With the reconstruction of BW’s art department, the focus has shifted from the physical to the digital. In a time where online design is more accessible than ever, future members of the workforce are now learning how to transform their passions into plausible careers.  

Amid changes in university curriculum and concentration, the art department has begun its transition from physical media and towards digital design. The studio/visual art major is one of the nine programs being phased out at the university, though it will continue to be offered as a minor. The art department is shifting its focus toward the new visual communication design major and minor with the growth of the digital age.  

Senior digital media and design student Maya Penvose was one of the few art students whose major was not outright terminated. Though digital media and design will be restructured into visual communication design, it will still concentrate on graphic design, with an added focus on marketing and business. 

“We are taught that good design should be invisible to the average person because only us graphics nerds really care about what program or font the designer used; the focus is the message,” Penvose said.  

Though concerns remain about losing authenticity from the artist in online design, Penvose said that digital design is a meticulous process in its own right.  

Darlene Michitsch, chair of art and art history, said that students should not be fooled by these jarring adjustments. “There is still lots of talent and opportunity in the changing world of art.”. 

Though the department’s future is unknown, changes are anticipated as BW continues to issue in their new president.  

“With the new president being announced today, I look forward to seeing what he does pertaining to the art department,” Penvose said. “I would hope that once the dust settles, art will be prioritized again by the administration.”