Art and Art History

Professors McKay, Pearson (Department Chair), Scott; Assistant Professors Galliera and C. Irla; Lecturer Dovgan; Adjunct Lecturers Calahan, Hankins, J. Irla, and Van Hart.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor McKay: Roman art, Byzantine and Early Christian art, Medieval art, Nineteenth-Century art, digital humanities; Professor Pearson: drawing and painting, color theory, printmaking; Professor Scott: Chinese art, Japanese art, Italian Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture; Professor Galliera: contemporary art focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, socially engaged art; Professor Irla: digital art, installation; Professor Dovgan: drawing, painting, sculpture.

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. The Department has an active visiting artist lecture series, where students get the opportunity to interact with 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.

Within the Art major there is a specialization in Graphic Design.

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

Please see Dual major in Art-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

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Art and Art History

Programs

Courses