BFA Handbook
BFA Admission & Academics
Please visit the UAA Catalog for BFA admission and academic requirements.
Introduction
The Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art program encourages students to concentrate their efforts in the studio arts. Students who exhibit the potential for success through strong coursework in the first two years of their pre-BFA study, are encouraged to submit an application and portfolio for admission into the BFA program during their junior year. Admission into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program is a selective process—requiring acceptance by both the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Department of Art BFA Committee.
BFA candidates are expected to devote a large measure of time to studio work as they plan for a professional life in art. The BFA program provides the candidate with many opportunities for interaction with the department faculty and fellow BFA students, encouraging close working relationships and mentorships. A written thesis and exhibition at the Kimura Gallery in the Fine Arts Building culminates the completion of the program.
All who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to the BFA program. Students who exhibit, through coursework, application materials, and portfolio, the potential for success are admitted to the program.
This handbook has been written in order to make the process easier and to help answer questions. However, you need to work with a CAS Academic Advisor for the Performing and Fine Arts first, and then your Art Faculty Advisor closely. Their signature is required on the application and they will represent your ability to engage in the BFA process to the BFA Committee.
Keep contact with the Arts Office (ARTS 302):
- For the current BFA schedule
- To update your current contact info (email, phone, and mailing address)
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art will be able to demonstrate:
- Mastery of techniques, composition, and the use of materials to express ideas in a cohesive body of work
- A comprehensive knowledge of contemporary and historical contexts in the visual arts
- Critical thinking, writing, and research skills in the discovery of original approaches to creative problem solving
- Effective professional skills to be a practicing artist as applied to art proposals, exhibitions, and business matters.
Major Requirements
Foundation Core Courses 24c
- ART A105 Beginning Drawing
- ART A111 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART A112 Color Design
- ART A113 Three-Dimensional Design
- ART A205 Intermediate Drawing
- ART A261 History of Western Art I
- ART A262 History of Western Art II
- ART A307 Life Drawing and Composition I
Beginning Studio Electives 9c
Choose one two-dimensional course, one three-dimensional course, and one course from either list:
Two-Dimensional Area:
- ART A212 Beginning Watercolor
- ART A213 Beginning Painting
- ART A215 Beginning Printmaking
- ART A224 Beginning Photography
- ART A257 Computer Art & Illustration
Three-Dimensional Area:
- ART A201 Beginning Handbuilt Ceramics
- ART A202 Beginning Wheelthrown Ceramics
- ART A211 Beginning Sculpture
Art History 9c
Select three of the following:
- ART A361 History of Graphic Design
- ART A362 History of Modern Art
- ART A363 History of Contemporary Art
- ART A364 Italian Renaissance Art
- ART A367 History of Photography
- ART A492 Art History Seminar
Primary and Secondary Studio Emphasis
Select primary and secondary studio area of emphasis for concentration from the following:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Illustration
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Primary Studio Concentration
Select a primary studio area of emphasis for concentration from the list above and complete the following studio courses in the same concentration:
- 200 level studio course * 3c
- 300 level studio course 6c
- 400 level studio course 6c
Select a support course from the following: 3c
- ART A390 Selected Topics in Studio Art
- ART A490 Selected Topics in Studio Art
- ART A498 Individual Research
- Other course by permission
Secondary Studio Emphasis
Select a secondary studio area of emphasis from the list above and complete the following studio courses in the same emphasis:
- 200 level studio course ** 3c
- 300 level studio course 3c
Select a support course from the following: 3c
- 300 level studio course
- 400 level studio course
- ART A390 Selected Topics in Studio Art
- ART A490 Selected Topics in Studio Art
- ART A498 Individual Research
- Other course by permission
Thesis Requirements
- ART A491 Senior Seminar (fall semesters only) 3c
- ART A499 Thesis (spring semesters only) 3c
Additional Requirements
- ART A203 Introduction to Art Education 3c
- PHIL A401 Aesthetics 3c
- Complete 6 credits of electives selected from art history 6c
- or art studio courses
Total Credits 87 credits
* Students must choose a beginning course in their emphasis.
NOTE: Students with a drawing emphasis/concentration may choose from any 200 level
two-dimensional class listed under Beginning Studio Electives
** Must be other than a course selected to fulfill the Beginning Studio Electives.
A total of 121 credits is required for the degree, of which 42 credits must be upper division. A total of 84 credits in Art may be applied to the degree.
BFA Committee
The BFA Committee is made up of all full time and term art faculty. Students will work with many art faculty but choose one full time art faculty in their primary concentration area as their Art Faculty Advisor who mentors them during their time in the BFA program. Adjunct faculty are not contractually obligated to attend BFA meetings. However, students can make arrangements with adjuncts to discuss their work during scheduled office hours.
Official Committee Actions
Official actions of the BFA Committee will take place during the regularly scheduled meetings, and require a quorum of six voting faculty, including the student’s advisor.
Role of the BFA Committee
- Host BFA Orientation in the fall semester
- Review and process BFA admission applications
- Monitor progress of BFA candidates
- Facilitate BFA Thesis Proposal approval process during the fall semester
- Facilitate proposed BFA thesis exhibition, and oversee work in progress in the spring semester
- Monitor the use of the Kimura Gallery
- Approve student art for UAA’s permanent collection
Role of BFA Art Faculty Advisor
- Represent Candidate to BFA Committee concerning abilities and plans for BFA completion
- Assist BFA Thesis Proposal and BFA Thesis Exhibition development
- Answer informed questions by students who have thoroughly reviewed BFA Handbook. It is the candidate’s responsibility to know all aspects of the BFA program and the Handbook.
Admission
Satisfy the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.
Admission into the BFA program, withdrawal from it and granting of the degree are done at the discretion of the BFA Committee.
After being fully admitted into the BFA program students must complete a minimum of 24 Art credits (upper or lower division courses) in residence at UAA.
Transfer students need a minimum of 12 resident Art credits: 9 credits must be completed in the primary area of studio emphasis for concentration, and a minimum of 3 resident Art credits completed in the secondary studio area.
Eligibility Requirements
- Apply for UAA Admission at http://uaonline.alaska.edu
- Declare Degree: PRE-BFA
- Declare Major: ART
- Attend UAA a minimum of one semester prior to admission to the BFA program.
- Complete all Art Foundation Core Courses:
- ART105 Beginning Drawing
- ART205 Intermediate Drawing
- ART111 2D Design
- ART113 3D Design
- ART112 Color Design
- ART307 Life Drawing
- ART261 History of Western Art I
- ART262 History of Western Art II
- Complete Beginning Studio Electives (9 credits). These must be different from courses
selected to fulfill primary and secondary studio concentration requirement.
- Two-Dimensional Studio Course: A212, A213, A215, A224, A252, A257
- Three Dimensional Studio Course: A201, A202, A211
- Meet with a CAS Academic Advisor for the Performing and Fine Arts and complete a “Projected Plan of Study” form with signature
- Compile a digital portfolio of your artwork
- Obtain the minimum academic GPA:
- 2.5 all coursework/3.0 art coursework
- Maintain 3.5 in primary studio concentration
- Apply for admission to a Full-Major BFA status after being accepted to the BFA Program by the BFA Committee
NOTE: Students can be admitted on probation into the BFA program if enrolled required courses in the semester of application.
Catalog Year
The first semester you are admitted to the university on a Pre-Major BFA status, this will lock you into your “catalog year.” There is a different catalog published each year. This catalog year will not change when you move into Full-Major BFA status from Pre-Major BFA, however, if changing from BA to BFA status, your catalog year will change.
Change of Major
If your degree is a BA in Art and change it to BFA in Art with the Change of Degree Form, it will update your catalog year to the current year.
Transfer Credit
Before you apply for a Full-Major BFA status, the UAA Admissions Office must complete an official Transfer Credit Evaluation, which can take months. With enough notice, the Transfer Credit Evaluation and Academic Petitions (for credits not transferred with the Evaluation) can be completed in time for the application review.
BFA Application
The BFA Committee will review applications in the fall semester only. Generally, your Art Faculty Advisor should be notified one full semester prior to your BFA application.
How to Submit Application Files
BFA applications are submitted to the Arts Office two weeks prior to the scheduled committee meeting.
What to Include in the Application Files
-
BFA Application for Admission Form signed by you and your Art Faculty Advisor (page 38)
- BFA Procedures and Requirements Form signed by you and your Art Faculty Advisor to indicate you understand BFA procedures and requirements (page 39)
- Letter of Intent: Addressed to the BFA Committee with a statement of career objectives, reasons for pursuing a BFA degree, and differences between BFA and BA
- Copies of all College Transcripts available at UAOnline or ask your CAS Academic Advisor for a copy
- Projected Plan of Study signed by a CAS Academic Advisor
- Art Portfolio: Submit a minimum of 15-20 digital images including both primary and
secondary concentrations on a thumb drive. Each description should correspond by number
to the sequence of images including: Title (or untitled), Artist (candidate name),
Year completed, Course for which the work was done, and a note on materials or process
(optional). The portfolio should exemplify:
- Sense of design and artistic approach
- Technical skills in primary/secondary areas
- Potential to develop a conceptual vision in artwork
NOTE: Candidates will not be present when portfolios are reviewed by the BFA Committee, so identify each piece as follows on an image description sheet.
Thumb Drive
Students are required to submit digital images on a Thumb Drive in JPEG format at 150 dpi or higher, and a physical size of 5x7. Please save each image with the “number, your initial, and title of the artwork” in the same order as the corresponding image list.
- 01_SM_Self-Portrait.jpg
- 02_SM_IceCystalsonPond.jpg
- 03_SM_MemoriesofOldCars.jpg
Original Work
BFA Committee prefers to review your work digitally. If you need to submit your original work for review, you need to send a request letter to the BFA Chair prior to the application due date for approval. If the committee has accepted your request, you need to bring original work to Arts342 by 10am on the application review day. All original work must be presented as a body of work and labeled. Please contact BFA Chair for further instruction.
Application Review
The BFA Committee reviews applications in executive session and votes to accept, accept on probation, or not to accept the applicant as a Full-Major BFA Candidate into the program. Admission decisions are determined by a consensus of BFA Committee in the fall semester.
NOTE: Applicant’s Art Faculty Advisor must be present during the review.
After applications are reviewed, students will be notified of the Committee’s decision within two weeks by mail. If not accepted, you will be given a detailed explanation. Circumstances permitting, you can resubmit your application.
NOTE: You can only submit your BFA application for review twice.
Academic Progress
7-Year Limit
Candidate must finish BFA Degree Program no longer than 7 years after attaining a full-major BFA status.
Biographical Data
Update current contact information (email, phone, mailing address) with the Arts Office in Arts 302 and with the BFA Program Chair.
Residency Requirement
Complete a minimum of 24 ART credits in residence at UAA after attaining a Full-Major BFA status.
GPA
Maintain a 3.5 GPA in Primary Studio Concentration.
Art Faculty Advisor Contact
Maintain close contact with your Art Faculty Advisor, and schedule a meeting meet at least once a semester.
Semester Review / BFA Check-in Meetings
The BFA committee will review the progress of BFA candidates once per semester. Check with Arts Office and the BFA Chair for meeting schedule. Failure to attend may cause a suspension or removal from the program.
The BFA Check-in Meeting will be a group meeting (in different studio areas). Candidates will set-up in Computer Design, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting, Ceramic, Sculpture, or Photo studio. Other first floor studios may also be used. See your Art Faculty Advisor about how to setup. Notify your Art Faculty Advisor well in advance of your setup time, especially if presenting a video or other digital-based work so equipment can be arranged. Remove your work from the review room the same day, usually by 5 pm.
You will have 15 minutes with the BFA Committee that includes a short oral presentation (5 minutes) to discuss your current work in progress and 10 minutes for Q&A. This is an opportunity to update and gain feedback from the BFA Committee and your fellow BFA students.
NOTE: Attendance is mandatory for all BFA Candidates.
BFA Thesis Proposal & Exhibition
During the last year of your academic study, you need to take ART491 in the fall semester and ART499 in the spring semester in a sequential order. Aside from all other required courses, as a BFA Candidate, you need to prepare your BFA Thesis Proposal and get approved by the BFA Committee at the end of the fall semester before you can enroll in the ART499 Thesis Exhibition. (See detailed information below)
Leave of Absence
As a BFA Candidate with Full-Major BFA status a Leave of Absence may be requested from the Committee. Your reason to cease BFA studies might be illness, pregnancy, employment, and/or the need to concentrate on Math or GERs, etc. This letter to the BFA Committee should state:
- Your reason for the absence
- The semester you will return to active BFA status
- How you will remain committed to your studies
NOTE: A Leave of Absence may be taken only once and for no more than one year. Your BFA degree Program must be completed no longer than 7 years after being admitted to Full-Major BFA status.
When you are ready to resume the study and production of art, inform the BFA Chair and the BFA Committee with written notification no later than 30 days before the first day of the semester you plan to return to active status.
ART491: Senior Seminar
This UAA integrative capstone course MUST be taken by all BFA students during the fall semester only, and complete all assignments required by the course. This course includes lectures, discussions and projects integrating the knowledge of professional practices for the artist, the development of effective communication skills to be a practicing artist, the necessary critical tools to resolve and assess creative problem solving art-related issues, and the ability to research the needed information to make reasonable decisions pertinent to art practices.
You need to pass the course before you can enroll in the ART499 Thesis Exhibition. BFA candidates must complete this course with a passing grade of B or better. Prerequisites are ART262 and PHIL401.
If you were accepted into the BFA program under probation, you must clear your probation status prior to enroll in ART491.
BFA Thesis Proposal
BFA Thesis Proposal begins in the fall semester of the last year of your study. You should have some ideas developed for your BFA Thesis Exhibition prior. During the first 3-week of the fall semester, you need to work very closely with the BFA Chair, and your Art Faculty Advisor to refine your BFA Thesis Proposal, and submit drafts for Committee’s approval according to each deadlines. You are also required to attend the BFA Thesis Proposal Writing Workshop scheduled during the first week of the fall semester.
Purpose of Thesis
The purpose of the thesis proposal is to explain and define a body of artwork that will be presented in the BFA Thesis Exhibition. This explanation should include:
- The conceptual development of the work is vital
- How it relates to previous work and artists who have influenced your work
You proposal should be written in the manner of a research paper, and presented in a style that would be acceptable for publication in the leading art journals. Thesis Proposal should contain the following elements:
- What are intended quantity, size, medium, and imagery?
- Where will work be installed?
- How will work be installed?
- Why did you choose this concept and medium?
- When will it be completed, installed, exhibited?
Thesis Proposal Outline
A proposal may describe many different kinds of projects, but typically it is a focused body of work in your primary studio area. Proposals that suggest a focus outside primary area are approved at the discretion of the Committee. The Proposal requires complete sentence structure, and proper English grammar, spelling and punctuation. Write in clear and precise language. See BFA Thesis Format in the Appendix.
Proposal Cover Sheet
Use the BFA Thesis Proposal Cover Sheet in the Appendix when submit your thesis proposal.
Proposal Examples
Past students’ projects with proposals and images are archived in the Arts Office. They may be checked out for review but cannot leave the office area.
Plans of Your Thesis Exhibition
Proposal should contain plans for project presentation in the Kimura Gallery, or other pre-approved location. Prepare to discuss logistics with the Committee at the first Thesis Proposal Review Meeting.
Proposal Schedule and Distribution
Refer to “BFA Program and Thesis Proposal Meeting Schedule” for the deadline of each draft proposal submissions.
- Email your draft proposals to: Department of Art Administrative Assistant by 4 pm of each due date of your proposal submission
- Pick up suggested changes from BFA Mailbox in the mailroom one week after each review meeting
- Discuss directly with your Art Faculty Advisor for feedbacks and comments
NOTE: The Committee will NOT consider late submissions.
Thesis Proposal Review Meetings
The BFA Committee generally reviews Thesis Proposals three times during the fall semester only. Your attendance is required only at the first Thesis Proposal Review Meeting with faculty.
First Thesis Proposal Review Meeting
It is a required in-person meeting with the BFA Committee. A sign-up sheet will be available. You need to bring a copy of your proposal and plan to take notes. The first BFA Thesis proposal review meeting is a general review and allows for improvement. By the second and/or the third reading, your Thesis Proposal should be ready for the BFA Committee final approval.
Proposal Acceptance
The proposal must be accepted by a majority of the BFA Committee. A vote requires a quorum of 6 members and must include the student’s Art Faculty Advisor.
NOTE: If you did not get your BFA Thesis Proposal approved by the BFA Committee, you can resubmit a modified or a new BFA Thesis Proposal in the following fall semester. If you were not able to get your BFA Thesis Proposal approved by the BFA Committee at the second time, you will be no longer eligible to be included in the BFA program. You have only two attempts. Work closely with the BFA Chair, and your Art Faculty Advisor for assistance.
Undergraduate Research Grant Application
After the BFA Committee has accepted your BFA Thesis Proposal, all BFA students are expected to submit a grant proposal to UAA Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship who support undergraduate research and creative activity. There are two independent deadline grant review cycles for the fall semester: October and December. This prestigious grant funds project budgets up to $2,000. Students will also receive a $500 student stipend upon the successful completion of their project. Awarded students will also be expected to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium which takes place in the middle of April.
ART499: BFA Thesis Exhibit
The purpose of the course is to develop and execute a focused body of visual work in primary studio area (may also include work from secondary area of concentration). Candidates must complete 3 credits of ART499 Thesis Exhibition and a grade of B (80%) or better is considered a passing grade. Also, you are required to attend the BFA Thesis Exhibit Orientation meeting scheduled during the first week of the spring semester.
NOTE: This course is offered in the spring semester of each academic year only.
Register for ART499 just like other courses at UAA. Remember, the semester prior to enrollment in ART499, BFA Committee must accept and approve your written BFA Thesis Proposal. If your BFA Thesis Proposal is not accepted, you cannot enroll in ART499.
NOTE: Students who have not attained a Full-Major BFA status are ineligible to enroll in ART499.
During the spring semester, you will be focused on completing a body of work for the BFA Thesis Exhibition in the Kimura Gallery or other pre- approved location. Your BFA Thesis Proposal will guide the body of work you create.
NOTE: The body of work cannot be for and from any other courses.
Attendance Required
ART499 BFA Thesis students are required to attend all BFA Exhibition Meetings with the BFA Committee to review your progress during the spring semester. The BFA Committee Chair must be notified in advance in case of an unavoidable absence. Failure to attend all scheduled BFA Thesis Exhibition Meetings may result in a failing grade for ART499. Check with BFA Chair and Arts Office for meeting schedule.
NOTE: This also applies to Candidates with a deferred grade who have not completed their thesis project as yet.
Satisfactory Progress
The BFA Chair and your Art Faculty Advisor will notify you, if, at any time during the BFA Thesis Exhibition semester, the Committee determines that your progress is NOT satisfactory. In some cases, this determination may be reached during business deliberations at the BFA Committee meeting. The Committee might recommend a Deferred Grade to continue the project in future semesters. A Deferred grade must be completed within 2 years. Please note that as long as you are enrolled in ART499 Thesis, all requirements must be met including attendance at all BFA Thesis Exhibition Meetings.
NOTE: BFA Candidates not yet enrolled in ART499 Thesis are required to attend BFA Thesis Exhibition Meetings as a part of learning experience.
Meeting Presentation
Each BFA candidates will have 15 minutes with the BFA Committee. You are asked to give a thorough 5-10 minutes oral presentation of your Thesis Exhibition addressed to the Committee and others, and leave 5-10 minutes for Q&A.
Work-in-Progress
Bring all work-in-progress relating to your Thesis Exhibition project. If logistics are a problem, discuss alternative methods with your Art Faculty Advisor and/or BFA Committee Chair. Photographs are not ideal for evaluating work, but a short video/DVD may be acceptable. Ask the Arts Building Manager in advance to reserve a monitor.
Develop a Timeline
Prepare a brief project production schedule, which outlines intended progress for each of the scheduled meetings during the first BFA Thesis Exhibition Check-in Meeting,
Other Meetings
At each subsequent BFA Thesis Exhibition Check-in Meeting, continue to bring work-in-progress for discussion and critique. Ask the BFA Committee any questions, as this is an open discussion time between all the BFA candidates and the Committee.
BFA Thesis Exhibit Process
ART499 BFA Thesis culminates in a gallery exhibition at the Kimura Gallery. The committee prefers a group show with students graduating at the end of the spring semester. Shorter time slots might be available for an installation exhibition.
Scope of Project
Scope of Project
It is important to have a schedule and consider the time necessary to have a successful thesis exhibition. Consider the following:
Time: The semester has 13 weeks before the exhibition. For example, you must consider all aspects for your thesis presentation: exhibition gallery and window box signage, announcements, lighting, placement of work in the gallery, pedestals, and your opening reception. Whatever time you think it is going to take multiply it by 3.
Focus: Keep your project within the limits of what you can do. Don’t learn new technical skills for your exhibition. Don’t veer off-course in new artistic directions. Your exhibition is based on your thesis proposal statement so make certain you follow it.
Money: Seriously consider your financial resources. Consider submitting application for art scholarship and/or Undergraduate Research Grant.
Marketing and Promotion: Your exhibition signage for the Kimura Gallery includes (a) individual poster with your title, image and other relevant information, (b) your artist’s statement and (c) the window-box group poster outside of the gallery. They must be produced at the UAA Graphic Design Center. UAA graphic designer will layout the necessary information for your posters, artist’s statement and window-box poster. There are designated templates for this that must be used. The artwork you display in the gallery is your unique form of expression not the signage. You represent the Department of Art and the University as well as yourselves. See specifics below and the Appendix.
Posters: All of these posters are 11x17. Samples of the posters are provided in the appendices. For the exhibition in the gallery you will need two posters to be displayed on the left inside of the gallery wall (one consists of the title of your exhibition, dates and all other relevant information and the other is your artist’s statement. The posters for the gallery are to be dry-mounted on foam core. Do not laminate them. You will also need two other individual posters to be located in the Fine Arts Building. One of them is to be attached to the Art Student’s Information Board on the 1st floor and the other is to be given to the Department of Art Administrative Assistant to be posted at the office on the 3rd floor. These two posters are not to be dry-mounted. A total of four (3 individual and 1 group) posters are needed. If you want to produce more posters for your own portfolio or to distribute more on campus, it is your option. When you have posters printed you must make sure you indicate the quantity when you order them from the graphic designer.
Artist’s Statement: The statement is formatted to fit an 11x17 sheet. It is to be dry-mounted on foam core for presentation purposes in the gallery. The artist’s statement along with your poster will be displayed together on the left inside of the gallery.
Window Box Signage: The determination of the window box poster is based on how many students are exhibiting in the gallery. At this time there have been two types of posters produced. One is a two-person poster and the other is a three-person poster. When you have three or more students exhibiting in the gallery the design is more problematic. Problems of spacing and images come into play in this instance. For an example of a two-person exhibit poster for the window box see the appendices (page 49). For an example of three artists exhibiting in the gallery see the appendices (page 50). It is suggested that instead of overcomplicating the process from a design standpoint regarding a three person exhibit just using text would be the most practical way to present the artists in the window box. If you opt just for a text-based poster then there is no problem of producing an image for the poster. It is your choice as to how you want to design your poster. It is more expensive in terms of cost to design a three-artist poster as indicated in the sample. Layout costs can prove to be more expensive in terms of time and proofing. For the window box poster, you are to use the samples provided or a comparable format. This poster is to be 11x17 and centered and dry-mounted on a 22x20 piece of foam core. It is not to be laminated.
Announcements (Invitations/Postcards): Your announcements must also be produced at the UAA Graphic Design Center. There are templates that must be used. See specifics below and the appropriate Appendix. You decide the quantity you want. Usually one distributes announcements to the faculty, family and friends. The size of the announcements is 6x8½.
Proofing: Proofing your texts is very important and to offset more costs you will turn your copy to the BFA Chair for proofing. You must provide your artist’s statement and all other information needed for production to the BFA Chair according to a set deadline. You must also provide the digital image jpg you plan on using. It may be that you want an image with a full bleed or a detail. See the examples in the appendices. You must approve any corrections made at this stage, and you are to inform the BFA Chair. With this, you have produced a final rough draft. Once finalized by the BFA Chair, your posters and announcements will be sent to the UAA Graphic Design Center, and you will receive a note of your final proofs and make changes at this point if it is needed. BFA Chair will ask for your final approval before they are printed. If you want more changes after this point, then you will have to pay more for layout changes.
Production Time: Time is critical in producing your posters and announcements. Since the BFA exhibitions are the last two weeks of the spring semester, please follow the schedule as indicated. Your jpgs, text and all materials for production purposes must be sent to the BFA Chair 5 weeks before your exhibition. The jpgs should be of high quality with good resolution. Correspondence regarding production of your announcements and posters will be done by e-mail. Most likely this will be around two weeks to complete this process. If you approve at this stage, then you can go ahead and print the posters and announcements.
There is a two-week turnaround time frame from the time you submit your final proof. You are to make arrangements for payment for your personal posters and announcements. As to the window box poster you are to work out the shared costs among yourselves. You will pick up the posters and announcements and pay for them at the counter of UAA Print and Copy Center at the basement of the UAA Bookstore. It is important that you respond immediately to the proofing phase for your posters and announcements. Delays and last-minute adjustments can delay production particularly if you decide to make changes. Timeframe Checklist:
- Five-week before your BFA Thesis exhibition submit jpgs and text for your posters and announcements to the Gallery Director
- Two-week turnaround time for the first proof to be forwarded to you for approval and any other adjustments that need to be made
- Two-week turnaround time after your approval of the final rough draft. The time may be less depending on the UAA Copy and Print Center’s schedule of production.
Cost, Payment and Pickup: You will be charged for the time to design the layout for your posters and announcement, dry-mounting and printing. Each of you pays for your own posters and announcements that you have printed. The window box poster is a shared cost between the students exhibiting together. Usually the cost will be determined during the first phase of your submission of your material. This will not change unless you make adjustments to the quantity of announcements and posters or have made further changes in your proofs after the first submission of your material. The Copy and Print Center at UAA is located at the basement of the UAA Campus Bookstore (Phone: 786-6860).
Publicity (Press Releases, Reviews, Newspapers): Be assertive and solicit Editors for a show review, images in the paper, or possibly an interview. It is at their discretion to publish an article. The Editors have announcement and review deadlines. Expedite the reviewing process including a few high-quality digital images of your art in the exhibition, artist’s statement, artist resume, news release and media advisory.
- UAA Northern Lights: (907) 753-1333
- UAA University Advancement: (907) 786-4847
- Anchorage Daily News: Newsroom@adn.com
BFA THESIS EXHIBITION EVALUATION
Grading Procedure
Upon project completion, the Committee will evaluate the exhibition on a PASS/NO PASS basis. A grade of B (80%) or better is considered a passing grade. Faculty will submit a completed Thesis Evaluation Form (page 51-52) to the Arts Office.
NOTE: If, at any time during the Thesis Exhibition semester, the Committee determines that your progress is NOT satisfactory, the Committee might recommend a Deferred Grade to continue the project in future semesters. A Deferred grade must be completed within 2 years.
Grading Criteria
The grade is a percentage of all points awarded by the Committee in 3 areas:
- Expressive Properties: Success in the visual realization of the Thesis Proposal
- Conceptual Properties: Quality, originality, and growth of thoughts and ideas
- Formal Properties: Technical mastery of materials, and quality of Exhibition
Grading Points
The grade is based on the following points:
- 90-100 % = A/Pass
- 80-89.99% = B/Pass
- 0-79.99% = No Pass
Gallery Clean Up and Repair
Coordinate the cleanup with the Gallery Director. The post-exhibition condition of the Kimura Gallery must be acceptable by the Gallery Director prior to awarding the grade. Failure to meet expectations may result in an Incomplete (I) or, in extreme cases, a failing grade (F). Expectations include, but are not limited to:
- Removing all artwork from gallery, hall, lobby, and storage areas
- Filling all holes and patching the walls, floor, and ceiling
- Repairing and returning the pedestals to the Gallery storage area
- Returning all the Gallery tools to storage
- Lighting, as per contract in the Appendix
Awarding the Grade
In order to receive your grade and the Committee’s comments, you must submit required items listed in ART499 Thesis Exhibition Checklist to the Arts Office immediately by the following Monday immediately after the close of your exhibition.
COMPLETION OF THE BFA PROGRAM
Upon completion of all coursework required for graduation, and before ART499 Thesis Exhibition grade is given; the candidate must submit to the Arts Office:
- A Final Copy of Thesis Proposal
- A Final Copy of Artist Statement
- 10-20 Digital Images of the Thesis Exhibition work on an Archival Gold CD or a Thumb Drive with image list
- 2 Exhibition Postcards
- Receipt of Studio Fees Paid
- Keys and Gallery Condition Contract sign-off (including storage/lighting contract release)
- Copyright Release Form (see page 54)
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Satisfy the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees
- Complete the Major Requirements below
KIMURA GALLERY GUIDELINE
Time is set-aside in the Kimura Gallery at the end of the spring semester for BFA Exhibition. Shorter individual time slots might be available for installation-based exhibitions depending on scheduling. All BFA candidates who participate in the ART499 BFA Thesis Exhibit must sign the appended contracts. The final document needed for the BFA student to receive their ART499 BFA Thesis grade is the Kimura Gallery BFA Release Form signed by the Gallery Director of the Kimura Gallery.
Responsibilities and Information:
Kimura Gallery
Contact the Gallery Director for the procedures needed to secure the gallery keys for installing artwork (see below*) and access to tools for purposes of installation. You must meet with the Gallery Director and other members of the ACE Committee to discuss your exhibition plans and needs. Prior to meeting the Kimura Gallery committee you will have met with your Art Faculty Advisor and BFA Committee members on how the space is best utilized. If you are involved in a group show, closely coordinate all of your needs with the other students exhibiting.
Kimura Gallery Signage
Outside of the gallery is a window box to the right of the entrance to the gallery. It is used to display information pertinent to the BFA Thesis exhibition. You must use the same information on the back of your announcement card and include an image of your work on your exhibition poster. In the case of a group exhibition the students must decide among themselves the best way to display text and images on the poster.
Artist Statement
You are to provide a personal statement illustrating your ideas relevant to your thesis. The statement should be a minimum of one page and not more than two pages in length. Your statement should reflect what the BFA Committee and your advisor have approved.
Scheduling Set-Up Time for the Thesis Exhibition
At the last BFA Thesis Exhibition Meeting in the spring semester, please reconcile any set-up problems. Map out individual spaces in the gallery and address any special needs. This may require providing designs for display needs like pedestals, walls, specialized lighting, electronics, etc. You will be required to purchase the materials/equipment needed for installing your work (hanging devices, specialized tools, wall mounts, projectors, media players, etc.), and building any display elements (pedestals, screens, walls, etc.).
It is important to arrange set-up times with the Gallery Director and your fellow exhibition colleagues, so make it a priority. The set-up time is usually 2-3 days (Friday through Monday). All exhibitors will meet with the Gallery Director as a group on the first day of the installation period.
Gallery Keys
The Gallery Director will sign-out one key to your exhibition group. If the key is lost, the group is responsible for its replacement. The key is to be returned at the end of your exhibition to accommodate the next group of students exhibiting. If the key is not returned, a hold is placed on each of the candidate’s account and grades. When leaving the gallery each day be sure to LOCK both gallery doors as well as the storage room door.
Installation/Site-Specific and Performance Exhibitions
If discussed and approved during the Thesis Proposal Review, your project might be an installation or performance-based exhibition. Installation, site-specific work, and performance art exhibitions must be located in the Anchorage area. The Committee must be able to witness performance pieces, or to visit installation and site-specific pieces as a group at a scheduled time initiated by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to find a space that can accommodate their performance work and visual work. Space is at a premium during the last two weeks of the semester so one cannot reserve the Harper Dance Studio or Room 150 in the Fine Arts Building. To rent spaces on campus or find possible space on campus, please contact Facilities (786-1100). You should also try to find alternate venues in the Anchorage area. Advance preparation is essential for this type of presentation.
Equipment Needs
You may need projectors, audio systems and other technical support. You need to plan well in advance of your exhibition to accommodate these needs. This includes making an appointment with the Gallery Director at least two weeks prior to your installation date to demonstrate that you have tested your electronic equipment and it is in working order. If you wish to use university equipment, and if it is available, you must contact the Fine Arts Building Manager (786-4890) and/or the Gallery Director. Scheduling and planning is essential so it is necessary for you recognize the need for making reservations for equipment needs. You must give the Fine Arts Building Manager a minimum of two weeks notice. It is suggested that you contact the building manager early in the semester to make reservations.
Gallery Cleanup Requirement
As the exhibition is removed, repair the Gallery walls and paint them where needed. Repair, paint and store the pedestals and place them back in the storage area. If all of this is done properly and approved by the Gallery Director that you have fulfilled this obligation, you will receive a grade for completing your ART499 BFA Thesis Exhibition. Make certain you arrange a time with the Gallery Director to look over the cleanup of the gallery. The gallery can provide you with the Spackle paint and other needed materials to facilitate the cleanup.
The Gallery and storage area must be cleaned and all art removed within two days of your exhibition’s closing. If the student does not remove the work in the requisite time the gallery committee will take down the work. All precautions and care will be taken not to damage any work. However, if the work is taken down and there is damage to the artwork, the Gallery, Department of Art and University are not liable for damages. It is always the student’s responsibility to remove the work. It is not the gallery’s function to do so. If the artwork is damaged the student will be notified. Care will always be taken to remove art works carefully. All students who take ART499 BFA Thesis Exhibition must sign the Damage Waiver for BFA Exhibition in the Kimura Gallery releasing the gallery from liabilities if damage occurs to the artwork when the time frame is not adhered to and the gallery committee has to take down the exhibition.
Reception Information & Responsibilities
You need to prepare food, beverages, napkins, and cups and coordination of the opening reception with the other students in the exhibition. The gallery can provide you with a tablecloth, punch bowl and ladle.
The Fine Arts Parking Area can be used by guests and friends for your reception and is free after 5pm on the day of the reception. The BFA Chair will fill out a Special Event Parking Request Form and submit it to Parking Services two weeks in advance of your reception.
NOTE: No alcohol can be served at the reception.
BFA THESIS EXHIBITION INSTALLATION & DE-INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
Exhibition Installation Timeline
All exhibiting BFA students are expected to be present at the specified dates and times. Each BFA student will be assigned to a Kimura Gallery supervisor who will help to oversee their exhibition installation, and who will provide expert instruction on proper spacing, measuring, hanging, etc.
- Friday 5-8pm
- Transport artworks to the gallery
- Meet with assigned Kimura supervisor
- Map, measure, & tape-out exhibition layout w/ Kimura Curator, supervisors, & fellow exhibiting artists
- Bring: your mounted exhibition statement, your mounted group exhibition poster, and one unmounted individual exhibition poster, your exhibition labels, & your signed exhibition contract documents
- Saturday 10am-4pm
- Check-in with your Kimura supervisor and create a plan for the day (hanging priorities, lunch & break schedule, etc.)
- Hang/install all artworks with Kimura supervisor
- Hang/install all exhibition related materials (statement, labels, etc.)
- At 4pm, assess progress and determine whether Saturday night/Sunday install is required
- Saturday 4pm-12am
- Continue exhibition installation if required (without your Kimura supervisor)
- Sunday 10am-5pm
- Check-in with Kimura Curator at the gallery at 10am sharp
- Continue exhibition installation if required without your Kimura supervisor
- Check-out with Kimura Curator at 5pm sharp
Exhibition Installation Checklist (Priority Items)
-
Transport artworks to the gallery
- Plan ahead: ask to borrow the Kimura dollies if required
- If artwork is coming from off-campus, pack appropriately in order to prevent damage – don’t rush
- Don’t forget any custom display items (pedestals, custom hangers, etc.)
- Bring our mounted exhibition statement, your mounted group exhibition poster, one unmounted individual exhibition poster, your exhibition labels, & your signed exhibition contract documents
- Hang/install all artworks
- 2D Artworks must be hung at a consistent height for all exhibitors (56”)
- 3D artworks must have pedestals booked prior to installation dates
- Hang exhibition statements & mounted exhibition posters
- Use Velcro. Use the adhesive backing to adhere Velcro to the back of the statement but staple the Velcro to the wall.
- Hang artwork labels
- It is important to purchase clear labels (see photo in google docs), as any other type will not stick for long.
- Labels should be placed at a consistent height throughout the exhibition (low enough to be read by someone in a wheelchair – 54”)
- Labels should appear either on the right-hand side, or the left-hand side of the artworks consistent across the exhibition as agreed on by all exhibitors
- Labels should be level.
- Touch-up gallery walls with white paint where required
- Sweep & mop floors
- Touch-up gallery floors with grey paint where required
- Pack up tools, ladders, laser level, paint supplies, etc. and leave them ready in one spot for Gallery staff to put away
- Remove all personal items from the gallery
Reception Checklist (NOT priority items)
- Purchase required food items/ingredients
- Don’t forget serving dishes, serving plates, cups, napkins, serving utensils
- Food preparation at home on day of reception (as required)
- Transport food and serving utensils to the Kimura at least one-hour prior to reception start time
- Arrange food and serving dishes/utensils/napkins on reception table in lobby of Kimura Gallery
Exhibition De-installation Timeline
- Friday 5-8pm
- Deinstall & transport artworks out of the gallery
- Deinstall artist statement, and labels
- Patch, sand, & paint any holes in the gallery walls
- Return and tidy all Kimura tools to front of the gallery
- Mop floors
- Check-out with the Kimura Curator
- Saturday 10am-1pm
- Extra half-day to deinstall exhibition if required.
Contracts & BFA Release Form
All students must sign the contracts below and turn them into the Gallery Director no later than two weeks prior to the Thesis Exhibition. There are four contracts:
- Kimura Art Gallery Lights Contract
- Damage Waiver for the BFA Exhibition in the Kimura Gallery
- Kimura Gallery Release Form
The reason for the contracts is due to students repositioning and causing damage to the light canisters, not cleaning up the gallery properly and not returning or damaging the items used for the reception in a timely fashion.
Appendix
- BFA Procedures and Requirements Form
- BFA Application for Admission Form
- Kimura Gallery Floorplan
- ART499 Thesis Evaluation Form, Tally Sheet and Checklist
- Copyright Release Form for BFA
- Art Lockers Form
BFA Process
FRESHMAN & SOPHMORE: Pre-BFA
- Complete art foundation core courses
- ART105 Beginning Drawing
- ART205 Intermediate Drawing
- ART111 Two Dimensional Design
- ART113 Three Dimensional Design
- ART112 Color Design
- ART307 Life Drawing
- ART261 History of Western Art I
- ART262 History of Western Art II
- Complete beginning studio courses (9 credits)
- Select primary and secondary concentrations
- Compile a digital portfolio of your artwork
- Obtain a minimum academic GPA: 2.5 all coursework and 3.0 art coursework
JUNIOR: Apply for Admission to the BFA Program
- Prepare BFA application files
- Meet with your Art Faculty & CAS Advisor
- Prepare a digital portfolio of your artwork
- Submit an application to the BFA committee
- Register in upper division art studio courses
SENIOR:
FALL SEMESTER: Prepare for BFA Thesis Proposal
- Enroll in ART491 Senior Seminar
- Meet with your Art Faculty Advisor
- Get your BFA Thesis Proposal approved by the BFA Committee
- Attend BFA Check-in Meeting (once semester)
- Register in upper division art studio courses
SPRING SEMESTER: Enroll in ART499 Thesis
- Apply for Graduation
- Attend BFA Thesis Meetings (2 times during the semester)
- Complete BFA Thesis Exhibit
Image List and Labels
ARCHIVAL GOLD CD OR THUMB DRIVE
For BFA Admission and/or BFA Thesis Exhibition, students are required to submit digital images on a Thumb Drive in JPEG format at 150 dpi or higher, and a physical size of 5x7. Please save each image with the “number, your initial, and title of the artwork” in the same order as the corresponding image list.
EXAMPLE FILE LABELS
- 01_SM_Self-Portrait.jpg
- 02_SM_IceCystalsonPond.jpg
- 03_SM_MemoriesofOldCars.jpg
DIGITAL IMAGE LIST
Your Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
1.)Shawn Douglas McIntosh
Self-Portrait (Custom Craziness in HDF)
Color Photograph
8.5” x 11”
2017
2.)Shawn Douglas McIntosh
Ice Crystals on Pond
Color Photograph
8.5” x 11”
2016
3.) Shawn Douglas McIntosh
Memories of Old Cars
Color Photograph
8.5” x 11”
2016
BFA Program Checklist
NOTE: Keep the BFA Chair and the Art Office Updated with Your Current Contact Information
PRE-MAJOR STATUS
- Fill out application for admission to UA
- Select an Art Faculty Advisor – usually in your primary area
- Complete all Art Foundation Core Courses
- Complete the Beginning Studio Electives (at least 9 credits)
- Select Primary and Secondary Concentrations
- Develop a digital portfolio of artwork that exemplifies your potential for success in both
- Primary and Secondary areas
SUBMITTING BFA APPLICATION
- Obtain a copy of current “BFA Meeting Schedule” from the BFA Chair at the beginning of semester
- Meet with your Art Faculty Advisor
- Obtain a “BFA Student Handbook” and read it
- Meet with a CAS Academic Adviser to complete a “Projected Plan of Study” (w/signature-required)
- Assemble application materials (See “Procedures and Requirements Form” for more details)
- Submit application materials to the Arts Office before or by the deadline
FULL MAJOR STATUS
- Complete a “Change of Major” form to Full-Major BFA status after you are accepted into the program
- Review BFA Student Handbook and check with Art Office for current meeting times
- Meet with your Art Faculty Advisor a minimum of 2 times per semester
- Attend BFA Check-in Meeting once a semester (attendance is required)
- Assemble work in progress
DURING SENIOR YEAR IN THE FALL SEMESTER
- Enroll in Art491 Senior Seminar and your need to pass the course before Art499 Thesis
- Attend Thesis Proposal Writing Workshop and Thesis Proposal Review Meeting (attendance is required)
- Develop your BFA Thesis Proposal and get approved by the BFA Committee
- Attend BFA Check-in Meeting to present work in progress (attendance is required)
- Submit UAA Undergraduate Research Grant Proposal
DURING SENIOR YEAR IN THE SPRING SEMESTER
- Enroll in ART499 Thesis Exhibit (spring semester only) upon approval of your BFA Thesis Proposal
- Attend BFA Exhibit Orientation Meeting (attendance is required)
- Attend Two BFA Thesis Exhibit Meetings (attendance is required)
- Prepare a body of work, BFA exhibit poster, artist statement, and group exhibit poster
- Participate in BFA Thesis Exhibition
- Submit Application for UAA Graduation
- Submit required documents (listed in “Procedures and Requirements Form”) to the Art office before ART499 Thesis grade is given
BFA Check-in Meeting Schedule (Sample)
FALL SEMESTER BFA COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
- 10:00-11:30 Faculty Meeting
- 11:30-12:00 Review BFA Thesis Proposal / 2nd Draft (Faculty Only)
- 12:00-12:30 Review New BFA Application
- 12:30-1:00 Lunch
- 1:00-2:00 BFA Check-In Meeting (15 min. each)
|
TIME |
STUDENT |
STUDIO |
|
1:00-1:15 |
XXXXXXXX |
Drawing |
|
1:15-1:30 |
XXXXXXXX |
Painting |
SPRING SEMESTER BFA COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
1:00-1:45 Art491 BFA Exhibition Meeting (15 min. each)
|
TIME |
STUDENT |
STUDIO |
|
1:00-1:15 |
XXXXXXXX |
Ceramics |
|
1:15-1:30 |
XXXXXXXX |
Photography |
2:00-3:00 BFA Check-in Meeting (15 min. each)
|
TIME |
STUDENT |
STUDIO |
|
2:00-2:15 |
XXXXXXXX |
Sculpture |
|
2:15-2:30 |
XXXXXXXX |
Computer Lab |
BFA Thesis Proposal Format
NOTE: The proposal is to be on size 8.5x11 white paper. Max 3-5 pages.
PURPOSE OF THESIS AND THESIS OUTLINE
The purpose of the senior thesis paper is to explain and define the artwork presented
in your thesis exhibition. This explanation should include the conceptual development
of the work in terms of previous work you have done and artists who have influenced
your work. It should be written in the manner of a research paper, and presented in
a style that would be acceptable for publication in the leading art journals. The
thesis should contain the following elements:
- Why did you choose this concept and medium?
- What is the intended final result in quantity, size, medium, and imagery?
- Where will the exhibit be installed?
- How will you install this exhibit, and how will it interact with the space?
- When will your project be completed, installed, exhibited?
1.) INTRODUCTION (1-2 paragraphs)
The introduction should state the basic concept/content of your work, what you have
done and why. Later, you should be able to draw from your thesis for your Artist Statement.
2.) BODY OF PROPOSAL
CONCEPT: Proposed Project (2-3 paragraphs) Discuss your current body of work and its development. Describe the project you intend
to complete and why. Be as specific as possible while allowing for the project’s natural
growth and change. What is the concept behind the work? Point out influences, connection
to previous work, how techniques and materials are appropriate for developing the
concept, how use of images, colors, shapes, and the all around process etc. support
the concept. This should be the major portion of the thesis and should explain and
define your work. You should reference titles and numbered images of your work.
BACKGROUND: Historical References (2-3 paragraphs) Discuss which artists influenced your work with references and endnotes. (Check written critiques and essays in art journals for proper referencing for those journals. You paper should be in the style of the major journals for you discipline). Discuss your work for the Thesis and previous work. You may reference color copies of works you discuss. Develop an explanation of how the proposed project relates to the work of other artists or to areas of special interest that influence you. Tell your reader how this information and knowledge has influenced you and supports your proposal.
3.) EXHIBITION: PRESENTATION AND INSTALLATION (2-3 paragraphs)
ART 499 Thesis will culminate in a gallery exhibition or formal presentation. It is
preferred by the BFA Committee that all presentations occur in the Kimura Gallery
during the BFA Group Show, which is scheduled at the end of the spring semester. Shorter
individual time slots might be available. Explain the logistics of the installation
by summarizing what will be shown and how it will be installed. A timeline of developing
your body of work is required. As a reminder, you will need to coordinate logistics
with the BFA Committee during BFA Check-In. The logistics discussed in your proposal
will be your “syllabus” for ART 499 Thesis. The plans described in this section will
be the criteria for your final grade, and ultimately for graduation. **NOTE: It is
preferred by the Committee that all presentations occur in the Kimura Gallery during
the BFA Group Show. Shorter individual time slots might be available for installation
type exhibitions.
4.) SUMMARY (1 paragraph, if needed)
Restate, in abbreviated form, what you have done and future projects. What do you
plan to do next? How will it support the next steps in your career?
BFA Thesis Proposal Cover Sheet Example
Note: Thesis proposal should be printed on 8.5x11 white paper
|
BFA Thesis Proposal Title of Project
Your Name Your Advisor’s Name Primary Concentration: Secondary Concentration: ______
(area for visual if desired)
University of Alaska Anchorage |
BFA Thesis Exhibition Invitation (Sample)
(Invitation Front)
(Invitation Back)
BFA Thesis Exhibition Poster (Sample)
BFA Thesis Exhibition Group Poster (Sample)
ART499 BFA Exhibition Artist Statement Final Draft (Example)
Our Bodies, Our Stories
Ladies in Their Eighties
Multi-media Portraits by Nancy Laurel
Artist Statement:
Our Bodies, Our Stories explores the inhabitation of a physical body over a lifetime, including the inevitable malfunctions, injuries and just plain wearing out of its parts over time. Having passed the midway point of my own life, I am interested to learn from the wisdom and insights of my foremothers. What physical and psychological impacts do they experience as a result of the gradual transformation from youth to age? Are they beautiful? Healthy? Strong? Wise? Whether we like it or not, our contemporary culture continues to place an emphasis on female beauty and physical perfection as an important source of a woman’s identity. How do these women embrace or transcend cultural pressures? What roles have been theirs to play throughout their lives and how have they integrated the various and often conflicting aspects of identity to manifest whole selves?
The installation emphasizes traditionally feminine materials and processes, presenting the female figure in the context of the woman’s experience of her own body, both in its aged condition and looking back over her lifespan. Each of these women has shared her story and participated in its transformation into a work of art. As you contemplate three specific instances of feminine experience in twentieth-to-twenty-first century American culture and inhabit their stories for a brief interval, I hope you will imagine and appreciate the joys these women know, the changes and challenges they have faced and the wisdom they possess.
Printed Example:
 |