Art Department

Department Chair: Bob Moskowitz
Phone: (805) 654-6400 x 1297
Office: MCW-324

Area Dean: Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis-Huddleston
Phone: (805) 654-6388
Office: LRC-353

The Art Program includes Art, Art History, Ceramics, Drawing, Multimedia, Painting, and Photography courses.

Program Purpose: The Art Program courses are designed to employ critical thinking skills for student’s development of their own work and the work of others. This is achieved through basic drawing skills, color manipulation and design principles in areas of emphasis. For those pursuing three-dimensional arts the program develops the creation of objects in specialized areas of emphasis. For those pursuing photography we provide students with basic techniques of analog and digital photography, along with the opportunity to pursue individualized work in areas of emphasis. For students pursuing multimedia and graphic communication, we provide design and production techniques as well as promoting individual style. In all arts areas the arts program provides students with the opportunity and skills to analyze works of art in terms of their historical contexts and social and cultural values.

Program Description: The Art program offers beginning and intermediate courses that provide students with the knowledge and experience for a broad understanding of the visual arts. The beginning (foundation) courses are based in the belief that a strong foundation is the building block to insure student success in each of the art discipline areas. The foundation courses are; Color and Design, Drawing, Life Drawing, Three-Dimensional Design, Color Theory, and Art History. Upon completion of foundation courses students are encouraged to focus on one or more concentrated areas in, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Art History. The combination of the foundation courses in the visual arts and focused arts curriculum prepares students for transfer to universities and art schools and for gaining necessary skills to enter the arts workforce. In all courses we expect students in the arts to think creatively and critically. To assist students in gaining insight in creative and critical thinking the department maintains two professional art galleries bringing work by a variety of nationally established artists to our campus. The galleries also provide students with the opportunity to develop gallery management skills. We are proud of our notoriety as one of the top art programs in southern California. The Ventura College Art program has a long tradition of producing many of the region’s most important artists. Career opportunities for arts majors includes exhibiting artist, art teacher, graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, art technician, art historian, commercial artist, gallery and museum exhibitions assistance and management, arts organizations employment, and other professions in creative endeavor areas. Those wishing to teach at a College level must earn a Masters or Masters of Fine Arts degree. Those wishing to teach Art History at the University level must earn a Ph.D.

The Art Department offers classes and programs that prepare students to transfer to art schools and universities offering degrees in art. The Art Department also offer programs and classes that provide vocational training for students who are looking to enter the work world with marketable skills in commercial art, fine art, photography and digital media. In addition, the Art Department programs provide opportunities for non-traditional students and lifetime learners to explore their interest in art. The Art Department galleries give the college and the Ventura communities the opportunity to view art of national stature by established professional artists from all over the country.

The art faculty are practicing and exhibiting fine artists or working professionals in graphics and digital media. The art history faculty are scholars in specific areas or periods while having the breadth of knowledge of the entire history of art.

Full-Time Instructors

Part-Time Instructors