RIT Student Art Assignment Offers Miniature Golf with an Historical Twist

3-D design project salutes "Pioneers of the 20th century"

First-year art students at Rochester Institute of Technology "tee off" on a new project designed to showcase their creativity—but that’s par for the course!

Members of RIT’s 3-D design class are assigned the task of creating elements needed for indoor miniature golf. Teams of up to four students must design a "hole" that meets two specific criteria—it incorporates at least one significant aspect of another game (other than golf) and it strongly references the "Pioneers of the 20th Century" theme.

To fulfill the theme’s requirements, each team has chosen one historical figure—ranging from Thomas Edison and Amelia Earhart to Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. Each hole will offer insights on the accomplishments of the chosen person(s).

"The goal is to use teamwork and the design process to maximize the active involvement of the player," explains Steve Loar, associate professor of art foundations. "The best solutions will engage the player in every possible way—including the five senses, physical action, mental intrigue and challenge, as well as education."

The assignment culminates with a golf tournament featuring all 53 students. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, in the Student Alumni Union cafeteria, located on RIT’s Henrietta campus. The public is welcome to come and cheer on the participants as they make their way through the 14-hole miniature golf course.

This is the second major project assigned to this year’s members of the 3-D design class. During the winter, each student was challenged to create a garment made from various paper products. Students designed their costumes to reflect a specific historical period.