"DIVERSITY IN CLAY" EXHIBITION

I've posted to Google Video the second in my series of videos of Exit Gallery shows. One of the first shows this season was a collective effort of a dozen or so ceramics students titled "Diversity in Clay." For you 3D artists (and anyone else who's ever dared spin clay on a wheel), I hope you enjoy.
DIVERSITY IN CLAY

PORTFOLIO TO ACCOMPANY CSUF APPLICATION?

I've had a couple questions from applicants about submitting a portfolio with the admission application. Some university programs screen applicants by first reviewing a portfolio of artwork produced while in high school or at the community college. These institutions may have small or highly selective programs that can only accommodate a small number of new students each year.

This is not the case with the art undergraduate programs at CSUF (graduate programs do require a portfolio). Simply put, if you are admitted to the university you are admitted into the Bachelor of Art program: no portfolio or interview is required. I'd explain the philosophy behind that but I think I'll ask Larry Johnson, the department chair to do that as a comment to this post.

Now, there is a screen of sorts but it only applies if you choose to pursue one of the department's Bachelor of Fine Arts programs (illustration, animation, crafts, etc.), any only after you are a student in the program. The vast majority of our students pursue a BFA program.

To pursue a BFA program one must pass the four core classes with a B average or better. Those classes are 2D Design, 3D Design, Beginning Painting and Beginning Drawing. If you come here as a freshman you'll take those classes during your first two years; if a transfer student, you probably took all of some of those classes at another institution. But I'm getting beyond the question of portfolios.

Simply put, you've no need to worry about compiling a greatest hits package. If you're admitted to CSUF you're admitted to the art department.

HOW CAN I GET INTO HOUSING AT CSU FULLERTON?

I've had a couple of questions from applicants about the whole housing thing: When to apply? How to apply? When are housing acceptances sent out? Etc. So here are some insights.

First, I encourage anyone who is considering residence life to visit the Housing & Residence Life website (link is below). You can learn about the various amenities in the residence halls and on campus, view floor plans, get info on housing tours, learn the cost of housing, and apply online. I promise, five minutes exploring the site will be well worth the time.

Second, the campus currently only has room for 800 students so competition for beds is fierce. In a couple of years we expect to double that number, but you'll be long gone by then. No help to you. Sorry. But, to even be in the running you have to apply. You can do that easily online at the Housing site. Don't wait, and you don't have to be admitted to apply. If you plan to apply for housing but you haven't already, do so TODAY.

Third, when can you expect an offer? Decisions begin rolling out in late winter and early spring. As for who gets in, you need to know that invitations are made on a first come first served basis. Importantly, however, you first have to be admitted to the university. Housing doesn't want to make commitments to students who don't meet campus admission requirements so it only extends housing offers to admitted students. Even if you happen to be the very first person to apply for housing, if you also happen to be the very last person to be admitted to the university, your chance of winning a bed is slim.

Fourth, if you don't get a housing offer what other options do you have? Well, you certainly won't be alone. The apartment buildings near the campus actually house more students then the campus. For info on those options I point you again to the Housing site. They have a listing of apartment complexes in the area and also a helpful PDF file that provides info on costs, distance from campus, etc. Be sure to print that off.

Hope this is helpful. I know I'll sound like a salesman, but I rarely hear bad reviews of campus housing. It's a component of that traditional, though quintessential, college experience. I encourage you to apply. I'm confident you'll enjoy the experience.
HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE

CAMILLE KUO ILLUSTRATION EXHIBITION

As I promised, on a more or less a weekly basis I will be posting some sort of window onto the dynamism within the Department of Art so you can get a better image--albeit a vitual image--of all the exciting stuff going on here. The first video installment is of Camille Kuo's October exhibition in the Exit Gallery. The Exit Gallery is reserved for BFA (bachelor's of fine arts) students who wish to exhibit their work in the Visual Arts Center.

Camille is a senior illustration major and exhibits a wonderfully diverse collection of painting, drawing, and fantasy pieces using traditional and digital technologies. I especially like the before and after environment pieces. Hope you enjoy it.

By the way, if you have commendations to pass along to Camille, I'm happy to send them. Just hit the comment button.
CAMILLE KUO EXHIBIT

REFRESH: CSUF VISUAL ARTS FACULTY SHOW RECEPTION

All fall 2007 applicants to CSUF's visual arts programs are invited to a special reception for Refresh, an exhibition of faculty work in the Main Gallery of the Department of Visual Arts. Come meet current faculty and students from every studio area: crafts, creative photography, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, animation, drawing/painting and graphic design. Scheduled for Sunday, December 3, from 4-6PM, at the event you'll have the chance to meet and view faculty work, tour studio facilities, and speak with students about surviving and flourishing in the department. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is free.

Stay for the entire two hours, stay for a short while. Whatever you do, take this opportunity to meet your future mentors and peers. Click on the link to my profile to email me and I’ll send you more details on the reception. Below is a link to info on Refresh.
REFRESH TIP SHEET

ANIMATORS' ONE MINUTE SHORT WINS!

This past summer three CSUF visual arts students in the animation program were recognized by Nickelodeon for a one minute cartoon short they produced. Each won a cool 5 grand and the opportunity to compete for the grand prize. Check out the link to the INSIDE CSUF article.
JUST A MINUTE AND SO MUCH MORE

Or, the DAILY TITAN's more irreverent treatment.
FOLLOW YOUR 'ART' - News