Art: Studio Art

Major, Minor

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

Build the real-world skills and perspective you need to thrive in the visual arts. The studio art courses focus on the hands-on understanding of fine art principles and cultivate creative solutions with various methods, materials, and technology that fire up your imagination.

In small classes, you’ll learn from instructors who have exhibited their work around the world. You can tailor your studies to focus on animation, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.​ Whichever path you choose, you’ll work across disciplines, learn by doing, and emerge with an impactful creative portfolio.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to work with acclaimed artists-in-residence and participate in workshops with visiting artists. In our art gallery, you’ll get hands-on experience in exhibiting your work.

Program Highlights

As a studio art student here, you can:

• Customize your education with courses like Gender and Art, Modern Architecture, Art of the Ancient Near East and Egypt, or Special Topics courses that focus on distinct methods or concepts in art.
• Learn in state-of-the-art facilities, including a letterpress shop, designated print lab, two animation labs (digital & traditional animation), a metal shop and foundry, digital fabrication studios (laser cutter/plasma cutter/3D printers), versatile printmaking studio, and two professional lighting studios for photography.
• Apply for scholarships designed specifically for art students.
• Join a community of artists in student organizations such as the Ceramics Club, Printmaking Club, and Photography Club.​
• Spend the summer honing your drawing skills in Florence, Italy.
• Earn a scholarship to attend a workshop at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
• Travel to national conferences for professional visual artists.
• Exhibit your work at the Central Michigan University Art Gallery.