Mary Beth Looney, chair

Disciplines and Degrees Offered  The department of art & design offers majors in Art Education (B.F.A.) , Fashion Design (B.F.A.) , Fashion Merchandising (B.A.)  and Studio Art (B.F.A.) . Students should consult the General Academic Plan  section of this Catalog to determine which majors are available in the Women’s College or the University. Not all majors are offered at all Brenau locations. Minors in Fashion Design  and Fashion Merchandising  are also offered.

NOTE: Art & Design majors are available through the day (Women’s College) program. University student enrollment in daytime programs may require additional approval and these students are subject to the policies and procedures of the University.

Purpose   Artistic visual expression extends the ability to communicate, enriches lives, provides cultural legacy and increases individual and collective awareness and understanding of life’s most meaningful experiences. Artists determine an array of critical judgments that draw upon their rational and intuitive capabilities. By strengthening those capabilities and developing processes of critical thinking, Brenau prepares students for the challenge of an extraordinary life and for leadership in professional endeavors in the worlds of art and design.

Students in the art and design programs receive a significant foundation in two dimensional design, three dimensional design, drawing, basic graphic design, digital photography, art history and aesthetics. Faculty in each area work closely with students to assist them in their professional development. Majors in art and design are required to complete a senior studio project in their area and an internship with professionals in their field.

Art and design programs are enhanced by exceptional exhibition schedules of curated works on loan, university collections of art and historic textiles, providing students with excellent study opportunities and enrichment. Brenau University Galleries present exhibits by internationally and nationally acclaimed artists such as Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Clyde Connell, Nancy Graves, Alexander Calder, Richard Jolley, Miriam Shapiro, Faith Ringgold and Sally Mann.

Graduation Requirements  All students graduating from Art & Design programs must have obtained a C or better in any and all required courses for their program. All students graduating from the Art & Design Department are required to create a senior project and portfolio and exhibit both of these in the spring student show, The Brenau Collaborative. Students unable to complete their design coursework until the following fall term will be required to exhibit in the following spring term’s show.