Program Spotlight: Art

Inver Hills art students complete Art in Crisis project

Rob Kolomyski, painting and drawing faculty at Inver Hills Community College, reported that his painting and drawing students recently completed a project called Art in Crisis. Ninety-four works of art were submitted and are now featured in an Inver Hills Flickr album.

“During spring semester 2020, Inver Hills art students were thrown into a crisis,” Rob reported. “How would we continue our studies and stay creative during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many students are not only trying to finish their degree, but they are also caregivers, home-school teachers, first responders and essential workers. All are experiencing the general hardships of this global outbreak.”

Rob added that art has the power to reflect the complexity of the human condition. “The painting and drawing students were asked to create a visual response to our shared experiences during this crisis,” he said. “The students rose to the occasion, found places to make art in their homes, carved out time in their busy schedules to stay creative, and produced this powerful work as a response to current worldwide challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.”

Art in Crisis gallery

Inver Hills is offering a number of art classes this summer, including:

Introduction to Art

Description: 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.

Art from Prehistory to 1400

Description: 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.

Drawing II

Description: 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. Prerequisite: ART 1114.

Ceramics I

Description: 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.

Ceramics II

Description: 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. Course may be repeated for credit.

Painting I

Description: 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.

Painting II

Description: 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.

Register for summer art classes at Inver Hills

More about the A.F.A. in Art at Inver Hills…

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.

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

Many Inver Hills students take art courses as part of their liberal arts requirements while others complete their freshman and sophomore years at Inver and then transfer to a B.F.A. program at a four-year college or university.

“If you’re 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,” Rob said. “You also have the option take a few courses to discover your favorite artistic medium before continuing your studies for noncredit.

Art courses are offered in the following areas:

Ceramics
Digital Art
Drawing
Painting
Glass
Photography
Sculpture

Art in Crisis gallery

Art student perspectives…

I enrolled in Drawing I and II at Inver Hills for fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters. For years I had looked, trying to find a program like this—where I might not only develop fundamental drawing skills, but also develop an ability to understand others’ art and to express my own thoughts and feelings visually.

I have loved taking these classes at Inver Hills! I have been so impressed with my instructor’s expertise and dedication to teaching each individual, the depth of his knowledge both of art and educating students, and the encouraging environment in my class that has fostered personal exploration. The classes are very well organized while still being fun and relaxed, and he is always approachable and insightful when I’ve needed direction. It has been such a unique experience!

Also, being a nontraditional student, I have on occasion needed the help of the office support staff, and found them cheerful and proficient every time.

Sara Tinetti
Inver Hills Art Student

I have been apart of Inver Hills Art department now for two years. My experiences have been nothing but positive, challenging and rewarding. When I entered the art program, my confidence as far as abilities and worth was extremely low. My skills were very elementary and raw—although none of that mattered.

The professors met me at my level and helped me build not only my portfolio, but the value and pride in my own uniqueness. I would not be where I am at today without the wonderful and talented art professors. To this day, the Art program is, in my opinion, the best part of Inver Hills Community College.

I would recommend the Art program to anyone looking for an amazing time, a great elective and a therapeutic experience.

Thank you, Inver Hills, for putting so much value and structure into something that continues to be an important and necessary part of life, even if not everybody understands it!

Nicol Heitz
Inver Hills Art Student

Art in Crisis gallery

Art student perspectives…

The Inver Hills Art program was a great way for me to expand my skills in art and learn valuable techniques that further my understanding and ability to create. I feel as though I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time—the classes I’ve taken this semester have really broadened my skill set. There are so many different things I never would have thought to try had I not taken these classes.

I also find myself enjoying different mediums aside from pencil now that I have an idea of what I need to do in order to achieve a certain look. While I may not be at a professional level quite yet I feel as though these classes have helped me progress so much more than I would have on my own.

Rob [Kolomyski] is an excellent teacher and seems to have a plethora of knowledge regarding art and art history. He always has something new to teach you and always offers constructive feedback to help you further your skills.

The classes allow you to break off from your comfort zone and dip into different styles, techniques, and mediums while guiding you through your process. I would recommend that any student, regardless of their degree, take an art class.

Jasmine Sanders
Inver Hills Art Student

During my time as a student at Inver Hills Community College, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the art courses and objective sense of liberation while working toward a goal. Art can be very therapeutic, and learning the fundamentals at Inver Hills is a unique and eye opening experience. Thank you for allowing me to throw creatively.

Freddie Dillard
Inver Hills Art Student