The Associate of Fine Arts Degree program is unique in our partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation. This affiliation allows a cultural exchange of artistic and cultural traditions on multiple levels. Our students will experience firsthand the importance of becoming a legacy of Cherokee master artisans through our program of study. The sum of these educational experiences will develop a strong visual voice, exceptional craftsmanship and a broad understanding of speaking visually.

Course Overviews

Foundations

Drawing, 2-D and 3-D Design
Basic design courses challenge students to resolve a variety of stated problems using a variety of materials and studio techniques such as painting, printing and paper manipulation. Student emphasis will be on building confidence through exploration.

Art History I and II
Students will study the visual record of humans and how art has recorded time specific viewpoints across world cultures. An emphasis will be placed on the contributions of art and artists in the historical context of the works studied.

Ceramics I
The focus of this course is hand-building and basic wheel throwing techniques. Students will explore ceramics history, studio safety, hand manipulated structure, basic wheel throwing, surface design, glaze and firing technology. Various techniques will be taught by Cherokee master teachers selected from the artistic community. These instructors will team teach with the Coordinator of Fine Arts.

Ceramics II
Ceramics II will focus on advanced techniques. Students will have an opportunity to expand their visual voice through experimentation and guided critiques. Students will study with traditional Cherokee master teachers selected from the artistic community. These instructors will team teach with the Coordinator of Fine Arts.

Weaving

Weaving I
The focus of this course is loom controlled weaving techniques. Students will explore loom history, weave structure, loom set-up, fiber selection/history, weave design and finishing. In addition, students will have an opportunity to explore basic tapestry weaving techniques and multi-layer weaves.

Weaving II explores non-loom structures including basket construction (split oak and honeysuckle), beading, finger weaving and twinning. Each technique will be taught by a traditional Cherokee master teacher selected from the artistic community. These instructors will team teach with the Coordinator of Fine Arts.

Wood Design

Wood Design I
The focus of this course is to familiarize students with traditional techniques utilized by artists working in wood. Students will explore traditional subtractive carving and wood shaping, shop safety and health issues, history of wood carving, wood selection, freeing the form and maintenance and selection of carving and power tools. Various techniques will be taught by Cherokee master teachers selected from the community. These instructors will team teach with the Coordinator of Fine Arts

Wood Design II explores advanced design and technical skill development in wood and the introduction to stone carving. Students will design more complex forms and experiment with various woods for color and graining effects. In addition, students will learn presentation techniques for showcasing their works. Students will be taught by a traditional Cherokee master teacher selected from the artistic community. The instructor will team teach with the Coordinator of Fine Arts.

» Program of Study 

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