Art

Professors Pearson (Department Chair) and C. Irla; Lecturer Dovgan; Adjunct Lecturers Calahan, Chinen, Diem, Perez, Ringel, and Van Hart.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor Pearson: painting, drawing, 2D and 3D design, color theory, printmaking; Professor Irla: digital art, graphic design, painting, installation; Professor Dovgan: drawing, painting, sculpture.

The Art faculty works to nurture students’ ability to use art to convey their ideas through traditional, digital, and intermedia approaches to examine, interpret, understand and negotiate the natural and soci-cultural world they inhabit. Students learn that art may not only be used to convey notions of beauty, but is well equipped to meet the needs of the times it is addressing. Faculty strive to develop their students’ artistic, conceptual, and creative abilities for their own intellectual growth and for success in an art career.

The undergraduate Art program prepares students for a multitude of careers. McDaniel graduates are now working as graphic designers, interior designers, art therapists, educators in elementary and secondary schools, professors in Colleges, Universities and Art Institutes throughout the United States, and work in makers spaces, museums and non-profit art centers, to name a few. Students majoring in art may plan their programs for graduate study in studio art, graphic design, art therapy, or for public school teaching. Many students add art to their course of study for personal enrichment and a desire for creative satisfaction.

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 majors may also participate in special student/faculty research projects, including graphic design, painted murals, and restoration of damaged art. Other opportunities include internships in Graphic Design and Studio Art. 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.

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

Please see Art (PreK-12) teacher certification requirements under Programs: Education minor (PreK-12) for Art major.

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
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 Minor

Art

Programs

Courses