Requirements and Courses

Marcel’s Bedroom by Joseph Finnie ’19

The Studio Arts Program is available to students who wish to major in the program as well as students who wish to experience the visual arts and apply that experience to other disciplines. A successful Moderation is necessary to major in studio arts.

Student Handbook Fall 2023

The Studio Arts Major

“Through Space” by Paige Eckensberger ’19

Course Components

Students moderate by the end of their sophomore year and after having completed at least 40 credits. The student who wishes to moderate into the program and graduate with a degree in studio arts must complete the following course components: two art history and visual culture courses (one to be completed by the time of Moderation; it is also recommended that one be based in contemporary, post-1945 art, when offered); four studio courses from among Drawing I (required), II, III; Painting I, II, III; Printmaking I, II, III; Sculpture I, II, III; Digital I, II; Extended Media I, II; and Art 405-406, Senior Seminar.

“Simul.” by Jules Marie Roberts ’19

Student Work

At the end of their fourth semester, moderating students present a body of work to a group of three faculty members—determined by the program and including the student’s adviser—to assess the student’s work to date, clarify strengths and weaknesses, and discuss curricular and academic goals for the rest of the student’s Bard career. All studio arts majors participate in a group exhibition of their work as part of the Moderation process.

Courses and Seminars

Course List Website

For a complete list of courses for the upcoming semester, visit the course list website.
College Catalogue

To browse courses generally offered in Studio Arts, but not necessarily this semester, visit the College catalogue.

“Dog Eyes” by Jackson Denahy ’19

Senior Project and Exhibition

Moderated studio arts majors are eligible for the final curricular component of the program, which consists of Level III studio classes in a variety of painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, extended media, digital, and printmaking options. The Level III studios reinforce the skills and perceptions honed in the foundation courses and develop students’ abilities to execute their own projects, preparing them for work on their Senior Projects. The Senior Seminar provides a weekly forum for project critiques and discussions of student work, in which preparation of the student’s thesis exhibition is strongly stressed.

Senior Project Photo Gallery