Sculpture

Major Description

Sculpture fosters the development of students' individual interests, emphasizing concept and innovation, critical-thinking skills, familiarity with current art theory and practice, and visual and cultural literacy, as well as professional skills and habits that allow students to establish a unique, self-directed studio practice. Sophomores are introduced to the materials and concepts of 3-D and sculptural practices including form, space, structure, and fabrication as they develop their individual interests. Students also experiment with a variety of materials in order to explore and understand strategies for expressing meaning as they gain knowledge and familiarity in the use of the wide variety of materials that are part of contemporary art.

 

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • ARTF 101—Contemporary Issues in Art
  • ARTF 102—Observational Drawing
  • ARTF 104—Expressive Drawing
  • ARTF 106—Visualization Drawing
  • ARTS 280—Beginning Sculpture
  • ARTH 110—Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture

Students should consult with an Art + Design academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period

Possible Career Opportunities:

The mission of the Sculpture Program is to foster students' growth into working artists with an understanding of the professional art world that will prepare them for advanced study in studio art, for careers in museums, galleries, arts agencies, as critics and theorists, and as professional studio artists.

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  • Ability to teach, assess, plan, organize, and evaluate
  • Communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings using many materials and media.
  • Develop intuition and innovation in understanding and extracting ideas to generate visual concepts
  • Familiar with graphics and database systems
  • Intense research skills and critical analysis
  • Self-discipline
  • Architectural Restorer
  • Artist in Resident
  • Creative Consultant
  • Exhibiting Artist
  • Installation Artist
  • Mold Maker
  • Museum Display/Exhibition Designer
  • Preparator
  • Restorer
  • Sculpture Conservator
  • Set Designer
  • Teacher
  • Acquisition Specialist
  • Antique Dealer
  • Archivist
  • Arranger
  • Art Agent
  • Art Appraiser
  • Art Consultant
  • Art Director
  • Art History Instructor
  • Art Journalist
  • Art School Director
  • Art Therapist
  • Audio/Visual Specialist
  • Conservator
  • Critic
  • Curator
  • Display Designer
  • Educator
  • Freelance Artist
  • Gallery Director/Owner
  • Medical/Technical Illustrator
  • Sculptor
  • Web Designer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • 8 to Create: 8 to CREATE is an art event in which 8 artists have 8 hours to create 8 works of art. The event is open to the public to observe, engage, and participate in the creative process. All artwork is temporary; no artwork is sold. The primary goal of 8 to CREATE is to provide an opportunity for students to gain professional art and design experience and to engage in the Champaign-Urbana community. Students are involved in all aspects of planning the event in order to gain practical experience. Members contribute their creative skills into real-life applications as well as learn from each other. Members also have the opportunity to network with professionals and organizations in the Champaign-Urbana community.
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations related to Sculpture.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Sculpture.  These organizations include National Association of Independent ArtistsNational Association of Women Artists, Inc., and National Endowment for the Arts.