Art
Department Chair:
Email: jippolit@hawaii.edu
Office: Kanakaʻole Hall, Room 214
Tel: (808) 932–7216
Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/art/
Professors:
Jean Ippolito , Ph.D.Michael Marshall , M.F.A.
Associate Professors:
Jonathon E. Goebel , M.F.A.
The baccalaureate program in art is the study of visual art. The program explores the creative, experimental, and developmental aspects of art. The study of art involves the practice of art in the studio environment, art as an expression of our cultural heritage, and an understanding of the history of art. The program provides students, the university, and the community with visual arts experiences in regional, national, and international contexts.
Lower-division courses provide study in basic theory, study of different media, and the development of skills in the application and practice of studio art. Courses in the upper-division pursue advanced theory and studio applications involving explorations of individual expression.
The program emphases are painting, drawing, and printmaking studio. Other specific areas of study can be arranged through consultation with the Art Department and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Department Vision:
The art program in the College of Arts and Sciences pursues excellence in teaching and learning in the visual arts This includes the development of skills in the foundations of studio art practice, art history theory and aesthetics.
The visual arts studio-environment is hands on, and encourages creativity, problem solving, and innovation through course offerings in dedicated workspaces that provide room for growth and self-exploration. The study of art history cultivates analytical and critical thinking, placing art in historical, geographical, and cultural contexts. In art history, the art object is thought of as a mirror that reflects the time and place from which it originates and can reveal diverse philosophies from a vast range of views. The comprehensive art program holistically encourages the exploration, appreciation and respect for the rich cultural landscape of Hawaii and the Hawaiian world view.
Department Mission:
The mission of the art program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is to open horizons for student success in the visual arts, to develop hands-on and technical skills, and to explore the world through the wide lens of the visual arts. The art program prepares students for careers in which they can contribute professionally to the arts and commercial industries, while contributing creativity and innovation to the Hawaii islands and global communities.
Goals for Student Learning in the Major
The Art Department provides an environment supporting scholarship and practice in the visual arts. Students pursue an understanding of the practice of art forms, an understanding of art movements in the contemporary mainstream, comprehension of aesthetic theory, and a perspective of the history of art in Eastern and Western contexts.
The program goals for student learning are as follows. Upon graduation from the program, an art major will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate and articulate a critical relationship between materials, techniques, and procedures in creative expressions ideas.
- Creatively and critically analyze areas of the visual arts.
- Articulate how the history of world cultures and art are expressions of cultural heritage; articulates a comprehensive understanding of art.
- Critically articulates how a work (including one’s own) is situated in visual art developments in the contemporary mainstream.
Prospects for Art Majors
The Bachelor of Arts degree in art provides study in art for all students and prepares students for graduate study in studio art and continued study in areas of applied arts and art education. Student achievements in art are represented by the student portfolio of work completed during study in the program.
Students can prepare for professions in graphic design, illustration, applied arts, and teaching. The study of studio media, methods, applications, art history, and art theory develop an understanding of the creative process. The study of Art addresses imagination, aesthetic concepts, creative applications, and the ability to consider, with equal awareness, minute details and larger perspectives.
Contributions to the General Education Program
Art is an important component of a strong liberal arts education. Students selecting art courses to fulfill General Education requirements develop abilities for skillful creative applications, the growth of imagination, and an insight into cultural relationships.
Special Aspects of the Art Major
Photography, textiles, fiber arts, ceramics and digital media art courses are offered at Hawaiʻi Community College or through the summer session. Please consult with the Art Department for additional information.
Student Art Association
The Student Art Association is a registered student organization sponsoring activities and projects relating to the study of art. The Association has presented papermaking demonstrations during Earth Day celebrations, sponsored visiting artists, and organizes and presents the Annual Student Art Exhibition featured in the Campus Center Galleries from May to September.