The concept of the artist in our society today is open to varied definitions and continually evolving perspectives. This potent condition provides a dynamic format for the study and production of artworks and the study of Art Education as vital, intellectual pursuits. In our department, teaching is traditional in approach, interwoven with many supplementary lessons learned in the struggle to survive as artist/teacher and, as an African American in the visual culture of America.

In the classroom, we attempt to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to the study of Design, Drawing, Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics and Digital Imaging focusing on the mastery of traditional skills as the basis for expressive art. In such an environment, students are able to develop their conceptual abilities, technical skills, and the critical thinking needed to create innovative artwork and to become leaders in the creation of Fine Art.

Our goal is to create a dialogue in the classroom – rooted in fundamentals – that stresses individuality, encourages imagination, innovation, and warrants creative solutions in hand-on experience of media processes studied by the student. Within this classroom setting, faculty share both personal and professional knowledge and experience in art with students throughout their studies. In the classroom, students are given the opportunity to investigate the potentialities and qualities of tools and methods of mediums being studied, as well as the opportunity to freely experiment with the aesthetic elements involved.

Behind each piece of student artwork lies countless hours of research, critical reflection and the application of skills acquired in the classroom. Through teaching applications in Design, Drawing, Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics and Digital Imaging along with student/teacher interaction, students develop the strong conceptual ability and technical foundation necessary for success in graduate school and in the world of art making. With strong Florida A&M University foundations, classroom dialogue and contemporary ideas, graduate school is not the end result of our students’ learning but the beginning of successful lives of art educators and practicing artists.