upon the theater curriculum, according to Smith.
In addition to these curriculum discussions, the department and students are also getting ready for several upcoming exhibits. The Annual Student Honors Exhibit will open on March 24 at 5 p.m. in the Phase II Gallery at the Center for Contemporary Art. Evan Bogges, a professional artist, will select the juried exhibit.
Senior capstone exhibits will occur this semester as well. As part of their final semester at Shepherd, art students are required to “present a cohesive and professional body of work within the concentration area,” according to the department’s web page.
Ashli Cheshire, fine arts major with a concentration in painting and drawing, presented her final project last spring. Cheshire wrote, illustrated and self-published a children’s book as her capstone project. “At first the idea seemed out of reach, but time, energy and passion made me realize what I’m capable of,” said Cheshire.
“The students must locate and book a space, create the work, do all the advertising, hang the exhibit and dismantle the exhibit all on their own,” said Smith. This challenge allows students to gain professional experience in their field.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibits this semester. It’s a great opportunity to support other students and see what is new in the art department,” said junior English major Colleen Callahan.
The senior capstone presentations will be held both on and off campus, and they will take place in April. Details and event publicity will be released soon.
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