A Message from the Chairman

Students interested in studying art at Linfield will find an environment that supports inquiry into all aspects of  image making, historical and otherwise. We have recently changed our curricular direction to reflect approaches into the creative language of the visual arts by emphasizing process, collaborative improvisation and critical analysis. The department has changed its name from “Art” to Art and Visual Culture to move in this direction.

Linfield graduates in art have historically gone on to pursue Master of Fine Arts degrees in studio art and doctorates in art history, or have entered the job market directly as graphic designers, commercial artists or, more recently, webmasters. Others have combined their love of art with other disciplines to pursue careers in elementary and secondary education, arts administration, art therapy and biomedical illustration. In recent years the AVC department has had seniors accepted into some of the finest graduate programs in the country, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the American Academy in Rome, the Boston Museum School (twice), Pratt Institute in New York City, USC (twice), Claremont Graduate University (three times), the University of Illinois, the University of Oregon (twice), Maine Art Academy, Salt Institute, and so on. This extraordinary success is the result of a concerted effort on our part to encourage the creative voice of our students within the framework of professionalism and creative excellence.

In addition to these graduate study initiatives, other recent students have entered the field of web and graphic design, often with impressive results. Others have entered the field of arts management, such as gallery direction and public arts organization. During your years at Linfield, you may also elect to pursue an internship. Recent Linfield art students have done so with graphic and interior designers, cutting edge art institutions and contemporary art galleries.

The Linfield International Program includes a recent drawing excursion Professor Ron Mills led through central Mexico where they drew amid impressive pre-Columbian ruins. Several years ago Professor Mills led another January Term group of art and anthropology students to tribal villages in the rain forests of Costa Rica to study indigenous art. Other January term offerings have included art history classes traveling in Europe, and photo excursions through the Great Basin and ceramics in Mexico. Dr. Brian Winkenweder is planning a January term course to New York City for study in contemporary art. He has extensive experience in the City having taught contemporary art at NYU and completing his Phd. at Stony Brook University.

The AVC faculty at Linfield, each a practicing artist and/or scholar, guide students through course work in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, electronic media, alternative media, and art history. (See links to our individual sites and on-line portfolios in the faculty section of this site.)

We have recently redoubled our commitment to electronic media and design. Professor Liz Obert is dedicated to these related disciplines; there will be an opportunity for interested students in the coming year  to pursue a major in this area.

Visual Culture and History of Art are a major part of AVC Studies. Prof. Brian Winkenweder has developed new offerings, and under his aegis this has become a flourishing part of the studio curriculae. He brings his own artistic experience into the classroom and students have welcomed his critical comments as they develop their work.

The facilities we have now are housed in large, airy buildings that were formerly part of an industrial complex. As part of the complex, one building, because of its high ceiling, was adapted as our principle gallery space. Director Cris Moss brings high energy to the annual schedule of exhibitions by regional, national and international artists. (See the Gallery website for current and recent exhibitions).
To study art formally is but a start of what is, for many, a life-long process of intellectual and creative development. Along with private work spaces and a small gallery run by the students a creative environment is fostered, and encouraged. If this excites you, join us! If you would like to visit or revisit campus, please let me know. We are always eager to share our enthusiasm about teaching and working with inspired and dedicated students.

Sincerely,
Nils Lou, AVC Department Chair, Linfield College, McMinnville, OR 97128
nlou@linfield.edu