Honors: Studio Art

Honors in Studio Art recognize graduating seniors who exemplify creative excellence, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement in the life of the department. The awarding of honors is competitive and determined by the Studio Art faculty, based on artistic achievement, conceptual rigor, and contributions through departmental service such as studio assistance, gallery work, or outreach. Each fall, faculty nominate eligible seniors and invite them to apply. Application for honors does not guarantee the award, and recipients are selected by faculty review. The Department Chair will notify students after final decisions have been made. 

Eligibility

To be considered for nomination, students must:

  • Have a 3.5 GPA or higher in the Studio Art major 
    • have a 3.25 minimum G.P.A. in the overall degree program
  • Be on track to graduate in the current academic year 
  • Be enrolled in ARTS 475: Senior Studio with plans to participate in the Senior Exhibition 

Nomination Process 

  • Each fall, the Studio Art faculty review eligible seniors based on GPA and performance in advanced coursework. 
  • Faculty nominate students who have demonstrated outstanding artistic growth, conceptual rigor, and engagement within the program. 
  • Nominated students will receive an invitation to apply for departmental honors in early December of their senior year. 

Application Materials (By Invitation Only)

Invited students will be asked to submit:

  1. Artist Statement (250 words maximum)  
  1. Portfolio of 6-8 works. 
  1. Departmental Service – List contributions to the department  (e.g., studio aide, gallery internship, Student Art Association, open house participation, or other service). 
  1. List of Studio Art 200- and 300-level ARTS courses completed, along with any awards, exhibitions, scholarships, or related opportunities you have applied for or participated in,  whether or not you were selected. 
     

Evaluation Criteria 
Faculty will evaluate applications based on: 

  • Artistic excellence and conceptual depth 
  • Technical skill and professional presentation 
  • Evidence of intellectual curiosity and self-directed inquiry 
  • Active participation in departmental service and community engagement 

Selection and Recognition 

  • Final selections are made by the Studio Art faculty after portfolio review in early spring. 
  • Recipients of Honors in Studio Art are recognized at the Senior Exhibition reception and noted in the Commencement program and on the student’s academic transcript. 

Timeline  
November Faculty review GPA-eligible seniors
Early December Selected students are invited to apply 
Late January Application materials due 
March Faculty review portfolios and select recipients 
April–May Recipients recognized at Senior Exhibition and Commencement