The Department of Design & Visual Arts provides innovative and immersive learning experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers and life-long engagement within the arts. We promote and cultivate the past, present, and future values of visual creativity in the liberal arts tradition, which contribute to an increased understanding of the rich diversity and complexity of our interconnected world.
Students work closely with professors to develop critical thinking, awareness, and the sensitivities that are necessary for a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. We teach students practical skills to develop an active engagement that fosters interdisciplinary, academic, and artistic excellence for careers in the visual arts and community engagement.
The Department of Design & Visual Arts will be a campus and community leader in the development of an abundant arts culture which emphasizes diversity and inclusivity to nurture a greater understanding and enrichment of the human experience. With their scholarly approaches, faculty will lead by example as mentors to students seeking successful careers within the visual arts. We will cultivate a diverse community of visionaries who, not only push the boundaries of art and design, but also find profound meaning and purpose in their work.
The Department of Design & Visual Arts offers three major and minors:
We additionally are involved in three certificates:
The Pool Art Center is home to the Pool Art Center Gallery as well as studios and classrooms for art history, analog photography, commercial photography, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, and sculpture. Students may also apply to one of our independent studios to continue their creative practices outside the classroom setting.
Artist Rose O’Neill, creator of the Kewpie Doll, once lived at this house. Students may apply to live on the second of this historic building, with the first floor dedicated to art events and lectures.
