Visual Arts
Vision Statement The University of South Carolina Upstate Visual Arts program will be recognized for its dedication to quality and integrity in educating students in the most currently established technical and theoretical areas of the Visual Arts. Dedicated to the mission of USC Upstate as a metropolitan university, the Visual Arts program will emphasize technology and its application toward visual literacy and communications in the Arts by enabling students to embrace theoretical appreciation and applied skill, a broad range of ideas, expressions, and interpretations for creative and critical thinking. Students will complete the USC Upstate Visual Arts program prepared to enter society as individuals ready to continue their education in graduate studies, apply their creative skills in careers, pursue life experiences, contribute to community and world involvement.
NASAD Accreditation • In 2009 USC Upstate was granted membership to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. NASAD is the national accrediting organization established to improve educational practices and maintain professional standards in art and design education.
NCATE Accreditation • In 2011 the USC Upstate Art Education Program was awarded accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Programs • Upstate Visual Arts includes Bachelor of Arts programs in Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design, in Art Education, and a minor in Art History. The Visual Arts is an active participant in the USC Upstate Direct Connect© initiative, an exclusive opportunity for two-year colleges that guarantees admission to USC Upstate for any student who graduates with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or select Associate of Applied Science degree.
For more information on Direct Connect© contact the Admissions Office.
For Art information contact Jimm Cox, Chair of Fine Arts and Communication Studies, jcox@uscupstate.edu.
Course Descriptions from the Academic Catalog
Visual Arts Facilities
Upstate Visual Arts is a significant and growing program at the University of South Carolina Upstate with over one hundred majors. Visual Art studio labs and faculty offices are located in the 8,000 sq. ft. P. Katerhine Hicks Visual Arts Center and include a full-service Apple McIntosh digital lab and an industrial digital cutter/engraver lab. A second full-service Apple McIntosh digital lab, Art History classrooms and a newly renovated Art Education lab are located in the Humanities building near the Katherine Hicks Visual Arts Center, and include the latest smart technology for educational instruction. Most Visual Arts lab/studio classes are limited to fifteen students per faculty/instructor for the most effective instruction and application of workspace.
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Art Studio Fellowship Project • USC Upstate Visual Arts is a collaborative partner in the West Main Artists Cooperative located in downtown Spartanburg. Participation in the collaboration allows for a private studio space for an Upstate student or faculty member each semester/summer. The Art Studio Fellowship Project is executed in the form of a scholarship /award, and includes the opportunity to earn academic credit. Art Studio Fellowship Project
The P. Kathryn Hicks Visual Arts Center • Renovated in 2003, the P. Kathryn Hicks Visual Arts Center provides ample studio and lab space for drawing, painting, graphic design, printmaking, digital imaging, and three-dimensional design.
Art Gallery • USC Upstate sponsors two Galleries located in the Performing Arts Center. The Curtis R. Harley Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the atrium lobby, is dedicated to nationally and internationally established artists and exhibitions that support the academic mission of the institution. Lectures, symposia and workshops are scheduled to accompany exhibitions that are followed by receptions honoring the visiting artists. USC Upstate also supports a growing permanent collection that emphasizes works from the 20th Century including over 100 original photographs by Andy Warhol. The Upstate permanent collection also includes a growing number of monumental sculptures located across the campus. These works are available for viewing throughout the year and can be located from the PDF map.
FOCUS Gallery • Featuring Outside Creative Undertakings for Students, is located on the balcony level of the lobby and is a teaching model for the Art Education program. Exhibitions feature the work of K-12 students in the Upstate region, and exhibitions are accompanied by a lesson-plan from the directing teacher explaining objectives of the projects that include the SC visual arts standards in education.
Study Abroad • Study abroad is offered by the Visual Arts program through support of the Upstate Center for International Studies. Summer and semester programs are available to various countries with an art emphasis on the Italy and England programs. Students can register for six hours of transferable college credit. For more information contact Dr. Rachel Snow, associate program director, rsnow@uscupstate.edu.
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Club Art and Design • Club Art and Design is sponsored by the Visual Arts program and supported by the Office of Student Affairs. A faculty advisor from the Art program oversees operating procedures of this student-based organization and membership is open to students who are registered in visual arts. The mission of Club Art and Design is to promote superior scholarship in art, keep members informed of current art activities, organize workshops and field trips of academic interest, and establish networking and professional relationships with industry and the community.
Community Partnerships • USC Upstate Visual Arts is committed to a variety of programs and partnerships in the Upstate community. Partnering with the Spartanburg Art Museum, located in the Chapman Cultual Center in downtown Spartanburg, Upstate Visual Arts and SAM have combined efforts to strengthen art and art education for the region through academic internships, docent led exhibition tours, and art education programs for K-12. In September 2010 SAM hosted a selection of original photographs by Andy Warhol from the USC Upstate permanent collection of art.