Studio Art and Art Education Degrees:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design (B.F.A) with a concentration in Ceramics, Visual Design, Photography or Painting.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communications (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art and Design (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education (B.S.) with k-12 licensure.

Our department's curriculum offers a balance between a liberal arts education and specific skills to begin careers or enter professions. Four fundamental concerns must be covered: studio skills, design abilities, applicable theory, and technical information. Our traditional art-school foundation year explores basic art and design concepts, technical skills, and strengthens creativity and self-discipline. 

Students declare their majors at the end of the freshman year; however, we highly encourage incoming freshman interested in the visual arts to enroll in at least two, preferable three-core skill courses (Art 190 2-D Design, Art 191 3-D Design, Art 110 Drawing Intro). All of Barton's graduating studio majors are required to take a junior portfolio class, Art 305 and a senior capstone class, Art 403. Students explore options for entry into the profession or to pursue advanced study. Preparation of their exit portfolios may involve the refining of prior works and the production of additional or new works. The course also covers the skills necessary for professional presentation. All studio students must participate in the exit exhibition, which is the physical product of the capstone. The comprehensive exhibit of their best work is displayed for the College community. They also prepare portfolios that showcase their cumulative skills. Business aspects of the profession are also covered.

The Ceramics concentration provides a dynamic studio workshop environment to explore claywork as craft and fine art. Students are introduced to clay as a vehicle for functional, sculptural, and conceptual expression. Instruction is offered in wheel throwing and handbuilding. Different clays, glazes, and firing techniques are employed, including Raku, stoneware and earthenware. Students investigate ideas through studio and gain expertise in all ceramic techniques. The program is enriched through field trips to local pottery workshops, artists' studios, regional ceramic conferences, galleries and museums. In-class presentations on historical and contemporary ceramics round out the coursework. Ceramic graduates are prepared to follow a career in studio pottery, to teach introductory ceramic classes, and/or enter a graduate degree program.

Coordinator fo Ceramics: Mark Gordon office: 252.399.6474 mgordon@barton.edu

The Painting concentration at Barton College has a long tradition of encouraging success in developing painters. Painting classes emphasize skill development and creative problem solving, and promote the principle that the two most critical success factors are motivation and work ethic. Students and graduates of the printing program have been very successful with exhibitions, awards and admissions into graduate programs at various universities. Painting students are introduced to oil, acrylics and watercolors, as well as mixed media. Traditional approaches as well as current trends are encouraged.

Coordinator fo Painting: J. Chris Wilson office: 252.399.6476 cwilson@barton.edu

Barton's Photography concentration is one of only a handful of professional programs in this area of the country. We offer a commercial track is you're preparing for employment, and a fine art track of you're preparing for graduate school. In both cases you'll gain expertise by studying historical, cultural, and contemporary photographic imagery; by critiquing your own work, as well as that of your classmates; and by exploring technical solutions with individualized instruction.

Coordinator for Photography: Gerard Lange office: 252.399.6475 glange@barton.edu

For Barton's Visual Design concentration, our aim is to encourage students to integrate the conceptual and the technical of traditional graphic design. We expect our students to master the thinking and problem solving skills that lead to creative design solutions, as they develop transferable skills. We concentrate on communicative problem solving and innovative design work. Beginning the sophomore year, students develop the skills to investigate traditional media and computer imaging. The history of Graphic Design and Illustration, as well as exposure to other disciplines and cultures, nourish our future designers.

Coordinator for Visual Design: Susan Fecho office: 252.399.6481 sfecho@barton.edu

Barton's Art Education program will prepare you to teach the visual arts in kindergarten through the twelfth grade.  Barton College has a central role in the educational community of Eastern North Carolina, and the Art Education concentration at Barton helps fulfill of this role. The College's visibility in Wilson and surrounding areas is increased, and we contribute to improving art education of elementary, middle, and high school students of all levels. There is a great demand for art teachers and for classroom teachers with art-making skills, computer-based design skills, and specialized class management abilities specific to art activities.

Coordinator for Art Education Licensure Program: Mark Gordon: (252) 399 6474 mgordon@barton.edu