HFC now offers Associate of Fine Arts in Studio Art
Henry Ford College will offer an Associate of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art that is similar to the first two years of most Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Michigan, effective for the Fall 2018 semester.
All of HFC’s 3-credit studio art classes will meet six hours per week, to align with art departments at 4-year universities. This is how university art classes meet accreditation standards and expectations, according to Steve Glazer, HFC ceramics instructor and faculty chair of the Fine and Performing Arts department. Glazer was the principal faculty member who designed the new degree program.
HFC already has the most comprehensive offering of art history classes of any community college in Michigan, including an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a pathway into a bachelor’s degree in Art History.
HFC’s Digital and Graphic Arts program is also the most comprehensive in the region, offering an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design and Certificates in Illustration and Animation.
“The new Associate of Fine Arts degree is a comprehensive program designed to successfully transfer to a 4-year BFA program,” said Glazer. “At HFC, we teach you to unleash your creative potential by offering classes and programs in the areas that help you emphasize your unique capabilities, whether it is through artistic creations or fine arts performances. We help you discover your unique voice and build upon the talents you already have, so you can take the next step forward.”
Coursework in the new AFA program includes:
• Design studies
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Ceramics
• Digital media
• Art history
All of these disciplines develop a student’s understanding of the visual elements and principles of design as they relate to observational, spatial, and expressive literacy. Craftsmanship, dedication, and skill sets are stressed throughout the program. While visual literacy is of utmost importance within the program, learning how to observe, understand, and communicate about art – both in a written and oral context – is also emphasized. All students will be required to participate in an on-campus exhibition prior to graduation.
Four-year colleges and universities have moved beyond the art major that spans 48–60 credit hours to BFA programs, according to Glazer. Many of these programs are aligned with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accreditation requirements. NASAD requires that 65 percent of a degree’s total credit hours be art-related courses. For a 4-year educational institution, this is approximately 78 credit hours in art.
“We’re looking for a few good students who are passionate about this course of study,” said Glazer. “They must be willing to devote not only the time needed to attend class, but also the time needed to finish projects, practice their craft, and attend rehearsals and events that are part of their curriculum. For those who are up to these challenges, we will be thrilled to welcome you to the HFC Fine and Performing Arts community.”
For questions or more information, contact Glazer at 313-845-6485 or sglazer@hfcc.edu.