Course Syllabus

ART 2610 Frame Making Fundamentals

Course Description

This course is designed for student artists who desire to learn the skills necessary to fabricate professional level picture frames using inexpensive raw lumber stock. Participants will learn the proper safety and use of various carpentry hand tools and power equipment required for the construction of wood frames including, the table saw, miter saw, pneumatic sanders, and nail guns. Professional matting practices, glazing options, archival image mounting, frame assembly, hanging hardware, and gallery-hanging practices will be included. At the completion of the course, students will have multiple exhibit-ready matted, glazed, and framed works produced at a fraction of the cost of relying on retail frame shops. A studio fee is required. This course is repeatable for credit

Justification

Art Students create an immense amount of work in studio courses. Much of the emphasis in a studio environment is consumed with creative production. Snow College Visual Arts promotes exhibition opportunities both on a national and regional level, and on campus in student gallery spaces and in the annual student exhibition. This course promotes professional practices in preparing 2D works for exhibition in any gallery arena. Students who complete this course will be better prepared for transfer to baccalaureate programs and to exhibit their work to a wider arena. This course is highly recommended for students who are in their final year of AFA study.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Material Proficiency (demonstrate a proficiency in materials and technique): Students will be exposed to a variety of wood species and finishes with which to construct frames to house 2D works of art. Instruction will include gaining a proficiency using power tools to fabricate custom frames and strategies for archival matting and mounting, glazing and hanging devices. Students will complete this course having finished multiple exhibition-ready pieces and with the working knowledge and skill to independently frame work for in the future.
2. Critical Theory (demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art): Students will learn framing tool and material vocabulary and experience the practical application of various framing practices. Each student will practice good craftsmanship as directed by the instructor. Analysis of wood, color matting choices, and spatial awareness will be integral to this course and will be a catalyst for critical feedback for identifying weaknesses, and to foster improvement in current and future work.

Course Content

Through practical application, students will learn aspects of the frame making process from raw lumber to a finished product. The course will include the study of the following: a focus on maintaining a high level of craftsmanship in production; demonstrations of matting, mounting, and glazing 2D work in preparation for installing work in frames; discussions and application of wood finishes; identification of wood species and grading when selecting lumber for framing; practical application of hanging hardware and discussion of measuring and hanging work in a gallery setting; production of frames from initial measuring of artwork to the finished product; training on the table saw to rip frame stock from raw lumber, cross-cutting angles on the miter saw, nailing corners using a pneumatic brad nailers, the use of splines as alternative fasteners, and sanders for preparation of wood surface for finishing.