Department of Art
About the Department
The Art Department is committed to an undergraduate education that gives students life long skills as professional artists and art scholars. Dominican University is known for its small classes and personal attention given by a dedicated faculty. Through its degree program, the Art Department is able to cultivate a student’s individual growth and development, and instill confidence to realize their vision and goals.
Art requires a balance between theory and practice, as well as formal and conceptual approaches. Fundamental technical skills and visual literacy are acquired through the core curriculum courses of drawing, two and three dimensional design, and color theory. Throughout their studies, equal emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to think deeply and critically about their work, and understand the pertinent issues that inform their concepts. As a result, students learn how to solve problems with effective, innovative, and diverse solutions. Integral to the Dominican tradition of community and service, the program inspires students to explore the direct relationship between art and social engagement. We offer students knowledge of the local art community, and expose them to the many uses of art in shaping our collective understanding and cultural awareness. Students are also strongly encouraged to discover diverse cultural experiences through studies abroad.
Graphic Art and Studio Art majors are provided with several outside opportunities to pursue applicable field experience through internships and other mentoring relationships. Guest speakers, lecture series, and campus gallery exhibits give students direct access to current and diverse perspectives in the art world. The University has over 100 years of experience in offering the very finest in liberal arts and professional education. This imparts an important background in global perspective, cultural diversity, and communication skills from which students gain a comprehensive view of a world where artists can make a significant contribution.
