resources
Here's the place to learn more about Advising, the Art in Rome program, or where to find some funding assistance, or even where to check out a digital video camera. Please refer to the links at left for specific information. If you have any questions, please contact Nan Lawler at (479) 575-5202 or nlawler@uark.edu
Computer lab information here.
A Letter from The Department Chair to Art Majors
Dear Art Major,
Welcome to the Art Department! I am delighted that you have decided to become an art major. I hope that you will find the Art Department at the University of Arkansas to be a great and exciting place for you to develop as an artist, an art historian or art teacher. Our department does have a special character because there is so much opportunity here for one-on-one contact with the faculty; please be assured that all of the faculty and staff in the Art Department are strongly committed to the education of our students.
In order to help you feel more at home in our department, we have prepared this Resources area of the art department Web site. It contains information about advising, requirements, course offerings, faculty, studios, the library, and much more. I hope it will serve as a useful source to consult as you progress through our program. If you have any questions that the handbook does not answer, please feel free to ask me or any of the art department advisors (advisors and their office hours are listed outside the art department office in Fine Arts 116).
With all best wishes,
Lynn F. Jacobs
Associate Professor
Chair, Art Department
Making the Most of Art School
Take responsibility for your own education
At the college level instructors will not and should not come around to get you going. Part of the college experience is developing reliable self-motivation. Students who get As say they always try to put something extra into every project -- to go beyond what is required. You have a unique set of abilities and interests -- use them!
Train your eye -- and practice, practice, practice
Developing the eye is a lifetime job. The sooner you get started, the better. Make use of your sketchbook to study and understand things that interest you. Whatever you intend to do in art/design/art history/art education, try to practice it as much as possible. No level of skill that you attain will be too high.
Try to see as much art as you can
Living in Fayetteville, it's not always easy to see a lot of art, but you can see quite a bit if you make the effort. Look at work from as many periods and cultures as you can. Ask your teachers for recommendations. Visit museums and galleries when you're in a city, and go on all the class art trips you can. There is no substitute for seeing original works of art, but looking at art in books and magazines (as well as the internet) can go a long way.
And don't limit yourself to just art. Observe the design of the world around you -- architecture, fashion and product design, films, magazines, labels, patterns, etc.
Develop your skills at speaking and writing
Although artists have their primary focus on visual communication, being able to speak and write articulately is of vital importance. Everything from teaching, to writing grant proposals and artist statements, to negotiating and promoting your interests, and working with others in teams relies on fluency in language. This is even more true for Art Historians and Art Educators.
Think of everything you study as helping you to become a better artist/art historian/art educator
The courses you will take outside the Art Department will help you to understand and think about the world we live in; where we came from and where we are going. This knowledge will help you to make richer and more interesting art works. The best artists and art professionals continue to learn throughout their lives.