Past Students
Fairfield art has impacted me more than any other activity in Fairfield. It has opened so many doors for me and has allowed me to try many new things such as personal commissions and illustration for books. It has brought me to forever lasting memories such as standing on the stage of Carnegie Hall, and seeing the Empire state building lit up in gold in honor of me and other young artists. Fairfield art has taught me to both see things with a new eye and to open my eyes in a creative way. I don't see objects as "objects" any more, but as values, shades, lines, and it puts such a more interesting perspective on life. And then aside from all that "artsy mushy" talk, I've also gained many friendships through the program and have been impacted very strongly by them. And then on top of that, Mrs. Sparks is an awesome teacher and encouragement. She won't hang you to dry (no paint pun intended) but she'll guide you in your artistic development. She won't kick you out of the nest for a long time ;) Also, don't be scared of her sarcasm. Its very tricky sometimes, but very funny once you catch on ha, but most of all, this program has changed my life. If you actually take this opportunity to participate in the program, adhere to Spark's guidance and advice, and apply yourself, it will be an experience that could change your life as well. Riley, Class of 2012 |
When I took my first art class, I wasn't sure I ever wanted to take another one. I became very frustrated with my projects because they didn't look the way I saw them in my head. Somehow I got talked into taking more art classes (the teachers are really good at doing that!) and as I learned and practiced, I knew God was revealing a gift He instilled in me the moment I was created. It became more and more easy to put down on paper and canvas what was in my head. Sure, I still had an occasional frustrating moment and times when I never wanted to touch a pencil or paintbrush again, but the feeling of accomplishment after I finished a project was well worth the temporary headache. Art taught me perseverance and how tried and true the cliche "practice makes perfect" really is. Everywhere I go, I see things I want to paint-- art is just a part of me... and now, because I went through years of training, I know I can do it!
Nancy, Class of 2011 |
Creative. A word commonly used to emphasize the "artsy" people of this world. I would like to let you in on a little secret; being creative isn't being "artsy". Each and every one of us was born to create things. From the pictures you post on instagram, the clothes you pick to wear for the day, and to the papers you write for your English class, you are constantly creating something. Creating a look, creating a feel, creating an art project, we are creators. This being said, being a creator automatically means you are creative. The question is, how creative do you want to be? The art classes at Fairfield expand your creativity levels to new horizons because the teachers are enabling the creative engines in your brain through all sorts of unique projects. Being a business major in college I still am effected by the projects that I had done in high school. I am frequently engaged in looking at various objects in society and wondering what would make them look better. I definitely believe that part of the reason that I do this is because I learned in the art classes at Fairfield to evaluate subjects and figure out what proportions, colors, and angles appeal to the human eyes. If you feel discouraged because you aren't the status quo "artsy" person that you would like to be, don't give up on art. Don't give up because all the projects in class will help you gain ground on furthering the creative genius inside of you. It doesn't matter if your "artsy" or not, you have a creative engine that needs fed! One of the best ways to feed it is by engaging in the art classes offered to in high school. Keep on truckin, art can always be fun.
Wyatt, Class of 2011 |
College ART Experiences
Huntington University is very big on campus community, so we have many on campus events to bring us closer together as a student body, such as our campus Olympics every fall. I also love that Huntington is a Christ centered campus, so there are lots of opportunities to grow spiritually, and the professors make time to really get to know you and help you succeed.
In selecting a college to pursue art, I would recommend that you ask as many questions as you can about their art department and classes. Make sure that you fully understand what their values are and that they will be there to help you make it in the real world. You want your college experience to push and stretch you to be the best artist that you can be. Coming to Huntington, I felt very prepared for my freshmen art courses. Many of my classmates came from high schools that did not have strong art programs, and I became aware and appreciative of how good Fairfield’s program is. Being a graphic design major, the visual communications courses set me apart from my classmates in that I knew my way around the programs well enough to produce some really cools pieces while the others were still figuring out how to use the tools. Another good thing I learned from Fairfield was how to critique well. Critiques are critical in college, so be sure to fully participate in them now! Nothing is worse than having a critique and not getting feedback on your work. As some final advice, I would suggest you take as many art courses at Fairfield as you can, and if you can’t fit them in, look for a community class to become involved in. Goshen has many opportunities to grow as an artist and I recommend taking advantage of them while you can. Look for shows to enter to get your work seen by the public. (Huntington University has a High School Juried Art Show that you are welcome to participate in…hint hint!) Finally, take every project you create seriously and always do your best work. You will not regret it. Art as a career is a competitive field and any advantage you have can only help! Hannah ('10) Huntington University: Graphic Design |
I love that Ball State always has something going on campus so I never have an excuse to be bored. We have an amazing art museum and an art gallery that changes several times a semester. When looking for an art college, try to get a tour of the facilities or talk to someone in the department to find out about the different classes and courses you will be required to take. Also find out if you need to submit portfolios for admission and if you need to reapply at the end of your freshman year before choosing a concentration. Ask about different opportunities they offer for art students (scholarships, visiting artist lectures, student shows, field trips, summer abroad trips, etc.). Starting my art classes at BSU, I felt very prepared. I've drawn and painted a lot of still-lifes since I came here so I would recommend taking drawing every year. Every studio course will require some drawing skills. I would also suggest taking one semester of painting is helpful because you learn to look at creating color in a different way. Also, work hard on those sketchbook assignments!!
Kelly ('12) Ball State University: Visual Communications |
I graduated from Fairfield in 2009 and took Drawing, Painting, 3-D, and Visual Communication classes. I graduated from IPFW in May with my Bachelors in Art Education. The things I enjoyed most while attending IPFW would be the variety of art classes, professors, and different art mediums I was able to experiment with. I was exposed to many different methods of art making in my classes. Even though IPFW isn’t known as an art school they have a great art department. I was very fortunate to have an amazing advisor and would highly recommend her for anyone pursuing an art education degree. I would suggest considering all of the factors when looking at an art college including cost, location, the art program, professors, and all other contributing factors.
I feel like I was prepared by taking many art classes in high school and had a solid base knowledge of most mediums covered in my art classes. The foundation of art methods helped me to be a step ahead of other students who had not taken many art classes previous to college. Since I was experienced in the foundational steps that professors started out with in classes I could move on faster and experiment with more techniques and mediums that other students would not have the time to try. Professors provide you with more freedom and less guidance than a high school art teacher and you have to find the motivation yourself and be very determined to excel in your classes. Kamele ('09) Graduate of IPFW: Bachelor of Art Education |