Jan Plan

Jan Plan provides students many opportunities to explore the visual arts, in and out of the classroom.

AR117 Introduction to Art Conservation and Preservation
An exploration of the issues and practices of the conservation and restoration of works of art. Theoretical discussions will be balanced by practical examples. The role of conservators, the systems they employ, and the relationship between art and science will be explored. Students will be responsible for case studies, many of which will involve examination of original works of art in the galleries and storage areas of the Colby College Museum of Art. Also includes visits to local museums and Colby chemistry labs. No prerequisite, but interest in art history or studio art is advantageous. Does not count toward an art major or minor.

AR131 Introduction to Studio Art
Provides a thorough understanding of the organizational and visual components of two-dimensional art, and introduces a working relationship with the characteristics of color. Projects, completed in a range of media, emphasize discovery through experimentation and problem solving. Students develop a variety of observational and expressive capabilities that enable them to creatively perceive, formulate, analyze, and solve visual challenges.

AR136J Introduction to Digital Media Design
Students will explore the computer as a tool for visual communication. Using the Adobe Creative Cloud 18, students will have introductions to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects. An exploration of art history & design principles will also enable students to become critical of visual media. Students will acquire basic digital media skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects and gain an overall understanding of the software interface & function; produce/present compositions created digitally; establish an understanding of the basic digital file types, image resolution, digital output, file management & vector/raster graphics; develop an awareness of Fair Use, Copyright & Creative Commons Licensing; understand the Principles of Design, Gestalt in design.

AR218 Architectural Design Workshop
In this intensive introduction to architectural design, students work on an active architectural site with a professional in the field. They become familiar with the vocabulary and techniques of architecture and implement them within a local, real-world context.

AR219 Introduction to Bookbinding
The ancient craft of bookbinding has been practiced in Eastern and Western cultures for centuries. This course provides a practical, hands-on introduction to a variety of bookbinding tools, materials, and techniques. Students learn to design and produce a selection of finished bindings. Culminates with an independent project that incorporates the techniques and principles learned. Does not count toward an art major or minor.

AR232J Contemporary Chinese Art
Examines the artistic expressions of China, from the early 20th century to the present day. We explore the roles played by artists and their art in defining and articulating change; consider both traditional and new forms of art (woodcuts, film, fashion, performance); and learn about Chinese art’s global identity today. Attending to the complex interactions between art, history, politics, and culture, we investigate focused topics such as: environment issues, society, politics and the state, and popular culture.

AR297C Museums and Exhibitions
The exhibition of modern and contemporary art has led to the emergence of a critical history on the role of the exhibition as well as that of the curator in the production of knowledge. This course takes as its focus pivotal exhibitions staged within the discursive space of the museum and acknowledges that the site of the exhibition has been a space for the writing of art history. Readings, in-class discussions, presentations, and assignments as well as several class visits to the Colby College Museum of Art will cover topics including the modernist exhibition, the emergence of feminist exhibitions, postcolonial critiques of the museum, the artist as curator, and approaches towards indigenizing the museum, among other topics. Prerequisite: Any W1 course and a course in Art History.