Art and Art History

Professor Bloom (Department Chair); Associate Professors Losch, McKay, Pearson, and Scott; Lecturers Van Hart and Mychajlyshyn; Adjunct Lecturer Calahan, Grey, Hankins, and Koch.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor Bloom: photography, digital photography, computer graphics, digital collage and painting; Professor Pearson: drawing and painting, color theory, printmaking; Professor Losch: Native American, American, Islamic, African art, Twentieth-Century art; Professor McKay: Byzantine and Early Christian art, Medieval art, Nineteenth-Century art; Professor Scott: Chinese art, Japanese art, Italian Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture; Lecturer Van Hart: jewelry, drawing, design, portfolio preparation; Lecturer Mychajlyshyn: drawing, painting, sculpture; Lecturer Calahan: Photography; Grey: Art History; Hankins: Ceramics.

The Art and Art History faculty works to nurture students’ understanding of the various arts and to develop their artistic and creative abilities, whether for their own intellectual growth or for success in an art career. Critical and technical skills are taught as well as an appreciation of art as an essential element in a fulfilling life as a vehicle for interpreting the present and the past.

The Department offers a range of experiences, including the opportunity to view monthly shows in our own Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, where students can meet local, regional, and national artists. Art and Art History majors may also participate in special projects, including the creation of painted murals or outdoor sculpture pieces. Other opportunities include internships in Graphic Design. Field trips to galleries in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York City broaden the horizons of students. Opportunities for further travel exist in January Term art tours of Europe and programs for study abroad.

The undergraduate Art and Art History program prepares students for a multitude of careers. Our graduates are now working in Graphic Design firms, attending graduate programs in Studio Art, Digital Media, Art History, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States. Students majoring in art may plan their programs for graduate study in studio art, graphic design, art history, or for public school teaching. Many students add art to their course of study for personal enrichment and a desire for creative satisfaction.

There are three specializations within the Art or Art History majors. These specializations are Graphic Design, Combined Studio Art and Art History, and Art Teacher Education

Please see the Education section in this catalog for teacher certification requirements in Art.

Please see the Dual Major section for the dual major with Communication.

Departmental Honors

Completion of one of the academic specializations within the Art Department with a 3.50 GPA for Art courses and a 3.00 overall GPA at McDaniel College
Completion of a four-credit special studies project in either Studio Art or Art History
Submission of a written resume and statement of eligibility for departmental honors
Recommendation by one of the faculty members in the Art Department
All requirements should be completed by March 1st of the senior year
See the Department Chair for more specific requirements