Chair
Amy Friend (until June 30, 2024)
Amanda Burk (as of July 1, 2024)
Professor Emerita
Merijean Morrissey
Professors
Linda Carreiro (Associate Dean & Director of MIWSFPA), Keri Cronin
Associate Professors
Amanda Burk, Amy Friend, Derek Knight, Murray Kropf, Linda Steer, Donna Szoke
Assistant Professors
Elysia French, Troy David Ouellette
Media Resources Coordinator
Max Holten-Andersen
Studio Facilities Coordinator
Arnold McBay
Gallery Coordinator
Sonya de Lazzer
Academic Advisor
Elizabeth Maddeaux
General Information
Administrative Assistant
Monika Lederich
905-688-5550, extension 3214
Marilyn I. Walker 328
brocku.ca/visualarts
The Department of Visual Arts, part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, is concerned with the nature, function and history of visual arts, from the classics to popular culture, from ancient drawings and rituals to avant-garde and contemporary artistic practices. Through critical analysis of classic works and personal creative development, the student will gain an awareness of the ways in which artistic media function. Our aim is to contribute to the vitality of the arts by developing sensitive, creative and articulate artists, teachers, audiences and graduates who are disciplined and adaptable, with both research skills and experience in studio practice.
The Visual Arts program consists of courses in studio and in the history of art and visual culture. In both cases, our courses provide a practical and critical understanding of the visual arts emphasizing personal development. To this end students are introduced to a range of historical, theoretical and critical approaches to art-making and to the investigation of cultural documents. Students are encouraged to extend their experience through exposure to events sponsored by the Department of Visual Arts and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Students are also offered opportunities to visit galleries and exhibitions through field trips organized by the Department of Visual Arts or in the context of specific course curriculum.
Students may take their degree in either History of Art and Visual Culture or Studio Art.
Studio activities that include intuitive, analytical and conceptual approaches are designed with the aspirations of the student artist in mind. Options are encouraged in the studio with introductory or advanced courses in drawing, painting and interdisciplinary workshops; additional courses in sculpture, photography and digital media broaden the experience and introduce the photographic, video or electronic medium to students. Student learning is facilitated by artist-teachers who have professional experience and standing in the disciplines they teach.
History of Art and Visual Culture courses examine the development of artistic styles as well as the critical and aesthetic issues that these styles bring into play. Major artists and movements are related to their cultural contexts and artistic traditions with the goal of developing critical thinking and analysis about the ways that images make meaning in our world. With the choice of a Major or Minor in the History of Art and Visual Culture, students can explore the cultural, theoretical or practical methods involving the interpretation or exhibition of works of art.
The BSc (Honours) in Computer Science and Visual Arts program is tailored to students who may be interested in career paths in software development and digital media. The degree gives a solid foundation in computer technology and software science, as well as essential foundations in visual arts, emphasizing digital media.
Enrolment in most studio courses is limited to between 15 and 18 students, depending upon the course.
Facilities
Visual Arts facilities include a computer commons with access to digital editing, printers, scanners and equipment lending kiosk. The facilities also include painting, drawing, foundation studios and a VISA 4F06 Honours studio, a wood working shop, an art store, a digital media lab, a photography lab/darkroom, a digital printer lab and a gallery.
Entrance Requirements for Studio Majors
Students wishing to major in Studio Art (3-Year Pass Degree), Studio Art (4-Year Honours Degree) and Concurrent Education (Honours) Intermediate/Senior (Visual Arts major) are required to submit a portfolio of work as part of their application. See Department for details.
Summer Studies Abroad
The Department of Visual Arts offers a summer course in Spain focused on participation in cultural events with visits to local institutions.
Additionally, the Department of Visual Arts also offers a summer course in Italy in conjunction with the Italian section of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Contact the Department for information and registration.
Program Notes
- Context credits must normally be completed within the first 10.0 credits.
- From the following list, no more than 1.5 VISA credits may be counted toward an Honours degree, single or combined major and no more than one VISA credit for a Pass degree: VISA 3M20-3M29 , VISA 3P22 , VISA 3P23 , VISA 3P24 , VISA 3P25 , VISA 4V30-4V39 .
- Students who do not have the necessary prerequisites for studio courses (VISA 1P93 , VISA 1P94 , VISA 1P95 , VISA 1P96 , VISA 2F05 , VISA 2P03 , VISA 2P04 , VISA 2P26 , VISA 2P27 , VISA 2P61 , VISA 2P93 , VISA 2P94 , VISA 2P96 , VISA 2P97 , VISA 2P99 , VISA 2Q95 , VISA 3P03 , VISA 3P04 , VISA 3P10 , VISA 3P26 , VISA 3P93 , VISA 3P94 , VISA 3Q99 , VISA 4P03 , VISA 4P04 , VISA 4F06 ) may be admitted by portfolio. Details are available from the Administrative Assistant. Enrolment in these courses will be limited; participation as an auditor is not permitted.
- Year 3 courses are normally restricted to students with a minimum of three credits numbered 2(alpha)00 or above or permission of the instructor.
- Portfolio evaluation and academic advising interview are required for students seeking to change their major to Visual Arts. The Department will consider these requests on an ongoing basis. Contact the Department for details.
- Students wishing to take VISA 3F99 , VISA 4F06 or VISA 4F99 must have a minimum of 75 percent major average and permission of the Department. Proposals are normally submitted by May 1 of each year.
- Students wishing to take VISA 4F06 must take 3Q92 as a prerequisite, have a minimum of 75 percent major average, minimum 15.0 overall credits, and permission of the Department. Proposals are normally submited by May 1 of each year.
- Students in the Studio programs are strongly recommended to take an upper-year studio credit or a History of Art and Visual Culture credit in year 3.
- History of Art and Visual Culture majors are strongly recommended to complete a second language credit from French Studies, German or Italian Studies.
- Students must achieve a minimum 60 percent grade in VISA 1Q98 and in VISA 1Q99 in order to progress through their program.
- From the following list, no more than 0.5 credits may be counted toward an Honours degree, single or combined major, or Pass degree: VISA 4P40 , VISA 4P41 , VISA 4P68 .
- In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
In 15 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.