By NORA DELEON/Contributor
The University of Texas at Tyler is considering upgrading facilities, revamping curriculum and hiring more faculty as innovations in art education grows. These changes—new paths—are aimed at preparing students for the rapidly evolving art industry while maintaining a foundation in traditional artistic values.
Students are expressing interest in both traditional fine arts and emerging hybrid and digital art forms.
Amelia Matecek, first-year art student, who frequently uses technology in her creative process, is among those calling for digital integration.
“I use my tech quite often, even during traditional art,” Matecek said. “Right now, the art department doesn’t really have any classes or courses that specifically teach you digital art or incorporating technology into art. It would be great to have courses like that.”
Matecek also recognizes the importance of preserving foundational fine arts courses.
“Some aspects of digital art are rooted in the basics,” she said. “You need to know basic color theory, how to lay a composition, along with several other things that you learn from taking beginner classes. You can apply all the same ideas and skills towards digital art.”
Fields such as entertainment, advertising and design demand artists proficient in technology and capable of innovative application.
Jason Kirby, third-year art student, wants to take classes in digital media.
“All we have now is a Photoshop course, but a class specifically for digital art would be incredibly useful,” Kirby said. “Technology is part of everyday life, and while digital art is still fairly new compared to traditional mediums, it’s only going to become more popular.”
Chris Stewart, chair of the art department, acknowledges the urgency of making changes to incorporate digital art skills.
“I’d like to continue with the success that the department has had in studio art and art history,” Stewart said. “And also hopefully be part of it evolving into something that will be relevant in the new art market.”
Stewart’s experience at the University of San Angelo offers a glimpse into what UT Tyler might achieve. As the art department chair there, Stewart oversaw the introduction of digital media courses that had high enrollment and helped graduates secure jobs.
“The technology is changing so much, with user interface and experience, animation, and those sorts of things,” Stewart said. “It’s not just art and design, there’s mathematics, and science, and computer science, psychology, and how we interact with website interfaces. The industry has changed a lot.”
Stewart emphasized that curriculum expansion would be a gradual process. The department plans to start by assessing students’ knowledge of technology and identifying resources to develop introductory courses that blend digital media and fine arts.
Fine arts professor Lorianne Hubbard supports these changes.
“I think integrating digital art into the art department is crucial in keeping our department vibrant and viable,” she said. “I believe that we can maintain excellence in traditional 2D and 3D media, conceptual and installation art while also having digital art and graphic design degrees available. It’s absolutely feasible but may take time.”
Communication between students and faculty will play a key role in refining courses and ensuring they meet the needs of an evolving art industry, Stewart said.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think that it’s long overdue that we walk those paths,” he said.
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