The Department of Art educates artists, designers, and teachers to value the tradition of the past, the realities of the present, and the potential for the future of their chosen creative disciplines. In their visual arts education students aspire to convey meaning through form for both personal expression and as an instrument and recorder of socio-cultural change. Students explore the diverse ways art is significant in society and attempt to clarify and articulate meaning through visual interpretation. The faculty in the Department of Art promote an environment where students are encouraged to cultivate artistic independence and self discipline.
Faculty encourage students to go beyond a superficial assessment in their inquiry process.
In this environment, students learn that communication is as valued as expression. Students grow to value and perfect skills in presentation and in written and oral areas such as art criticism, philosophy, and history. Students also develop awareness of the critical role of arts advocacy. Accepting growth through change is a departmental standard for students, faculty, and programs. The Department of Art values its students, upholding diversity and individualism as positive strengths.