Purpose
The purpose of the Art Department at MACC is to help students develop an appreciation for and knowledge of art; to promote students’ critical thinking skills as they evaluate art in cultural, historical, and societal contexts; and to facilitate students’ development of craftsmanship, innovation, and ingenuity in their own work. The Art Department offers courses that meet the Humanities requirement of the Associate of Arts degree, count as an elective, or serve as future credit towards a four-year art degree. Art courses give students a greater understanding of the history of the visual arts and the function art serves in a given culture as well as a foundational knowledge of theory and design principles. Drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramic, and digital photography courses promote technical skill development, practical application, visual literacy and expression, and individual creativity.
Skills Taught/Benefits (Student Gallery)
Art courses help students develop powers of visual perception and become informed observers. These courses encourage critical thought, creative expression, and self-confidence. In art studio classes, students are encouraged to approach problem-solving with greater freedom, develop skills of self-expression and creativity, and conquer any fears of working with new mediums and materials. Students receive hands-on, individualized instruction from professional, experienced faculty.
Cultural Enrichment
Through slides, lectures, videos, and exhibits encountered throughout the Art curriculum, students are exposed to cultural diversity. The Evelyn E. Jorgenson Fine Arts Gallery hosts several exhibits throughout the year which also provide cultural enrichment opportunities. Additionally, the Art Department occasionally arranges short, study abroad courses. Past study abroad courses have included travel to France, England, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, and Austria.
Scholarships
The Art Award is given to outstanding art students at Moberly Area Community College. Selection of the Art Award recipients is on a competitive basis upon the recommendation of the Moberly Area Community College lead Art instructor. To be eligible for the award, students must complete an application and provide a portfolio of work. Recipients must be enrolled in nine (9) college hours, including at least one three-hour art class. Eight (8) $500 Art Awards are granted on a semester basis. This award is applied to educational expenses charged at Moberly Area Community College, including fees, tuition, lab fees, housing, meal plan, and/or course resources and supplies. The award will be pro-rated if the recipient fails to abide by the rules and regulations of the scholarship or the College. Student recipients of this award may reapply in subsequent years.
Transfer Opportunities
Students can complete Art courses within their Associate of Arts degree, which is transferable to four-year colleges and universities. MACC students can complete 100- and 200-level Art courses which will not only prepare them for further study in the discipline at a four-year institution but also provide them the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio of work. Many of Missouri’s colleges and universities offer bachelor degrees in Art or Fine Arts. Interested students should consult with an MACC advisor about transfer opportunities.
Career Opportunities
An Art degree may provide a pathway to a variety of career choices, ranging from those which focus on the actual creation of art to those which focus more on the knowledge of art. Careers in the art field include graphic designer, artist, art therapist, gallery curator, advertising director, photographer, art agent, public relations specialist, illustrator, teacher, interior designer, computer animator, and architect, to name a few.
Contact Information
Ms. Felicia Leach, Assistant Professor of Art
Moberly Area Community College
601 Business Loop 70 West, Suite 216
Columbia, MO 65203
660-263-4100 x12148
800-622-2070 x12148
felicial@macc.edu