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Art

B.A. Art

» Art & Design Program     » College of Art & Architecture


  • INTRODUCTION
  • WHAT IT TAKES
  • WHAT PEOPLE DO
  • GET INVOLVED
  • FACULTY
Student painting

For nearly 100 years, the University of Idaho Faculty of Art and Design have provided students with personal instruction, thought-provoking lectures and a creative learning environment. Building on this rich tradition, the Bachelor of Arts in Art (B.A. Art) blends quality studio experiences with the in-depth study of art, humanities and languages to give you a well-rounded liberal arts education. 


As a B.A. Art major, you will explore art history and theory, and take courses in humanities, languages and social sciences. You will study and learn to appreciate art at a higher, more meaningful level, and develop the broad knowledge and expertise needed for art-related careers. Whether you want to manage a gallery, work in a museum, become an art librarian, lead community art organizations or critique and appraise art, a B.A. Art is an excellent first step.


The B.A. Art is also an excellent starter degree for many graduate programs, including the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctorate in Art History, M.A. Fine Arts (Museum Management), M.A. Management, M.A. Art Criticism and Writing, and Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy. The B.A. prepares you for advanced study in several other fields as well, such as the Master of Science in Information and Information Science, Master of Science in Library Science and Master of Business Administration in Arts Administration.


You will have opportunities to discover art on a global scale through the program's international study experiences. Quality internships and involvement with university galleries also give you valuable firsthand experience.


Delphine Keim-Campbell and student in classroom

Prepare for Success

If you have a passion for art, but do not envision a career as a professional artist, the Bachelor of Arts in Art (B.A. Art) could be the degree for you. To succeed, you should have strong analytical, interpretation and research skills. You must also have a lifelong desire to learn and continually enhance your knowledge, perspectives,and expertise.


Your First Year

During your first year in the four-year B.A. Art degree program, you will complete general university requirements and core art courses. You may take the following courses during your freshman year:

  • World Art and Culture
  • Visual Communication
  • Drawing I-II
  • Design Process
  • Art History

You will also choose a studio emphasis in one of the following areas:
  • Graphic Design
  • Interactive Design
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography/Digital Imaging


Current Students

What You Can Do

The Bachelor of Arts in Art may lead to a career as a:

  • Gallery owner/operator
  • Art historian
  • Museum education coordinator
  • Art librarian
  • Community arts director
  • Art critic/reporter
  • Arts council director
  • Arts fundraiser
  • Grants specialist
  • Museum curator
  • Art appraiser

The B.A. Art is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in such fields as art history, visual culture, philosophy, library science, business and arts management.


Jason Ferguson working with fabric

Opportunities

Thousands of University of Idaho alumni credit their experiences in the Department of Art and Design as pivotal to their success. You can join them with a B.A. Art degree. You will be prepared for exciting and rewarding careers in museums, galleries, libraries and art organizations throughout the world. You’ll also be positioned as a leader in the dynamic global arts community, with opportunities to encourage those around you to learn more about art and to embrace and appreciate the importance of art in both the past and the future.


Art students in class

Current Research

Art and design faculty members are internationally and nationally recognized for their expertise, with work featured at group and solo exhibitions throughout the world. Faculty research interests and activities include:

  • International student and faculty exchange in information design (federally-funded)
  • Michelangelo and Neoplatonism, design culture, visual culture, phenomenology and media aesthetics
  • Massive concrete laminated and mold-formed depictions of ruins from the “Villa Bitricci”
  • Procedures followed in autopsy, dissection, taxidermy, geological data collection and the creation of domestic objects
  • Interfaces between new and traditional media
  • Mixed media painting and collage
  • Free culture, online design communities and new media narrative
  • Panoramic landscapes created by the Glacial Lake Missoula Floods and the design of 3D presentation techniques
  • Application and nurturing of design thinking in an interdisciplinary project


Hands-On Experience

Below are just some of the many ways art and design students gain practical experience to prepare for the world beyond the University of Idaho:

  • Hands-on Studios: Studio experiences are at the core of the Department of Art and Design. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers from all art and design disciplines.   
  • International Study: Immerse yourself in another culture to learn about art on a global scale.
  • Prichard Art Gallery: A University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture outreach facility located in downtown Moscow. You’ll critique and study the work of regional artisans and art and design students.
  • Internship Opportunities: Internships are available to energetic and self-motivated students in a variety of art organizations such as art nonprofits, community centers, museums, galleries and libraries.
  • Technical Laboratories and Workshops: Tools and materials in our advanced technical labs and workshops will give you the resources (and expertise from the laboratory manager) you need to create. 


Facilities

The Department of Art and Design facilities include well-equipped art studios, multimedia classrooms, high-end computer and language labs and both the Prichard and Ridenbaugh Galleries.


Faculty Involvement

All studio classes are limited to 23 students creating a close interaction between faculty and students. Work-study opportunities with faculty and staff are also available.



Val Carter
Val Carter
Senior Instructor/Shop Technician
Focus: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, 3-D design, Foundations
» View Val Carter's profile
Frank Cronk
Frank Cronk
Professor Emeritus
Focus: Interaction design, Digital tools, Senior thesis
» fcronk@uidaho.edu
Marco Deyasi
Marco Deyasi
Assistant Professor
Focus: Modern art, Contemporary art, Critical theory, Museum studies, Historiography
» View Marco Deyasi's profile
Casey Doyle
Casey Doyle
Assistant Professor
Focus: Sculpture, New Media, Metals and Jewelry, Crafts
» View Casey Doyle's Profile
Rachel Fujita
Rachel Fujita
Assistant Professor of New Media
Web Design & Strategy; Interactive Media; Motion Design; Information Design; Panoramic Photography; Video Art & Installation;
» View Rachel Fujita's Profile
David Giese
David Giese
Professor Emeritus
Focus: Reconstructions, Collage, Mold making
» View David Giese's profile
Lynne Haagensen
Lynne Haagensen
Professor
Focus: Printmaking, Interface between new and traditional media, Collage
» View Lynne Haagensen's profile
Stacy Isenbarger
Stacy Isenbarger
Assistant Professor; Foundations Coordinator; Co-Graduate Coordinator
Focus: Sculpture, Installation, Interdisciplinary Practice, & Digital Imaging
» View Stacy Isenbarger's profile
Delphine Keim
Delphine Keim
Associate Professor
Focus: Graphic design, Communication design, Information design, Typography, Interdisciplinary activities
» View Delphine Keim's profile
Sally Machlis
Sally Machlis
Professor, Chair
Focus: Art education, Drawing, Painting, Mixed media artwork
» View Sally Machlis' Profile
Greg Turner-Rahman
Greg Turner-Rahman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Focus: New Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Visual Studies
» View Greg Turner-Rahman's profile
Bill Woolston
Bill Woolston
Professor Emeritus
Focus: Digital imaging, Photography, Visual thinking
» woolston@uidaho.edu