Art, Design, and Art History

About the Department

Martin Valencia, Department Chair
Conley Art Building, Room 105
559.278.2516
cah.fresnostate.edu/artanddesign

The Department of Art, Design, and Art History offers many exciting and creative opportunities for students to nurture and expand their artistic and design senses. Entering the 21st century, the department provides a broad range of experiences that prepare its graduates for art- and design-related career opportunities and artistic endeavors. Students study and produce works that include state-of-the-art computer applications, conceptual art, graphic design, and interior design. The department has fine arts as its core and foundation, while offering areas of study that allow for occupational preparation in a variety of areas. The award-winning faculty is committed to the idea that a foundation in the crafts of art and design is an essential prerequisite to the production of works that show sophistication both conceptually and visually.

Studio Art. Students produce works that encompass a wide range of visual expression, from figurative, abstract, narrative, and mixed media, to leading edge conceptual and installation works. Experimentation is encouraged. The history of art presents a platform for students to examine, identify, and appreciate the visual arts from prehistory to the present. Art history students acquire an understanding of great art works while developing critical thinking skills.

Art Animation and Intermedia allows students to explore fine art concepts through the use of various technological tools and mediums. Courses are offered in digital Imaging, 3D digital modeling, Video, 2D and 3D Animation.  Combined with a strong foundation of art and art history, the program provides a thorough and broad investigation of critical art issues in a socio-economic, historical, art historical context. Students engage with high-end technological processes and learn skills critical to developing a career in either industry or art.

Art History is designed to provide students with the communication skills, research techniques, and methods of critical inquiry that have become a vital part of contemporary life. Course offerings cover a wide range of topics in world art, encouraging students to become responsible citizens through an understanding of the aesthetic, cultural and ethical choices inherent in human development. Students successfully completing the B.A. in Art History are eligible to compete for admission to M.A. and Ph.D. programs and for entry-level positions in the art world and related fields.

Graphic Design provides a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degrees that offers students a professionally-oriented degree program containing three areas of emphasis: graphic design, illustration, and interactive multimedia design. Within these areas, students will explore various design and art theories, applications and technology that are part of becoming a graphic designer, illustrator and/or interactive designer.

Integrated Design allows students many unique opportunities in the field of design, helping them acquire skills in specific advanced technologies crucial to the design industry. The program prepares students for diverse design jobs in the industry right after graduation and also prepares students to go into a graduate M.A. or M.F.A. program.

Interior Design allows students many unique opportunities in the field of design. The interior design major is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly FIDER. Students use advanced computer-aided-design (CAD) and animation programs as well as traditional methods in developing sophisticated design solutions for a variety of architectural projects. Interior design students gain an excellent foundation in subjects such as color theory, space planning, presentation techniques, rendering, drawing, building systems and codes, and material and design for special populations. (Internship opportunities are available.)

Interesting Classes You Might Take

• 2-D Computer Art & Animation
• 3D Digital Art - Animation
• Beginning 3D Digital Art - Modeling
• Building Systems, Construction Documents & Codes
• Computer Art
• Design Studio 
• Design Graphics
• Design History, Theory & Criticism
• Design Materials & Specifications
• Digital Illustration
• Digital Video Art
• Graphic Concept Development
• Lighting Design 
• Motion Graphics
• Professional Practices
• Packaging Design

What You Can Learn

• Integrating color and composition and its impact of design communication
• Principles and procedures of organizing and executing design projects
• Green design, aging, illness, and wellness
• Theories and applications of graphic design
• Advanced concepts and techniques in graphic design, illustration and interactive multimedia
• To become a professional designer in the field

Facilities

The facilities of the department not only include the requisite studios, state-of-the-art computer labs, and support facilities, but also include an art gallery and a lecture hall in an award-winning contemporary art building complex.

Faculty

The faculty of the department offer diverse, skilled, and professional approaches to art and design education. The methods of teaching reflect distinctive yet complementary ways and means of introducing their disciplines while guiding students through the program with a sense of dedication and commitment to the education of artists, designers, and scholars.

Career Opportunities

What You Can Earn

• Graphic Design Specialist, $49,215 (in our region)
• Technical Illustrator, $53,122 (in our region)
• Painter/Illustrator, $39,064 (in our region)
• Web Designer, $64,353 (in our region)

Source: salary.com as of December 2012

Art History Opportunities

Museum and Gallery Curator, Administrator, Professional Tour Guide, Art Conservator, Art Consultant, Art Development Worker, Art Law Enforcement Officer, Art and Estate Appraiser, Auction Worker, Artist Manager, Exhibit Installation Contractor, Exhibition Manager, Art Events Planner and Organizer, Heritage Preservation Officer, Heritage Site Guide, Cultural Resources Manager, Media Executive, Designer, Researcher, College Professor, Educator, Writer, Journalist, Archivist

Programs

• Art - Animation Intermedia Option, B.A.
• Art History, B.A.
• Art, B.A.
• Graphic Design, B.F.A.
• Integrated Design, B.A.
• Interior Design, B.A.

• Art, M.A.

• Single Subject Credential - Art

• Art History, Minor
• Art, Minor