Drawing Lines

How does public art create place?
What is the geography of public art?
How and where does public art happen?

Drawing Lines is an Art History Elective that investigates public artworks as a tool for placemaking. What purposes does public art serve? How may art transform public spaces and people’s interaction with them? Who and what decides where public art belongs? How do materials reflect a community’s needs or an artist’s intention? What purpose will your art serve in a community?

In this course, you will explore the history of public art by examining specific public art movements throughout history. Art in public spaces has the power to share stories, educate, unite communities, and impact change on a large scale. This course invites you to examine the purposes and politics behind public art so that you can create your own piece of work that has an impact on the greater community.