Fine Arts Department

The mission of the Fine Arts Department is to develop students' appreciation of the arts, applied artistic and creative skills, communication, and critical and evaluative thinking skills.

The courses offered foster an understanding of scholarship through the arts, highlights the connections between spirituality and the arts; and promotes the exploration of multicultural art forms.

For more information, contact
Dr. M. Cristina Canales, chair, humanities and fine arts division
413-265-2425
canalasm@elms.edu

Students in the fine arts program will develop a deep understanding of the humanistic and artistic traditions of the world, and the necessary skills to express it. They will:

• Understand the elements and principles common to all the visual arts.
• Relate the arts to other fields of knowledge.
• Develop creative and analytical skills.
• Acquire the skills and demonstrate the ability to produce 2D and 3D art.
• Demonstrate an understanding of various cultural artistic heritages.
• Develop powers of observation, description, and interpretation of art.

Major Requirements

B.A. Degree
Major in Fine Arts
(Min. at Elms College: 24 cr. / Min. G.P.A.: 2.0)
Major Requirements 39 credits

Art Minor
Students selecting art as a minor follow an 18-credit version of the major. They get studio practice in two- and three-dimensional expression, and a two-semester survey of art history.

Minor in Fine Arts
Minor Requirements: 18 credits

Media
Courses in graphic design and computer generated graphics/electronic media can be part of an interdisciplinary major in art and media management. Students may arrange internships with publishers, printers, television stations, museums, galleries, newspapers, and design companies.

Dance
By special arrangement, an association has been formed between the Elms College and the New England Dance Conservatory, this region’s leading professional dance center. The conservatory is directed by Kenneth Lipitz and Shelley Ziebel. Their credentials include work as artistic directors, principal dancers, teachers, and choreographers for professional schools, colleges, and leading professional dance companies throughout North America.

Courses are offered on campus in ballet, jazz, and modern dance as electives in the core curriculum as well as general electives. Students choosing to add to their dance involvement may also participate in classes at the conservatory’s studios in East Longmeadow.