Students will study official public art pieces such as memorials and murals alongside unsanctioned street art and ephemeral site-specific installations.
This is like no art history course you’ve ever experienced, leading you to explore the city around you and uncover the past and the present through the creative work that decorates our neighborhoods. Assignments will lead you on adventures through your city to bring back insights and thoughts that will drive class discussions.
This is a one trimester course which counts .333 credits toward required Fine Arts electives.
To participate in this course successfully, students must have consistent access to internet, a device that takes photos and visits on site (e.g., a smart phone), and be able to travel around the city or community they are in through the duration of the course. As this class focuses on Public Art, students will be expected to visit memorials, statues, museums, and other sites within the city or area they are staying. Instructors will organize opportunities for tours and guided visits to spaces in the DFW area. Students not in the city at the time or unavailable will be provided with an alternative assignment.
Dates & Times
Each week, we will introduce a new theme in Public Art through historical development, artistic purpose, and aesthetics. Students will then be tasked with finding examples of this Public Art theme in their surrounding area. Photos, videos, or reflections will be uploaded to weekly discussion boards for student comment. Student work will be discussed and shared in a weekly debrief on Monday afternoons in virtual sessions. This course can be completed entirely virtually although opportunities for in-person art walks and talks will be available as opportunities for enrichment.
Students must attend an orientation session, THREE of the four virtual sessions, and a Virtual Final Presentation.
Sessions, all 4:00-5:30pm
- Tuesday or Thursday May 22 or 24 10:30-11:30 a.m. Orientation. One of these is required in person.
- Monday Virtual Discussion Sessions, must attend at least three. All Virtual, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
- July 10
- July 17
- July 24
- July 31
- Final Presentation. Required Virtual Attendance.
- Monday August 7, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.