Visual Art

                                   “Inspire, Visualize, Educate”

Our Mission:

The mission of the Art program focuses on providing students a liberal arts based education that prepares them for professional careers in the visual arts. Through a solid foundation focusing on creative and critical analysis of practical, historical, and theoretical knowledge crucial to the understanding of art, our art program is committed to developing students’ conceptual skills and technical knowledge in art.

How we do it:

As a faculty, we work hard to Inspire our students to be the best visual artists they can be.  Our studio courses our hands-on and intensive and the students work closely with their instructors.  We want our students to Visualize the potential in themselves and in their art and share their knowledge with the greater community outside the college campus.  Our hope is that the students ultimately Educate others through their own inspirations and vision. 

Where we do it:

The art department is housed in the new state of the art Charles and Pauline Hayworth Fine Arts Center.  We have numerous art studios, exhibition spaces and labs including:

·         The Sechrest Gallery with its renowned collection of 18^th and 19^th century permanent collection of American and European Art as well as rotating exhibitions of various contemporary artists

·         The Deal Student Gallery with its rotating exhibitions of student art

·         A brand new Macintosh Digital Arts Lab with state of the art hardware and equipment

·         A fully equipped darkroom for Photography

·         Well lit Drawing and Design Studios

Who are the Faculty?

The faculty are a group of dedicated artists and historians who want to see the students develop the crucial skills to be well rounded and articulate practicing artists.  Included in this group are:

·         Andrea Wheless – Sculptor

·         Cherl Harrison – Painter, Printmaker, Photographer

·         Lea Lackey Zachmann – Painter, Printmaker

·         Scott Raynor – Painter, Printmaker, Digital Artist

Opportunities Galore:

Students have many exciting opportunities available as Art Majors/Minors.  Internships with several prominent employers are available as well as paid assistantships.  Students are also encouraged to join our Art Club or work on our Newsletter.  We also take a number of trips throughout the U.S. and Europe to explore other cultures and their visual art!

Follow Your Bliss:

Being an artist is the greatest experience in the world!  Being an artist means being creative, intuitive, and knowing how to solve problems.  What could be better than following your bliss and being a visual artist?