Printmaking, BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking

More on the Printmaking major

The Printmaking program is centered upon a dynamic investigation into the meaning of printed matter and the production of multiples in our complex world. Students energetically examine the visual and expressive potential of fine art printmaking while developing theoretical grounding in the historic context and contemporary applications of printmaking.

The curriculum is structured to provide a firm technical and conceptual foundation in print media as students develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Through independent and communal efforts students refine their art-making abilities, discover their individual voices and aesthetic sensibilities, and learn the habits essential to the lives of active artists and engaged global citizens.

Requirements for Admission

Myers School of Art admits via open enrollment following acceptance to The University of Akron. A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in ART courses is required for graduation.

Purpose

The purpose of the Printmaking program is to offer a comprehensive, forward-thinking undergraduate education in printmaking preparing students for professional work as visual artists and practitioners in the fields of printing/printmaking and for graduate-level study in printmaking and the visual arts. The program aims to offer students an education in a wide range of printmaking techniques —from historic to progressive—while continuing to provide high-quality printmaking courses to support and broaden the educations of students in other areas of study within The Myers School of Art.

Goals

• To help students gain technical strength in the four primary printmaking media—relief, intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting—and progressive contemporary printmaking practice—digital printing, printstallation, relational aesthetics, etc.
• To foster student learning of the problem-solving skills, methods of critical thinking, and idea development of the printmaking discipline and greater art-making practice.
• To aid students in seeing the potential for the transference of basic printmaking skills, concepts, and thought processes into other fields of study and areas of personal investigation.
• To lead students in learning to work collaboratively in a communal space with a sense of social responsibility.
• To teach contextual knowledge of contemporary and historic printmaking.
• To foster the ability to critically analyze artworks created through printmaking processes.
• To provide students with unique opportunities beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning to both expand upon the education that we offer as well as encourage an appreciation and love of lifelong learning.

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Printmaking such as:

• The Myers School of Art Printshop is a shared, collaborative environment to which students have 24-hour access. In addition to communal space, studio space is offered to intermediate and advanced level students on a competitive basis.
• Gain hands-on experience working with our extensive visiting artist program.
• Exhibit in shows both within the university and beyond in regional venues.
• Travel to the annual Southern Graphics Council International and biennial Mid America Print Council conferences.
• Participate in APE (Akron Printmaking Enthusiasts), our printmaking club, activities.
• Engage with the Akron and Northeast Ohio communities at museums, schools, and community printmaking demonstrations and events.

The following information has official approval of The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art and The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.

Students are encouraged to visit the The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art their freshman year to obtain preliminary information regarding the program requirements and to learn more about on-campus opportunities available to students.

Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.

Requirements

Summary

¹

Select a minimum of five art studio courses (15 credits) that must come from ART studio arts courses. See advisor for help.

Recommended Sequence

¹

Art Foundation Studio Elective, choose from the following:

ART 222 Introduction to Sculpture, ART 254 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 266 Introduction to Jewelry & Metalsmithing or ART 275 Introduction to Darkroom Photography

²

3D Elective, Select a course from the following that has not been previously taken for credit:

ART 222 Introduction to Sculpture, ART 254 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 266 Introduction to Jewelry & Metalsmithing or ART 324 Installation Art

³

Art History Electives, See Advisor for help.

⁴

Art Studio Electives, Select 5 courses (15 credits total) that must come from ART studio arts courses. See advisor for help.