Adjunct Faculty, Art

Sauk Valley Community College

Contact Information | Schedule

Best way to contact me

CONTACT INFORMATION: As an adjunct faculty member, I don't have an office in the traditional sense nor a telephone extension. Therefore, the best way to contact me is via email using my SVCC account loretta.m.swanson@svcc.edu. I find email to be the best way to communicate as then we all have a written record of the conversation. OFFICE HOURS: I am always available directly before and after class and am happy to arrange appointments with students for other times on Mondays or Wednesdays.

E-mail

loretta.m.swanson@svcc.edu

Website

www.spotondogs.com

Specialty Areas

My academic discipline is fine arts, both in practice and in research. I earned an M.F.A., the terminal degree for a studio artist, in Drawing from Northern Illinois University in 1992 and an M.A. in Art History, also from Northern Illinois University, in 2000. As a studio artist, my work focuses on the creation of non-representational drawings, prints, and paintings incorporating color, geometry, and hard-edged lines. In art history, my current research focuses on the work of twentieth century architects.

Courses Taught

My teaching career spans 19 years of part-time community college teaching experience with 14 simultaneous years as a full-time university (NIU) teacher, advisor, and administrator. I think it’s safe to say that education is my passion! Over the years, I’ve consistently taught the following courses: •Drawing (all levels including life drawing) •2-Dimensional Design •3-Dimensional Design •Painting (all levels) •Printmaking (introductory survey, advanced lithography and serigraphy) •Art Appreciation •Art History Survey I (prehistory-Middle Ages) •Art History Survey II (Renaissance-Rococo) •Art History Survey III (Neoclassicism-present day) •Non-Western Art History Survey •Special Topics in Art History

Awards

Northern Illinois University: Multiple recipient of University Friends Award for outstanding contribution to diverse student learning styles. Highland Community College: Multiple recipient of Excellence Award for Teaching

Hobbies/Interests

I retired from NIU in 2010 to pursue my other passion: dogs. I own and operate Spot on Dogs, serving the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin region. Spot on Dogs incorporates progressive, scientifically proven methods of dog training, day care, boarding, and massage therapy while striving to offer flawless canine and human customer service. Along with my favorite canine companion, a Low Uric Acid Dalmatian by the name of Hartley, I offer the following services: •Puppy Socialization and Basic Manners Classes •Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Manners Classes •Rally Obedience Classes •Canine Scentwork Classes •Behavior Consultations •Private Lessons •Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Reiki Treatments •Day Care and Boarding •Red Cross Pet First Aid Certification Classes •Seminars, Presentations, Freelance Writing

What I like most about SVCC

That students have the opportunity to explore different career options for a relatively reasonable price without pressure to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives in the first year or so of their college experience.