Art
As images have become a greater part of contemporary life, the visual arts play an increasingly vital role in society. The study of art allows one to explore and develop an understanding of the cultural and historical context of art as well as developing the creative, conceptual and technical skills to produce art that expresses important human thoughts, emotions and values.
About The Program
The Art Department offers students of all majors the opportunity to explore art as a means of creative expression through hands-on studio experiences as well as the study of art in history and culture. Subject areas include drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design, computer arts, and art history. Class work is supported by ongoing art exhibitions in two campus galleries, visiting artist presentations and workshops, and field trips to local and regional galleries and museums. Each year students of any major are eligible to display their artwork in campus spaces such as the Neil Britton Art Gallery.
Major: Art (BA)
Minors: Art History, Studio Art
Chair: Sharon Swift
School: Susan S. Goode School of Arts And Humanities
Why Study Art at VWU?
Hands-on Learning
VWU’s location is rich with museums, art centers, public art, and artists’ studios enabling students to complete internships and research projects in a wide variety of cultural organizations.
Travel Photography
Take our ART 307 course and take advantage of VWU’s great location and travel to the Virginia Beach resort area, N.C. Outer Banks, and Colonial Williamsburg. Learn about the advanced features of digital cameras, and use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit images. Sign up for the ptional travel to London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Neil Britton Art Gallery
The 1,200 square-foot Neil Britton Art Gallery engages both the Coastal Virginia and University communities in the visual arts through changing exhibitions and programs that include the work of both professional artists and students.
Career Outcomes
From work on community service projects such as outdoor murals to creating artwork for medical facilities, art students have opportunities to apply their talents in the community. Students have served as post-graduate Art Department interns, continuing to produce their own artwork, exhibiting on campus and assisting with teaching studio courses. Art graduates have skills and attributes that are increasingly sought after which allow them to innovate and collaborate in today’s creative economy. Graduates receiving the B.A. in Studio Art have gone on to careers in art, design, teaching, arts management, and communication. Several have completed a highly competitive post-graduate Glass Assistantship at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Others have completed graduate programs in art education, illustration, art therapy, and other creative fields.