Arts for All

From Leonardo da Vinci to Nam Jun Paik to Lillian Schwartz, art and technology have a long, intertwined relationship. Beginning this spring, all NJIT students will have the chance to explore this productive feedback loop. Thanks to a generous gift from Ronald Dooley ’64 and his wife Carol, Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD) launched a new initiative, Arts@NJIT, to offer art classes in a variety of media to students from all majors across the university. The Dooley gift also provides support for extra- and co-curricular programing, including visiting artists, exhibitions and events. 

“U.F.O.’s” (1971), computer generated art by Lillian F. Schwartz; her second commission for AT&T.

The Dooleys believe in the transformative power of art and in the importance of making space for creativity in the coursework of every student, especially those in STEM-focused disciplines who might otherwise not have the opportunity.

Studying fine art sharpens critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.” 

                               -   Gabrielle Esperdy, dean of Hillier College of Architecture and Design

The School of Art + Design offered the first of these new courses, “Sketching for Art and Ideation.” Students needed no previous art training to participate. They are studying Renaissance and modern art movements as well as current-day creatives, including graffiti artists and visual futurists. Students are immersing themselves in a constructive learning environment to create their own artwork and bring their ideas to life as they develop valuable drawing and sketching skills.