Art Department
Oklahoma City University’s Art Department is recognized as one of the most outstanding programs in the region. The classes are informal, yet challenging. The programs reflect our strong believe in art fundamentals: mastery of drawing skills and the elements and principles of design. We provide students with an understanding of art theory, art history, and contemporary issues that a
re all necessary in the creation of contemporary art. The department also recognizes the strength of exploration in the process of solving appropriate problems and challenges. This program allows students to ultimately focus on a specific area of study within their chosen discipline. Learn from the Best
All of your classes will be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Seventy-eight percent of your professors will hold the highest degrees in their fields. The average freshman class will have only 17 students; beyond that you’re looking at an average of 13 students per class. That means time for the professors to get to know you. Time to spend with you exploring areas of the subject matter that intrigue you. Facilities
The Norick Art Center is located in a 29,000 square-foot facility that houses all the fine art areas. The center contains painting and drawing areas, a ceramics and 3-D area, printmaking room, a twenty-two station Macintosh computer lab, photography labs, and the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery, which hosts eight to twelve exhibits each year. Every semester there is a capstone exhibit for seniors, and a student show is held each spring. There is an active art club that sponsors two student arts shows each year plus major involvement in both university and community programs. OCU is a private, liberal arts university with small classes. This is an invaluable asset to studio classes. Students receive individualized instruction throughout their academic career. Small Class Sizes: Because of our small class sizes, beginning level students can receive one-on-one demonstrations and individual critiques. Additionally, our art department has the flexibility to offer experimental elective classes that are not normally offered in arts programs. These classes can include technological advances and changes in methods and materials or new related media. Structured Curriculum: In order to best prepare students with the ability to construct their unique artistic visions, lower-division students receive the highest level of training in the materials and processes of both two- and three-dimensional art. The upper-division students are given guidance along with freedom to help them realize their goals as professional artists. Portfolio: Students create a strong professional portfolio before graduation, which allows them to enter a professional career or gain entry to a competitive graduate school. Internships: Besides regularly scheduled classes, the art department offers internships in a variety of art-related subjects. Also available are independent study, special problems, and advanced studio classes on an individual studio basis. All graduating studio art, graphic design, and photography majors participate in a capstone exhibition during their last semester at Oklahoma City University.
