Hands-On Experience
MU’s Art program develops creative thinkers, professional artists and cultural leaders through a curriculum that balances innovation, traditional craftsmanship, and critical thinking. Art majors study drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, fibers, sculpture and graphic design from working artist-educators. A portfolio review is required for a BFA or BA.
Students have access to a print studio, digital and darkroom photo labs, a papermaking/fiber facility, an anagama kiln, and three state-of-the-art digital labs.
Students can encounter art and exhibit work at the School of Visual Studies’ George Caleb Bingham Gallery, which features student, faculty and visiting artist exhibitions.
The MU Ellis Library has an extensive art collection (including an important collection of comic, underground and editorial cartoons), The University’s Museum of Art and Archaeology is an accredited museum with an extensive collection of art and artifacts.
The School of Visual Studies offers field trips to the St. Louis Art Museum, and other St. Louis museums and galleries and also to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and other Kansas City museums and galleries.
Art Program Links
Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship
In today's fine arts economy, most artists have a "portfolio career" – incorporating multiple roles and income streams (e.g. performer, teacher, advocate, manager, publicist, composer/arranger, etc.) rather than pursuing one narrowly defined career path. The Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship provides an excellent foundation for those who want to become working artists, musicians, actors, designers, and those who want to work in arts management in businesses and non-profit organizations. It provides each student with the unique opportunity to explore their creative process and their ability to collaborate with others.
All students who wish to declare the certificate should contact the Arts Entrepreneurship Coordinator, Pete Zambito.