The new name better reflects the unit s increased size and scope of its nationally accredited degree programs, said Ward Doubet, director of Tennessee Tech s School of Art, Craft & Design. It also reflects the interdisciplinary direction and diverse options of all these elements working together.
The school will remain part of Tennessee Tech s College of Education & Human Sciences and includes the Appalachian Center for Craft, an arts campus in Smithville.
The school offers eight Bachelor of Fine Arts degree concentrations: art education, painting and design are based on the main campus in Cookeville, while craft programs in clay, fibers, glass, metals and wood take their studio courses at the Center for Craft.
By interacting with new interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial initiatives such as the iCube and related programs, the school s programs are expanding in all three areas of art, craft and design.
Recently, design and painting students worked with iCube staff to learn 3-D modeling software. With this knowledge, they built digital models of colonial-era Fort Loudoun and the adjacent Cherokee village. These models will be use as part of an interpretive exhibit that will provide an immersive experience viewable on a virtual-reality device.
Our model of professional studio training in a residential community, embodying the values of skill-based, hands-on creative problem solving and an entrepreneurial outlook provides an unsurpassed educational basis for a career in art, craft or design, said Doubet.
During its 35-year history the Appalachian Center for Craft has developed a strong BFA program at the center of a vibrant community of artists, supporting an active regional outreach presence and building a national reputation in the world of fine craft.
Craft Center students are increasingly involved in new interdisciplinary entrepreneurship programs being developed by Business and iCube faculty and staff, said Jennifer Shank, dean for the College of Education & Human Sciences. With modern technology and a passionate student group, we re proud to build on that tradition.
For more information about the Tennessee Tech s School of Art, Craft & Design call (931) 372-3738 or visit www.tntech.edu/art.