Pursue an art education at Inver Hills Community College, with our Associate of Fine Art degree program
Art

The art instructors at Inver Hills are accomplished artists who are passionate about teaching. They exhibit their work both regionally and nationally, and are exceptionally knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. Whether you are a novice sculptor or a future art historian, our instructors are dedicated to expanding your artistic world both creatively and professionally.

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Art

Contact Information

Rob Kolomyski
Art Instructor

rkolomy@inverhills.edu
651-450-3256
FA146

Jeremy Clark
Advising

JClark@inverhills.edu
651-450-3790
CC241

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

The AFA is a pre-professional program for students intending to transfer to a four-year program in pursuit of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)1 degree and for students interested in entering the art job market. Students will take 40 credits in Art and 20 credits in general requirements.

  • Ceramics
  • Digital Art
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Glass
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

Many of our students take art courses as part of their liberal arts requirements while others complete their freshman and sophomore years at Inver Hills and then transfer to a Bachelor of Fine Art program at a four-year college or university. If you are aiming to launch your career, earning an A.F.A. gives you the power and know-how to find your niche as a creative professional. You also have the option take a few courses to discover your favorite artistic medium before continuing your studies for noncredit.

The AFA in Art degree will give art students a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year institution. The program focuses on courses in Art History, 2- and 3-dimensional design, introductory Studio Art, and second-year Studio Art. The AFA program concludes with a portfolio class (Art 2295) and AFA exhibition designed to prepare students for their next steps in their education and artistic practice.

The Art department at Inver Hills features superb facilities that provide the atmosphere, tradition, tools and technology you need to propel yourself forward as an artist.

  • Ceramics Studio
  • Advanced Ceramics Studio
  • Drawing and Painting Studio
  • Sculpture and Glass Studio
  • Digital Photography Lab
  • Art History Classroom
  • Inver Hills Art Gallery

1 A portfolio may need to be submitted for transfer to BFA programs at four-year institutions. See counselor for requirements at transfer institution.

2 In addition to the requirements listed, two world language courses are encouraged. See counselor for requirements at transfer institution.

Degrees

Associate Of Fine Arts, Art – 60 credits

The AFA in Art degree will give art students a strong foundation for transfer to a four-year institution. The program focuses on courses in Art History, 2- and 3-dimensional design, introductory Studio Art, and second-year Studio Art. The AFA program concludes with a portfolio class (Art 2295) and AFA exhibition designed to prepare students for their next steps in their education and artistic practice.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Art Core Curriculum - (19 credits)

Course Number Title Credits
Required:
Art 1106 Art from Prehistory to 1400** 3 cr
Art 1107 Art from Renaissance to Present** 3 cr
ART 1109 OR
ART 2208 OR
ART2300 		World Art** OR
Art in the Twin Cities** OR
Architectural History** 		3 cr
Art 1120 Foundations of Art: 2-D Color and Design* 3 cr
Art 1196 Foundations of Art: 3-D Design* 3 cr
Art 1114 Drawing I* 3 cr
Art 2295 Portfolio Development 1 cr
Total Credits: 19

Art Electives (21 credits):

Course Number Title Credits
Choose 4 courses (12 credits) from the following art courses:
Art 2251 Painting I * 3 cr
Art 1131 Digital Photography I * 3 cr
Art 1151 Digital Art I * 3 cr
Art 2200 Ceramics I * 3 cr
Art 2100 Sculpture I * 3 cr
Art 2207 Glass I * 3 cr
Total Credits: 12
Choose 3 courses (9 credits) from the following art courses:
Art 1115 Drawing II * 3 cr
Art 2252 Painting II * 3 cr
Art 1132 Digital Photography II * 3 cr
Art 2201 Ceramics II * 3 cr
Art 2101 Sculpture II * 3 cr
Art 2217 Glass II * 3 cr
Total Credits: 9
*Course also fulfills MnTC Goal 6 in support of MnTC Humanities and Fine Arts requirements
**Course also fulfills MnTC Goal 8 in support of MnTC Goal 7-10 requirement

Liberal Arts - 20 credits:

Course Number Title Credits
ENG 1108 Writing and Research Skills 4 cr
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 		Research Writing in the Disciplines OR
The Research Paper 		2-3 cr
COMM 1110 Public Speaking 3 cr
Lab Science (See MnTC Goal 3) 3 cr
Mathematical/Logical Reasoning (See MnTC Goal 4) 3 cr
History and the Social/Behavioral Sciences (See MnTC Goal 5) 3 cr
Additional Elective Course (any MnTC Goal area) 3 cr
Total Credits: 20
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Course Descriptions

ART 1100  Introduction to Art   3.0 cr

Explores the visual arts of a wide range of peoples, cultures, styles, movements, and media, as well as the various cultural, religious, economic, and political factors related to their creation. Major works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from prehistory to the present will be studied. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.3200, Subp. 3, Standard L 1, 2, 4, Visual Arts.

ART 1106  Art from Prehistory to 1400   3.0 cr

Explores major works in painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from prehistory to 1400. Both the styles and methods employed in the creation of the works of art and the cultural, religious, economic, and political philosophies that influenced them will be studied.

ART 1107  Art from Renaissance to Present   3.0 cr

Explores major works in painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from the 15th century through the present. Both the styles and methods employed in the creation of the works of art and the cultural, religious, economic, and political philosophies that influenced them will be studied.

ART 1109  World Art   3.0 cr

Surveys major works in painting, sculpture, architecture, calligraphy, and decorative arts from non-western cultures around the world dating from prehistory to the present. Art from Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Islamic world, the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific will be studied. Both the styles and methods employed in the creation of the works of art and the cultural, spiritual/religious, societal, economic, and political philosophies that influenced them will be studied and students will learn to recognize and appreciate cross-cultural differences and similarities.

ART 1114  Drawing I   3.0 cr

Introduces basic drawing skills emphasizing direct observation. A variety of media and papers are explored as the student engages in studio drawing, critical evaluation of aesthetics, critique sessions, slide lectures. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 1115  Drawing II   3.0 cr

This course builds on ideas and skills acquired in Drawing 1. Studio work in drawing includes a variety of materials including pencil, charcoal and color media. Subjects include life (models) as well as the non-visual. This class is conceptually based with an involvement and emphasis on structure, ideas and process. Materials fee required. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee. Prereq: ART 1114.

ART 1120  Foundations of Art: 2-D Color and Design   3.0 cr

Explores basic two-dimensional perceptual and compositional theories, color theories and principles of design in the traditional art studio and in the digital studio. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 1121  Digital Photography I (no lab)   3.0 cr

Explores the application of the digital camera and digital imaging software as means for individual creative expression in the fine arts. Students will engage in technological, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of digital photography using historical and contemporary practices in as a guide. Students enrolling in this course are required to purchase image-editing software as specified in the course syllabus. This course is intended for non-A.F.A. majors. Students who are A.F.A. majors should enroll in Art 1131. Students may not receive credit for this course if credit has been awarded for ART 1131.

ART 1122  Digital Photography II (no lab)   3.0 cr

Investigates digital photography as an Art medium utilizing it as a means for creative expression. Students enrolled in this course will study historical and contemporary ideas and practices in photography, and create work utilizing digital technology. This course will emphasize student's development of individual artistic voice applied in a portfolio of photographic images. Students enrolling in this course are required to supply their own digital camera. Students enrolling in this course are required to purchase image editing software as specified in the course syllabus. This software is also available for use in the computer lab at Inver Hills. Students may not receive credit for this course if credit has been awarded for ART 1132. Prereq: ART 1121 or ART 1131 or instructor permission.

ART 1131  Digital Photography I   3.0 cr

Explores the application of the digital camera, digital imaging software, and digital printing technology as means for individual creative expression in the fine arts. Students will engage in technological, aesthetic, conceptual aspects of digital photography using historical and contemporary practices in as a guide. Students are required to supply their own digital camera for this course. Students may not receive credit for this course if credit has been awarded for ART 1121.

ART 1132  Digital Photography II   3.0 cr

Expands on the exploration of digital camera function, digital image editing software and digital printing technology introduced in Art 1131. This course will emphasize student's development of individual artistic voice while engaging with technological, aesthetic, and conceptual issues in their work. Students are required to supply their own Digital SLR camera for this course. Students may not receive credit for this course if credit has been awarded for ART 1122. Prerequisites: ART 1121 or ART 1131 or Instructor permission

ART 1151  Digital Art I   3.0 cr

Applies tools and techniques supported by digital media in the creation of digital art. Students will develop technical skills and apply principles of design utilizing raster and vector based software programs. Historical and contemporary art practice will guide and support the technical investigation of digital art tools in this course.

ART 1196  Foundations of Art: 3-D Design   3.0 cr

Explores principles and basic formulas to approaching three-dimensional organization of space. Projects are organized as individual and group assignments. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 2100  Sculpture I   3.0 cr

Explores sculptural concepts, techniques, tools, materials, processes and vocabulary in order to develop skills and apply aesthetic exploration. Visits to galleries, museums, and sculpture parks may be included in this course. Studio projects may include additive process of modeling clay, subtractive process of carving plaster, constructive fabricating in wood, reproductive process of mold making, study of space as it applies to sculpture, and the history of traditional sculpture and contemporary sculpture.

ART 2101  Sculpture II   3.0 cr

Explores advanced sculptural concepts, techniques, and materials with an emphasis on personal aesthetic. An historical overview with an emphasis on contemporary approaches to sculpture. Visits to galleries, museums, and sculpture parks may be included in this course. Topics and projects may include site specific sculpture, installation, plaster and/or poly resin mold making, kinetic sculpture, assemblage, form, figurative sculpture, history of traditional sculpture, contemporary sculpture, and form, scale, plane, texture and space as it relates to sculpture. Prereq: ART 2100.

ART 2200  Ceramics I   3.0 cr

Explores ceramic materials and processes. An aesthetic exploration of hand building, wheel throwing, decorating, glazing, and firing techniques to create sculptured and functional forms. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 2201  Ceramics II   3.0 cr

Explores advanced studies in ceramics. Additional technical and aesthetic exploration and experimentation including functional and sculptural forms, slips, under glazes, clay bodies, Raku, wood, and salt kiln firings. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee. Prereq: ART 2200.

ART 2207  Glass I   3.0 cr

Introduces glass working processes and techniques. An exploration of glass casting, stained glass, fusing and slumping flat glass, surface alteration, and flame work resulting in expressive forms. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 2208  Art and Museums in the Twin Cities   3.0 cr

Introduces students to the rich and diverse arts venues in the Twin Cities, various museum display practices, and the complicated politics of exhibiting cultures. The class will meet both on campus and at various local museums, galleries, and/or art centers. Students are responsible for own transportation. Independent visits to art exhibits outside of class are also required. Students should budget approx. $75 for entrance and parking fees.

ART 2217  Glass II   3.0 cr

Explores focused areas of various glass working processes and works on developing and refining techniques. Individualizes advanced projects in at least three skill areas covered in ART 2207. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab Fee. Prereq: ART 2207

ART 2250  Special Topics In Art   3.0 cr

Presents specific topics in art and visual culture on a rotating basis. Examples of topics include, but are not limited to, History of Photography, Art Theory and Criticism, and Contemporary Art. This course may be repeated under different topics.

ART 2251  Painting I   3.0 cr

Introduces basics of acrylic painting, preparation of a canvas stretcher, and color theory. A variety of contemporary painting approaches are assigned including an opportunity for personal exploration. The studio course involves active hands-on participation by the student. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee.

ART 2252  Painting II   3.0 cr

Expands in depth upon the basic principles of value, color theory, media, composition, technique, and personal approach. Focuses intensely in emphasis on personal creative development within the parameters of specific assignments. Gallery and museum visits may be included in this course. Lab fee. Prereq: ART 2251.

ART 2281  Topics in Studio Studies   cr

Offers a student the opportunity to explore a focused studio topic. This is a hands-on class with topics varying each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated under different topics.

ART 2295  Portfolio Development   1.0 cr

Explores techniques on creating a portfolio for students transferring to a four-year institution in pursuit of their BFA degree and for students interested in art-related careers. In addition to the portfolio, this course will cover information on art resumes, artist statements, applying for exhibitions and grants, business for artists, art related careers, installing an exhibition. Prereq: Students should have taken most of their beginning courses and 2 advanced level courses or permission from instructor.

ART 2300  Architectural History   3.0 cr

Explores major works of architecture around the world dating from prehistory to the present. An emphasis is placed on understanding the architectural significance of individual monuments in terms of the styles and methods employed in their creation as well as the various environmental, cultural, social, religious, economic, and political factors that influenced these monuments.
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Transfer Information

Past and Present Articulations

The A.F.A. in Art program at Inver Hills has articulation agreements with the following universities:

Articulation agreements in the planning stages

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Meet the Faculty

Wendy Olson
Ceramics

wolson@inverhills.edu
651-450-3893
FA146
VIEW BIO

Wendy Olson began teaching ceramics at Inver Hills in 2001. She earned an M.F.A. in Ceramics from Kent State University in 2000 and a B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1996.

Wendy's previous teaching experience includes serving as an adjunct instructor of Advanced Figure Drawing at UWRF, an adjunct instructor of Three-Dimensional Design and Introduction to Art at North Hennepin Community College, and a teacher of record of Beginning Ceramics at Kent State.

She has showed her work at UWRF, a permanent collection (1996), and the Weisman Art Museum, “Snake Charmer” (2004). Her published work includes a plate image in “500 Plates Platters, and Chargers” (2008), plate images in “Ceramics For Beginners: Surfaces and Firings” (2010), and a feature article in Madison Originals Magazine (2012).

“I'm passionate about teaching ceramics,” Wendy said, regarding her teaching philosophy. “I introduce students to a broad view of ceramics from utilitarian pottery to contemporary sculpture. I try to learn more about my students' interests to help them make connections that they can use in their studio work.”

During Wendy's 15 years of teaching at Inver Hills, she has had many rewarding experiences. She considers her students and colleagues the best part of teaching at the college.

“The diversity of age and backgrounds in my classes creates a dynamic teaching environment where students share ideas,” she said, adding that she appreciates how Inver Hills is surrounded by nature and also has an active community garden.

When she's not teaching or creating works of art, Wendy loves to read. She likes that the Inver Hills Library does a great job of supplying her with quality books every semester. Her other hobbies include beekeeping, gardening and knitting.

Jennifer Joffee
Art History

jjoffee@inverhills.edu
651-450-3769
FA153

Paul Wegner
Photography

pwegner@inverhills.edu
651-450-3563
FA156
  Paul Wegner's website

Rob Kolomyski
Drawing and Painting

rkolomy@inverhills.edu
651-450-3256
F270c
  Rob Kolomyski's website
VIEW BIO

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Rob Kolomyski has an M.F.A. from Michigan State University, a B.F.A. from Eastern Michigan University, and an A.A. in CAD and Styling from Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. The latter degree led him to a 10-year career as an auto body designer. He worked as an associate engineer at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., for six years before opting for a career change that allowed him to pursue his love for art, painting in particular, at a professional level.

Before becoming full-time faculty at Inver Hills, Rob served as a visiting instructor and visiting assistant professor at MSU. He also taught painting, drawing and art appreciation at South Texas College in McAllen, Texas. Rob teaches beginning and advanced drawing and painting at Inver Hills.

What Rob likes best about teaching is guiding students and getting them excited about art. He enjoys watching students develop their talent as they advance toward a goal. His teaching philosophy is succinct: “Be accessible, honest and fair.”

Rob's intention is to create an educational environment that is instructive, stimulating and critical. Students will be challenged to think both creatively and critically to develop a vital decision-making process while enhancing their skills in visualization and spatial organization applicable to all types of media.

His advice to students thinking about the A.F.A. in Art stresses adaptability. “As an artist, you need to develop a lot of skills and be entrepreneurial,” he said. “You can make your own job and make your own career. Teaching is an option to support your art—but you have to be willing to work hard. People in the arts work really hard to get where they are.”

Rob's favorite artistic medium is painting, especially abstract landscapes. Over the last several years, he has shown at several national and international galleries and museums, including:

  • Manifest in Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Soo Visual Arts Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts in Brownsville, Texas
  • Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts in Taipei, Taiwan
  • Da Xiang Art Space in Taichung City, Taiwan
  • Ever Gold Gallery in San Francisco, California
  • The Lexington Art League in Lexington, Kentucky
  • The Foundry Art Center in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Max Fish Gallery in New York City, New York

Rob's work has also been selected for inclusion in several art publications, including:

  • International Painting Annual
    • Manifest Press, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Weak Painting (exhibition catalog)
    • Garden City Publishing, Taipei, Taiwan
  • "What is Weak Painting?"
    • Review by Jian Tzu-Chieh
    • Garden City Publishing, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Studio Visit
    • Volume 8
    • Open Studio Press, Boston, Massachusetts

Jay Jensen
Ceramics

jjensen@inverhills.edu
651-450-3485
L306
  Jay Jenson's work online

Joel Froehle
Sculpture, 2-D & 3-D Design

jfroehl@inverhills.edu'
651-450-3939
FA183
  Joel Froehle's website
VIEW BIO

Joel Froehle began teaching art at Inver Hills in 2009. Joel teaches Sculpture I and II, Drawing, 2D Design and 3D Design. He earned an M.F.A. in Artisanry/Ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a B.A. in Studio Art and Biology from St. Olaf College.

"One of my goals as an instructor is to teach students how to skillfully manipulate materials while at the same time developing strong concepts for their work," Joel said, regarding his teaching philosophy. "The process of making art teaches us to be better at critical thinking, communication and empathy."

Joel considers his students the best part of teaching at Inver Hills, especially the creative solutions they come up with every semester.

To learn more about Joel and his ceramic sculptures and pottery, visit Joel Froehle.

Charlotte Roth
Glass

croth@inverhills.edu
651-450-3695
L305

Erika Ritzel
Photography

eritzel@inverhills.edu
651-450-3438
  Erika Ritzel's website

Joel Starkey
Digital Art, Drawing, Gallery Manager

jstarkey@inverhills.edu
651-450-3418
FA
  Joel Starkey's website

Amy Sands
Drawing and Painting

asands@inverhills.edu
651-450-3787
  Amy Sands's website

Suzanne Szucs
Photography

sszucs@inverhills.edu
NA
  Suzanne Szucs's website

Rachel Sonenblum
Ceramics Lab Assistant

rsonenb@inverhills.edu
651-450-3761
  Rachel Soneneblum's work online
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Employment Information

Opportunities in art

Career opportunities in the world of art are measured by your drive and talent as a creative professional. Art can be a defining force in countless fields from education to entertainment to business. You don’t have to sacrifice your creativity to make a good living.

The range of career paths in art is astonishing. You can take your art to the next level in the following occupations:

  • 3D Artist
  • Art Critic
  • Art Director
  • Art Teacher
  • Archivist
  • Arts Administrator
  • Book Illustrator
  • Commercial Illustrator
  • Conservator
  • Exhibition Coordinator
  • Forensic Artist
  • Freelance Photographer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Industry Consultant
  • Model Maker
  • Muralist
  • Portrait Painter
  • Product Designer
  • Scientific Illustrator
  • Sculptor
  • Stained Glass Artist
  • Urban Planner
  • Water Colorist
  • Wildlife Artist

The following career paths can begin with earning an A.F.A. in Art at Inver Hills:

Additional resources

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Why Inver Hills?

Completing your freshman and sophomore Art obligations at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. Express your creativity through a variety of artistic mediums, from drawing and painting to ceramics and photography
  2. Design and collaborate alongside professional artists in a vibrant arts community
  3. Explore how art reflects and influences society
  4. Receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with art faculty
  5. Get hands-on experience in excellent art labs and studios
  6. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit-card and auto-loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

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