<p>I didn't want to tack this on to AliceH's post as this school doesn't have a swimming program (which her daughter wants), but for us down the road does anyone have any info on UNC-Asheville's art reputation? My S has found that they have a Multimedia Arts and Sciences curriculum (B.A.) which is right up his alley (for now :)) I like the size of the school and the fact that it is a N.C. public university is financially appealing. Asheville itself is supposed to be a very "artsy". We are just beginning to look around and would like to hear from any of you who know anything about it. Thanks for all of the great advice- I must say this forum is addictive! :)</p>
<p>bump. </p>
<p>Also, would anyone have information on arts at Smith College???</p>
<p>I wouldn't call NC Asheville a LAC. To my knowledge the most artsy LAC that has decent overall art programs and not just in art history or fine art would be Skidmore.</p>
<p>taxguy, I referred to UNCA as a liberal arts college because that is how I have seen it categorized. (USNews 2005 edition #4 "top five public liberal arts colleges" and on their website). Maybe I am not as "in the know" about LACs as I could be, but I didn't feel it was too off base to refer to it that way. While I am sure it may not be in the same category as pure small liberal arts colleges like Wellesley, Williams, etc., it does seem to have some very admirable liberal arts characteristics from what I can tell. Plus, it is much cheaper, which as good ole' Martha says "is a good thing" :)</p>
<p>Hmm, don't know enough about UNCA to disagree. Seemed like a nice state university with good arts program. Expensive for out of state folks though. If I remember it is 25+K/ year for a state university. However, it supposedly has good program.</p>
<p>I just picked up the Ruggs' Recomendations book (lastest version).
My daughter's Guidance councilor had printed her out the schools for Studio Art, however he was using a 2001 version.</p>
<p>I was surprised to see Boston College on the list. We went for a visit there and their Fine Arts Department was very small. We weren't impressed.</p>
<p>I was also surprised not to see HAmilton on the list as this was one of the schools suggested to us to go visit on another thread I had going.</p>
<p>Does anyone have feedback on these 2 schools with regards to their Art Program? </p>
<p>Does anyone have an opion on the Rugg's book?</p>
<p>I am new to this so I am not sure I should start this question as a new thread or not. Taxguy....I am sure you must know!</p>
<p>I know nothing about either school's art program. I do know, however, that liberal arts college don't generally have as many courses in studio art and design as other types of institutions because of the liberal arts requirement. As a general rule of thumb, if you go to:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Stand alone-accredited art school, you have about 70-75% of your courses in art and design.</p></li>
<li><p>University with strong art and design program: You have about 60-70% of your courses in art and design</p></li>
<li><p>Liberal arts college: You have about 50-65% of your courses in art and design. Moreover, I have noticed that most liberal arts colleges that I have seen have good fine art and art history programs but are weaker in other aspects of art and design such as graphics or sculpture etc.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>These obviously are generalizations,but I think that you will find these "rules of thumb" fairly accurate.</p>
<p>Williams College has excellent studio art facilities to complement the world class Art History program. Getting into Williams is another story.
Lafayette College whose president is an Medievel Art Historian has an excellent studio art program as well. In addition to Skidmore (noted by taxguy) Vassar College is well known for Art History and studio art.</p>
<p>nopoisonivy...thanks
We did visit Williams and are planning a visit to LAfayette as well as Skidmore. One additional piece my D has going for her is that she is a distance free-style swimmer. Most colleges are looking for this. SATs on Saturday. She already has a 730 in the math. So, if she can do well in the English we should be in good shape.
It is too bad you can't just be well rounded, do well in school, get decent SATs scores, have something to offer the school and feel confident you will get accepted.
It's a lot of pressure for a 17 year old.</p>
<p>For outstanding art facilities, please look at Ohio Wesleyan U - small LAC of about 1800 students in Delaware - about 20 miles north of Columbus. During our day-long visit last spring, D had decided that the school and the town were just too small for her taste and was mentally checking it off her list, UNTIL we met the head of art dept. for a 2-hr. personal chat/tour....WOW. They have made a huge capital investment in retrofitting a 4-story factory bldg. into gorgeous studio spaces, state-of-the-art photo facilities, printing press areas, mac studio to die for, gallery spaces, etc. Plus - a separate barn-type structure for large wood & metal working, and ceramics firing. I believe there are only about 100 art majors at any one time there, but the investment in the physical plant, courses offered and faculty are astounding for such a small group. After spending the afternoon in the art dept., it was a big mental struggle and nearly broke D's heart to decide not to pursue that environment further.</p>
<p>Alice, Today's Hamilton is the combination of two schools that merged 25 years ago-- Hamilton that was originally all male and Kirkland which was all female. Kirkland which was decidedly artsy in ambience brought a good balance to the more leftside of the brain Hamilton. The old Kirkland campus is now affectionately referred to as the "Farside". </p>
<p>With rising acceptance rates Hamilton really isn't a safety any longer, but it's a solid match for many BWRK's with varied interests.</p>