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Visual Arts and Studio Arts
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Visual Arts and Studio Arts Overview
The uniqueness of the visual arts major with a studio art concentration at Chatham University is its interdisciplinary nature. Students are given the tools to create technically proficient work, but are also challenged to incorporate alternative means of expression, to think critically about the images that they produce, to consider the context in which these images will be interpreted, and to contemplate the role that the artist should play in contemporary society.
—JAMES LOUKS, assistant professor of visual arts
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Alumna Profile: Kelly O’Donnell ‘19
Kelly O’Donnell ’19 has had two unusual international experiences while at Chatham, singlehandedly started the cheerleading squad, and is the Resident Assistant for the Women’s Living and Learning Community—but she’s not done with discoveries yet.
Explore the Visual Arts Degree with a Studio Art Concentration:
From foundation-level to advanced practice studio classes, the visual arts major with a studio art concentration curriculum is challenging, and offers plenty of support.
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Museum Studies Minor
The museum studies minor provides students with the skills, experience, and professional knowledge necessary to work in the museum field. The minor balances history and theory with practical experience designing and installing exhibitions and preparing educational programming. Students interact with museum and gallery professionals through frequent field trips to local and regional museums.
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Susan Bergman Gurrentz ’56 Art Gallery
The Susan Bergman Gurrentz ’56 Art Gallery exhibits artwork by students and by international, national, and local artists, providing students with a chance to work up-close and in-person with renowned pieces of art and historical artifacts.
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The Artist Collective
The Artist Collective is a Chatham-based community of artists who are passionate about art and strong advocates of their work. Each year, they host Extraction—a one-day salon-style interdisciplinary exhibition. In 2013, Extraction received the Outstanding Social Program Award from the National Association of Campus Activities.
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Olkes Collection
Chatham alumna Dr. Cheryl Olkes bequeathed a magnificent collection of more than 600 works of African art to Chatham College. Today, Chatham students use this collection for study, exhibition, and better understanding of African art and culture.
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K-12 Teaching Certification, Visual Arts Concentration
Chatham also offers a K-12 teaching certification with a visual arts concentration through our education major.