Hillsdale College art department’s popularity has been growing among majors, minors, and those artistically inclined to various degrees, but the department itself has not. Interest in both the historical and studio aspects have grown to the extent that entry into the classes –– even for majors –– is a race through Web Advisor. Perhaps it is time to change this.
“Our aim is to strive for the glorious things, to fill your head with good ideas,” Professor of Art Barbara Bushey said. “We study the great works of the past to gain a sense of what’s possible, to develop a strong sense of craft and of honesty. We are committed to studying the best sort of making.”
I’m not an art major. In fact, my stick figures look about the same as they did when I took my first art class when I was nine years old. But, like most Hillsdalians, I can appreciate good art. And it seems that the Hillsdale administration should consider expanding the art department
“We definitely need another professor, and we also need more space because there are only four art rooms,” sophomore Phoebe Kalthoff said. “My professor next semester will have to teach two separate classes in the same classroom at the same time.”
Over the past few years, the interest among the general student body in taking art classes has increased significantly. In fact, class sizes often exceed the number of students who are allowed to enroll at registration.
“There’s not enough space for the art classes, and it’s almost impossible to get into the art classes that you want to,” Kalthoff said. “Photography, drawing one, and portraiture are all full.”
At the end of the 2012 spring semester, 11 students had declared art majors, and the art honorary, Alpha Rho Tau, had 28 members. These students alone are just about enough to fill each of the required classes of drawing, sculpture, and art history. In addition to these, each must present a senior art exhibit and portfolio, both required classes as well. This doesn’t even consider students simply interested in dabbling to expand their liberal arts experience.
“We’re just always teaching and thinking of new ways to improve our classes. I am excited to see how the art department is growing, and, as an alumna, it’s wonderful to be a part of that growth,” said Katharine Taylor ‘02, part-time art professor.
Currently, the department has five full-time professors and one part-time professor on staff. However, if student interest in the arts continues to climb, it seems reasonable for the college to hire more professors.
“As an artist, it’s really helpful to have a wide variety of opinions to develop your skill. When there’s only a handful of teachers in the department, and usually one teacher for each subject, you can’t get multiple perspectives on the work you’re doing,” junior Heather Buell said. “It would be nice to hire more full-time teachers because it would give us a bigger variety of classes and more feedback on our work.”
The department has shown interest in expanding the department, but has no definite plans at this time.
“If the opportunity arises then, of course, we would love to expand student choices and possibilities,” Bushey said. “Certainly with the advent of the graphic design minor, among other things, our classes are all full.”
While the number of art majors and minors has increased this year, many students who aren’t planning to study art extensively have added to the packed classrooms.
“A majority of the students who aren’t majoring in art actually finish our courses feeling satisfied and happy,” Taylor said. “Some didn’t think that they could learn, but that’s certainly not true. Anyone can learn if they practice.”
The Hillsdale art department encourages all interested students to take art class, regardless of whether or not students think they are talented artists, though it is also determining how best to manage the increasing enrollment in their classes.
“I strongly believe that the basic skills of drawing, sculpture or painting can be taught just like you can learn to be a better writer or musician,” Taylor said. “That doesn’t mean everybody will be genius artists. But as far as technique goes, anyone who has a desire to learn can become better for their own personal satisfaction and creative outlet.”
