Art

Program Level:

Pre-Majors/Transfer

Department:

Fine Arts/Kinesiology

Institute:

Creative & Communication Arts

College:

SPC

What is the SPC Art Program?

Located on the Eastside of San Antonio, St. Philip’s College is positioned to be for the students and the local community. We believe that art has value for all students, regardless of their area of focus. Through the visual arts, we not only provide professional instruction in art-specific skills, but students also learn to appreciate the visual arts by attending art exhibitions, meeting local and visiting artists, and the value of the visual arts in the community. Students will also have opportunities to exhibit in local galleries.

The Art Pre-Major is geared to prepare visual art students for transfer to a 4-year Art Program and to give them the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in the art process both in and out of the studio. We provide students the opportunity to grow and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and the soft skills necessary to succeed in any career. 

Students taking a visual arts course can expect to learn Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Design foundations, and Sculpture, in addition to electives like Art History and Art Appreciation. Art students at St. Philip’s College are allowed to create work, exhibit their work in the student gallery, and learn to facilitate a gallery from installation to exhibitions as part of a work-study each semester.

What's special about the program?

St. Philip's College offers a unique opportunity for those interested in the visual arts. Students can expect to be involved in creating artwork that touches on skills ranging from classical to contemporary approaches to the art practice.

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Faculty ensure that students walk away with a strong foundation in skills that stimulate critical thinking, developing and applying an understanding of artistic concepts that foster an appreciation for exhibiting and viewing work in the art community. Students of all levels of talent and experience are welcome. You’ll get a chance to work with professionals in the field, develop new work, and participate in community projects such as mural workshops.

What will I learn in the program?

The Visual Arts courses at St. Philip’s College are focused on learning and applying skills using different media and developing the student’s personal and creative voice within those media.

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As the student advances in each course, critical thinking skills progress along with the ability to critique and understand their own work as well as the artistic output of others. Students will also learn to engage in theories of form, color, design, and composition. Students can enroll in classes such as sculpture, drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, 2D design, 3D design, photography, and digital arts.

What can I do with this course of study?

The study of art can be the basis for many fields, including studio art, arts administration, art therapy, education, media, communications, technology, teacher certification, and more.

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See What Courses We Have to Offer

Are you interested in seeing what SPC has to offer in visual Arts? Check out a listing of courses and our faculty. Faculty and staff in the Art program are here to teach students to apply their skills in different media and develop a personal and creative voice.

Course Listing

Fine Arts

Expect to receive a quality educational environment that stimulates critical thinking.

ARTS 2356 Photography I

A studio art course that introduces the technical and conceptual basics of photography as a creative medium.

ARTS 2357 Photography II

A studio art course furthers the study of photography's technical and conceptual basics as a creative medium.

ARTS 2346 Ceramics I

A studio art course that introduces basic building, throwing, and other techniques related to the design and production of ceramic sculpture and pottery.

ARTS 2347 Ceramics II

A studio art course that furthers the study of building, throwing, and other techniques related to the design and production of ceramic sculpture and pottery.

ARTS 2348 Digital Media

Studio art course that introduces the potential of basic digital media manipulation and graphic creation. The course emphasizes still and time-based media.

ARTS 1311 Design I (2D design)

An introduction to the fundamental terminology, concepts, theory, and application of two-dimensional design.

ARTS 1312 Design II (3D design)

An introduction to the fundamental terminology, concepts, theory, and application of three-dimensional design.

ARTS 1316 Drawing I

A foundation studio course exploring drawing with emphasis on descriptive, expressive, and conceptual approaches. Students will learn to see and interpret a variety of subjects while using diverse materials and techniques. Coursework will facilitate a dialogue in which students will engage in critical analysis and begin to develop their understanding of drawing as a discipline.

ARTS 1317 Drawing II

A studio course exploring drawing with continued emphasis on descriptive, expressive, and conceptual approaches. Students will further develop the ability to see and interpret a variety of subjects while using diverse materials and techniques. Coursework will facilitate a dialogue in which students will employ critical analysis to broaden their understanding of drawing as a discipline.

ARTS 2323 Drawing III (Figure Drawing)

Basic study of the human form and conceptual aspects of drawing.

ARTS 2311 Design III (Digital Media II or Printmaking II)

A studio art course is a theoretical and practical study of color and composition in art and design. The course consists of studio-based projects using the formal and conceptual aspects of color. The course also examines the functions of color in art from different historical and cultural perspectives.

ARTS 2316 Painting I

Studio art course that introduces the fundamental principles, materials, and techniques of painting.

ARTS 2317 Painting II

Studio art course that furthers the study of the principles, materials, and techniques of painting.

ARTS 2326 Sculpture

A studio art course that introduces the materials, processes, and issues of making three-dimensional objects and environments. The course explores the use of varied materials and techniques along with the formal and conceptual principles that form the basis of contemporary sculpture.

ARTS 2333 Printmaking I

A studio art course that introduces traditional and contemporary printmaking materials, processes, and concepts. The course explores the use of varied tools and techniques along with the formal and conceptual principles to create editioned and unique works.

ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th century)

A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century.

ARTS 1304 Art History II (14th century. to the present)

A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from the 14th century to the present day.

ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation

A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.

Preparing and Inspiring Artists for Careers in Visual Art