The Department of Art at Skidmore College is a premier destination for students seeking a rigorous, interdisciplinary art education within a top-tier liberal arts framework. Renowned for its blend of creative experimentation, technical mastery, and critical thinking, the department offers undergraduate programs in Studio Art, Art History, and combined disciplines, fostering innovation and intellectual curiosity. With state-of-the-art facilities, distinguished faculty, and a commitment to bridging traditional practices with contemporary discourse, Skidmore’s Art Department prepares students for dynamic careers in the arts and beyond.

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Academic Programs and Curriculum

The department provides three distinct majors: Studio Art (B.A. or B.S.), Art History (B.A.), and a Combined Art Major, allowing students to integrate studio practice with art historical study.

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• Studio Art: Students explore diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and digital media. The curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in the first two years, progressing to advanced thematic projects and a senior thesis exhibition. Courses like Advanced Interdisciplinary Studio encourage cross-medium experimentation, while Professional Practices equips students with career-building strategies.
• Art History: This program spans global art traditions, from antiquity to contemporary movements, with courses in museum studies, curatorial practice, and critical theory. Students engage in hands-on research, archival work, and internships at institutions like the Tang Teaching Museum.
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Collaboration with departments like Environmental Studies, Computer Science, and Gender Studies is encouraged, reflecting Skidmore’s liberal arts ethos. Courses such as Art and Ecology or Digital Fabrication highlight intersections between art and other fields.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Housed in the Saisselin Art Center, the department offers specialized studios and labs designed to support both traditional and digital practices:

• Painting & Drawing Studios: Spacious, light-filled rooms with critique spaces.
• Sculpture & Ceramics: Fully equipped woodshop, metal foundry, and kilns for wheel-throwing and hand-building.
• Printmaking: Relief, intaglio, and screen-printing tools, alongside a dedicated darkroom for photogravure.
• Photography & Digital Media: Analog darkrooms, digital labs with Adobe Creative Suite, 3D printers, and laser cutters.
• Schick Art Gallery: A professional exhibition space hosting student shows, faculty work, and visiting artists.

The Schick Art Gallery and partnerships with the Tang Teaching Museum provide students with direct access to exhibitions, curatorial projects, and artist residencies.

Faculty and Mentorship

The department’s faculty includes practicing artists, published scholars, and industry leaders such as:

• Margaretha Haughwout: Digital media artist exploring ecological activism.
• Katherine Hauser: Art historian specializing in 19th-century visual culture.
• John Cunningham: Ceramicist and recipient of National Endowment for the Arts grants.

With a low student-faculty ratio, personalized mentorship is a hallmark. Faculty guide students through portfolio development, graduate school applications, and professional networking.

Exhibitions, Residencies, and Partnerships

Students regularly exhibit work in campus galleries and off-site venues. Highlights include:

• Senior Thesis Exhibitions: A capstone experience showcasing individual portfolios.
• Visiting Artist Series: Recent guests include conceptual photographer Carrie Mae Weems and mixed-media artist Nick Cave.
• Summer Studio Program: An intensive six-week residency for rising seniors to refine their practice.

Partnerships with organizations like MASS MoCA and Art Omi provide internship and exhibition opportunities.

Career Preparation and Alumni Success

The department emphasizes real-world readiness through:

• Internships: Placements at galleries, museums, and studios in New York City, Boston, and Saratoga Springs.
• Alumni Network: Graduates work as curators (e.g., MoMA, Whitney), educators, and practicing artists like sculptor Alice Aycock ’68.
• Graduate School Placements: Recent alumni attend programs at RISD, Yale, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Unique Initiatives

• Community Engagement: Projects like Art in Public Spaces partner with local schools and nonprofits.
• Sustainability Focus: Courses explore eco-conscious materials and practices, aligning with Skidmore’s environmental commitments.
• Global Study: Art history students participate in Skidmore’s Paris program, studying European masterpieces firsthand.

Why Skidmore’s Art Department Stands Out

Skidmore’s program distinguishes itself through its integration of liberal arts critical thinking with hands-on artistic practice, fostering adaptable, visionary creators. The department’s emphasis on exhibition opportunities, professional mentorship, and cutting-edge resources ensures graduates emerge as confident, innovative contributors to the global art landscape.

For prospective students seeking a transformative art education within a collaborative, resource-rich environment, the Department of Art at Skidmore College offers an unparalleled foundation for artistic and academic excellence.

 Academic Programs Offered by the Department of Art at Skidmore College

The Department of Art at Skidmore College provides a diverse array of undergraduate programs designed to foster creativity, critical analysis, and technical proficiency. Each program integrates hands-on studio practice, art historical scholarship, and interdisciplinary exploration, reflecting Skidmore’s commitment to a liberal arts education. Below is a detailed breakdown of all academic offerings:

Studio Art Major

Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Duration: 4 years (full-time)

Description:
The Studio Art major emphasizes experimentation across traditional and contemporary mediums, preparing students for careers as practicing artists, designers, or educators. Students develop a portfolio through foundational coursework and advanced projects, culminating in a senior thesis exhibition.

Program Structure:

• B.A. in Studio Art:
  • Credits: 44 credits in art (including foundational and upper-level courses).
  • Core Courses: Drawing I, 2D/3D Design, Art History surveys, and electives in painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, or digital media.
  • Senior Requirement: Solo or group exhibition in the Schick Art Gallery, accompanied by a written thesis.
• B.S. in Studio Art:
  • Credits: 60 credits in art (greater focus on studio practice).
  • Advanced Studios: Requires additional coursework in specialized areas like advanced sculpture, interdisciplinary projects, or digital fabrication.
  • Professional Development: Courses such as Professional Practices for Artists and internships.

Unique Features:

• Access to 24/7 studio spaces in the Saisselin Art Center.
• Opportunities to collaborate with the Tang Teaching Museum on installations.

Art History Major

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration: 4 years (full-time)

Description:
The Art History program explores global visual cultures from antiquity to the present, emphasizing critical theory, museum studies, and research methodologies. Students analyze art within historical, social, and political contexts.

Program Structure:

• Credits: 36 credits in art history.
• Core Courses: Introductory surveys (Western and non-Western), upper-level seminars (e.g., Modernism, Gender in Art), and a required methodology course.
• Senior Requirement: A capstone research thesis or curated exhibition project.

Specializations:

• Museum & Curatorial Studies: Internships at the Tang Museum or partner institutions.
• Global Perspectives: Courses in Asian, African, or Latin American art.

Unique Features:

• Study abroad options in Paris, Florence, or London for direct engagement with European art collections.
• Collaboration with the Tang Museum’s curatorial team.

Combined Art Major

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration: 4 years (full-time)

Description:
This interdisciplinary program allows students to merge studio art practice with art historical study, ideal for those interested in careers in arts administration, education, or criticism.

Program Structure:

• Credits: 52 credits (split between studio art and art history).
  • Studio Component: 24 credits (foundational and advanced courses).
  • Art History Component: 24 credits (including seminars and electives).
• Senior Requirement: A hybrid project combining creative work and scholarly research, presented in a public forum.

Flexibility:

• Customizable focus areas (e.g., Renaissance art + painting, digital media + contemporary theory).

Minors

Studio Art Minor

• Credits: 20 credits in studio art.
• Courses: Includes foundational courses (Drawing, 2D/3D Design) and electives (e.g., ceramics, photography).
• Duration: Can be completed alongside any major.

Art History Minor

• Credits: 20 credits in art history.
• Courses: Surveys, thematic seminars (e.g., Art and Power), and one upper-level research course.

Special Programs & Opportunities

• Summer Studio Art Program:
  • Duration: 6 weeks (summer term for rising seniors).
  • Focus: Intensive studio work with faculty mentorship, critiques, and guest artist lectures.
• Honors Program:
  • Eligibility: For high-achieving students in Studio Art or Art History.
  • Requirements: Advanced coursework, a public presentation, and faculty approval.
• Study Abroad:
  • Options: Semester programs in Paris (art history), Florence (Renaissance studies), or Kyoto (traditional Japanese arts).
• Internships:
  • Partners: Tang Museum, MASS MoCA, Art Omi, and NYC galleries.
  • Credit: 3-6 credits counted toward major requirements.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Students may cross-register for courses in:

• Environmental Studies: Art and Ecology (exploring sustainable materials).
• Computer Science: Digital Fabrication (3D modeling, laser cutting).
• Gender Studies: Feminist Art Practices.

Why Choose Skidmore’s Art Programs?
Skidmore’s Department of Art stands out for its personalized mentorship, cutting-edge facilities, and integration of creative practice with liberal arts rigor. Whether pursuing a B.A., B.S., or combined major, students graduate with the skills to thrive in museums, studios, academia, or emerging digital fields.

Department of Art at Skidmore College – Contact Information

Address:
Saisselin Art Center
Skidmore College
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
United States

Phone:
+1 (518) 580-5000 (Main College Line)
For direct department inquiries, call the main line and request the Art Department.

Email:
artdepartment@skidmore.edu (General Inquiries)
admissions@skidmore.edu (Admissions-Related Questions)

Website:
www.skidmore.edu/art

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For department-specific updates, follow Skidmore College’s social media channels and filter by #SkidmoreArt.