Visual Arts

Chair: Joann Brennan
Office: CU-Denver Building, 815
Telephone: 303-556-2279

Faculty

Associate Professors:

Joann Brennan, MFA, Massachusetts College of Art

Quintin Gonzalez, MFA, Yale University

Assistant Professors:

Mary Connelley, MFA, Indiana University

Brian DeLevie, MFA, University of Houston

Melissa Furness, MFA, University of Iowa

Carol Golemboski, MFA, Virginia Commonwealth University

Rian Kerrane, MFA, University of New Orleans

Bryan Leister, MFA, George Mason University

Jeffrey Schrader, PhD, New York University, MA, Oberlin College

Senior Instructors:

Michael Bronman, MA, UC Denver

Vivian George, MFA, Yale University

Department Overview

The Department of Visual Arts offers professional instruction in six interrelated areas of study: art history, digital design, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, transmedia and 3-D graphics and animation. The department provides an educational environment where artists and art historians of promise and motivation can explore the horizons of their own talents in the midst of intense critical dialogue and rigorous art-making practice. The primary educational experience for the student is centered on the knowledge and skills gained from exciting courses offered by the various areas of the visual arts department, as well as the rich academic offerings throughout the university. Every student is challenged to infuse their scholarly and creative practice with innovative technology, contemporary theory and professionalism. The visual arts faculty and programs are designed not only to refine but to cultivate the mind. Education in the visual arts encompasses a comprehensive knowledge of and direct experience with the various media of digital design, drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. Supporting this enterprise is the development of an understanding of art theory, a knowledge of the methods and materials of art making and examination of the diverse approach to examining the art object in history. Central to the practice of art history are critical writing and analysis. Graduating seniors receiving the BFA degree are required to participate in the BFA thesis exhibition during their last semester of study. These exhibitions are scheduled in the fall and spring terms only.