Offered by the Department of Art
Professor Kutbay
Associate Professor Schlegel
Assistant Professor Anderson, Whitehouse, Chairperson
Art Department Mission
The mission of the Art Department at Mansfield University is to develop and sustain flourishing programs within the visual arts that support the needs of its undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and continuing education students, as well as members of the community seeking personal enrichment.
The Art Department’s three undergraduate programs and graduate program will continue to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students, helping them to cultivate careers as art educators, art historians, graphic designers, museum facilitators, and as leaders and entrepreneurs within our communities.
Through all interactions, the Art Department strives to exemplify and teach respect for the art and scholarly community, engendering positive character, the ability to think critically, give and receive constructive feedback, and conduct their actions in an ethical and professional manner. Seamlessly imbedded into the curriculum, is a focus on visual literacy and global awareness, creating a vibrant and comprehensive visual arts program - inherent to the fabric of any strong, liberal arts university and essential in developing individuals who will grow, care for, and leave a positive imprint on the world.
Art Department Vision
The Art Department will serve as a cultural center of the visual arts for the University and outlying communities. Through ongoing evaluation of program goals, content and structure, the Art Department will keep these programs vital, innovative, and in step with current best practices.
By continuing to foster a creative and flexible program structure, the Art Department will seek to provide an educational format that provides students with the ability to acquire necessary life and career competencies.
With the support of the University, the Art Department will continue to offer a gallery venue through which professional artists, students, and faculty may exhibit their artwork - further establishing accessibility of the arts within our region.
Art Education Program Mission
The Art Education program guides prospective teachers to meet the certification requirements of Pennsylvania Department of Education by providing a rich foundation in studio art production skills, art history, aesthetics, theory, and practice of art education. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate is qualified to teach art in the pre-kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools (PreK-12). For specific learning outcomes of the Art Education Program, please see the Art Department web page.
Character
Students will learn how to insightfully probe and observe artwork and understand the differences that exist in the classroom. We respect and value the backgrounds, abilities, and interests of all students.
Culture
We understand that individuals’ identity can be shaped by the social and cultural groups to which they belong. We strive to embrace diversity of peoples, philosophies, and cultural histories in instruction, consistently modeling for students the importance of understanding and valuing of others.
Service
We are involved on our community by sponsoring opportunities for professional development conferences, art gallery exhibitions and artist talks, art classes and summer camps. We provide teacher-candidates with opportunities to participate in the student chapter of both Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) and National Art Education Association (NAEA).
Scholarship
Art is a core discipline and we practice high standards in its study and practice of art production, art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. Future art teachers must value art as a means of communication, as historical components of civilization, and as a provider of a unique form of knowledge. We work to ensure that our students are exposed to campus-wide faculty and community/national/international art educators and leaders who are strongly committed to the advancement of scholarship and teaching in visual arts.
Incoming freshmen and transfer students must submit a portfolio for review and have a personal interview conducted by art faculty for acceptance into the program. Portfolios should be submitted under the Art Department guidelines (see Art Dept. web page). Deadlines are: Fall admittance prior to April 30th; spring admittance prior to November 15th. Art Education majors are required to meet a 3.0 grade average at the time they are admitted to the professional education program (after 48 credits), at the time of student teaching, and at graduation. A negative TB tine test, the Act 34 Pennsylvania Police, Act 151 Child Abuse, and PA FBI clearances must be filed and current at 48 credits and again at student teaching. In keeping with the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, all students are required to take: 6 credits of math; 3 credits of English composition; 3 credits of English literature; and pass the Praxis I exam. All studio and professional courses must be completed before student teaching. Graduating students must successfully complete the Praxis II examination both in general studies and their area of specialization to be certified to teach in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education, and Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredit the Art Education program at Mansfield University.
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