Profile of <span>Michelle Leftheris</span>
Office
Johnson 314
Tel
(802) 443-5071
Email
mleftheris@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
Fall 2022-Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. by appointment.

Courses Taught

Course Description

Visual Storytelling Through the Lens
This photo-based studio course examines the ways images work together in succession to build narratives. Students will study contemporary and historical approaches to the photo essay in addition to authoring their own stories with images they have taken or sourced by other means. While we will discuss the basics of image making, the class is focused on the sequencing of images. Students may use any type of camera for this class including cell phone cameras and no prior photographic knowledge is required. The class will culminate in a web-based slideshow and printed book projects for each individual student. 6 hrs. lect/dsc.

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

ART

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Course Description

CMD+Z: Infinite Possibilities of The Digital Studio
In this foundation design course we will explore various aspects of design including 2D composition, color theory, image editing, and typography while developing literacy in graphics software using the Adobe Creative Suite. Focusing on the comparison of visual communication across global cultures, lectures and assignments will be centered around the ways design intersects with art and socio-political issues. Students will develop creative visual problem-solving and image-making skills that they can apply across many disciplines, learning to communicate and present their ideas effectively. Students will produce two substantial screen-based and print projects over the course of the semester. It is a 100 level beginning level class open to and designed for students with no visual artmaking experience. This course will count as a prerequisite towards 300-level courses in The Program In Studio Art. 6 hrs. lect./lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Requirements

ART, CMP

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Course Description

Photography Now
In this color digital photography course students will sharpen their points of view within the framework of a contemporary photographic practice. Students will learn how to shoot digitally, scan, develop lighting strategies, make large format prints and edit their images into a cohesive body of work. Readings and class discussions will be based on how the photographic image functions in our current culture. Students must have access to 15MP (or bigger) digital SLR camera with manual controls of focus, aperture, and shutter. 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2024

Requirements

ART

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Course Description

Pictures in Space
It is estimated that we see 4,000 to 10,000 images a day. In this class we examine the function and impact of images (photographic and otherwise). Topics of investigation include interactivity, activism, memes, storytelling, and artist/audience relationship. These will be explored through studio-based projects supplemented with readings, individual research, and group assignments. Projects consist of a public art/installation piece, a zine and a website. Exploring research topics from other disciplines is encouraged. A prerequisite of ART150 or ART0195 is recommended but not required. There will be introductory demonstrations designed to bring all students up to the necessary skill level. 6 hrs lect./lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2020

Requirements

ART

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Course Description

Origins of Photography: Shooting Film
In this course students will track photography’s evolution historically and technically as we create lense-based art. We will start in the darkroom making photograms, shooting film with a manual SLR camera, and printing black and white wet process images. The second half of the semester we will continue shooting film while transitioning into scanning and color digital printing. Emphasis will be on development of an individual creative voice through close personal attention. In addition to studio work we will be studying the history of photography. Required: 35mm film SLR camera (preferable) or 8MP (or bigger) DSLR camera manual focus, aperture, and shutter. 6 hrs. lect./lab

Terms Taught

Fall 2023, Winter 2024

Requirements

ART, WTR

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Course Description

Special Project
Supervised independent work with a special project proposed by a student or a collaboration between a student and a faculty member on a special project. Admission by permission of a faculty member. 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024

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Course Description

Seeing and Being
Photography has evolved rapidly and is now pervasive in our daily lives. How do photographs influence our experience of time, space, ourselves, and each other? This course focuses on these four areas central to understanding its incredible impact. Studying fine art and vernacular usage, students will discover how art, science, media, and personal histories are shaped by photography. By learning how to read images of their own and of others, students will develop the critical skills necessary to interpret images and their use. In addition to producing their own visual projects, students will read, research, analyze and write about photographs.

Terms Taught

Fall 2022

Requirements

ART, CW

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