The Visual Art department at Idyllwild Arts offers a wide range of courses that promote a hands-on, experiential approach that develops a sensitivity and familiarity with materials and methods. Students are given both the formal and conceptual training to expand their visual literacy. All students are required to become involved with a critical and analytical investigation into the meanings and ideas that are integral to the practice of contemporary studio art. Our Visual Art program supports this process by cultivating the relationship between art and life. The studio acts as a place where the confluence of ideas and methods is provided to help each student develop their own personal vision. All courses supplement studio practice with historical, cultural and philosophical antecedents from various periods to provide a background for the different approaches. Personal attention from a diverse and professional faculty helps the students gain greater confidence with their work and ideas.

The general curriculum is also supplemented with visiting artist shows, lectures and master classes. Issues relevant to contemporary art practice are promoted and further developed via discussion, critiques, readings, written work, slide/digital presentations, videos, student exhibitions and field trips.

The overall approach of the department is intended to get students to think critically and creatively beyond the walls of the studio. Ultimately this promotes student portfolio development that is commensurate with the requirements of undergraduate studio art programs.

Department requirements
Junior and senior Visual Art majors must take a minimum of twelve studio hours a week, freshman and sophomores a minimum of nine studio hours per week, from courses offered within the department. This must include a drawing class each year of enrollment. Fridays will consist of mandatory studio time where all students will sign up for a time to work in a studio of their choice for the entire afternoon. This supervised required time will allow students to work on individual projects and interact with different faculty members. Juniors must participate in the annual junior group show. Seniors must take a year of Portfolio and exhibit their work at the end-of-year senior shows. Seniors must take Senior Seminar during their first semester and the Senior Show course the second semester.

To receive a Visual Art Certificate a student must take a year in each of the following disciplines: Art History, Computer Graphics, Painting, Photography; two 3-dimensional classes---Ceramics and/or Sculpture and at least three electives from the list of other courses. Students must take Drawing every year. Along with completion of the basic requirements, students must complement their schedule with elective upper and/or advanced level studio courses.

Students interested in a design emphasis may substitute some of these requirements with courses such as Graphic Novel, Fashion Design, Fashion Illustration, etc., with approval of the department chair.

All non-majors interested in taking a Visual Art course must receive the consent of the instructor for that particular course.

Materials are generally provided in all courses. Students must supplement this with their own basic materials as outlined in the Materials/Supplies List.

Admission requirements
Candidates for admission into the program must submit a portfolio of no less than 15 works. Works may be in any medium with at least five works done from direct observation (drawings, paintings from ‘live’ subjects such as a still life, portrait---not from a photograph!). The portfolio should include works that demonstrate basic design and compositional skills. Creative personal works that explore thematic ideas are highly encouraged. An interview with a visual arts faculty member is also required.

Portfolio may be submitted in the following formats: CD, slides in plastic slide sheet or printed reproductions in a binder. Please do not send original works.