Pomona College's Art Department focuses on the production of work in painting, drawing, photography, design, digital media, sculpture, performance, installation and social practice. Introductory classes cover specific disciplines and techniques, while advanced seminars guide students towards developing their own voices and areas of inquiry. Students engage artistic process as a practice informed by contemporary art, critical theory and historical precedent. The faculty work closely with studio majors offering a unique mentorship experience which fosters a depth of exploration in the discipline and topic of the student's choosing.
The Art Major is intended to prepare highly motivated students for further work on a graduate or professional level. Students with a strong interest in the visual arts are encouraged to establish a solid foundation by taking art and art history courses early in their college career. In keeping with the goals of a liberal arts education, art majors are urged to explore a broad range of courses at Pomona. Courses in art taken at the other Claremont Colleges or at any other location, including study abroad courses must be approved by the department to count towards the major. Please note that at this time the art department cannot sponsor off campus art majors from the other Claremont colleges. We welcome students from the five Claremont colleges to enroll in individual courses.
Requirements for the Major in Art
The Art Major prepares highly motivated students for further work on a graduate or professional level. Students with a strong interest in the studio arts establish a solid foundation by taking art and art history courses early in their college careers. In keeping with the goals of a liberal arts education, Art Majors are urged to explore a broad range of courses at Pomona. Study abroad and transfer credits must be approved by the chair of the department.
Aspiring and declared Art Majors, including double majors, must have a primary or secondary faculty advisor in the department.
All courses for the Art Major must be taken for a letter grade. The Art Major requires the following thirteen classes and two exhibitions:
Five foundational courses which must be taken at Pomona
Drawing: ART 005 PO
Design: ART 021 PO
Painting ART 010 PO
Photography ART 020 PO or ART 028 PO
Sculpture: course, ART 027 PO or ART 029B PO
Two art history courses which may be taken at Pomona or any of the 5Cs
Three art electives which may be taken at Pomona or any of the 5Cs
Junior Senior Seminars ART 190 PO which must be taken twice, the fall semesters of both the Junior and Senior Year. Students planning to study away should do so in the spring as to not conflict with this required fall semester course.
Senior Thesis Exhibition ART 192 PO which must be taken in the spring of the Senior year
Junior Exhibition. In the junior year, Art Majors are required to present an exhibition of a body of work as part of the Junior Senior Seminar. Students work toward the exhibition in consultation with the faculty of the art department.
Final Exhibition. All senior Art Majors must present an exhibition of their work as a final requirement of the degree. Students work toward the exhibition in consultation with the faculty of the art department.