A student works on a project Interior photo of Bryant Arts Center lobby and sign An artist installing an exhibit A student paints in the studio Students at an art installation Gallery space A woman hangs a painting on a gallery wall.

Visual Arts

B.A., B.F.A.

Gain technical skills in multiple art forms as you engage with and respond to the constantly changing world. Prepare for careers as professional artists, architects, designers, arts administrators, art therapists, and more.

Pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission

Keith Allyn Spencer Keith Allyn Spencer , Associate Professor, Chair of Visual Arts

Visual Arts

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Location: Bryant Arts Center
Phone: 740-587-6596
Related Sections:
Art History & Visual Culture

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What you’ll study as a Visual Arts major

In innovative and rigorous classes, you’ll gain experience in a wide array of media, including animation, ceramics, comics, digital media, drawing, fiber arts, painting, performance, printmaking, sculpture, video, woodworking, analog and digital photography, design and illustration, and more.

Build your creative vocabulary

Become fluent in the rich dialogue of contemporary art. Articulate and understand complex ideas as you sharpen your eye and technical skills in two- and three-dimensional art practices. Challenge yourself to embrace ambiguity, take risks, and collaborate with others.

Develop a portfolio

Express your artistic interpretation of larger social, cultural, or political discourse through a process of self-actualization that includes engaging in critiques and exhibitions and refining written and oral skills for sharing work with diverse audiences.

Apply your knowledge

Ground your point of view in artistic discourse and creative problem-solving, and gain real-world experience in the arts before you graduate. Develop a critical awareness of the world as you explore and amplify skills in your discipline to help you advance your professional goals.

Why are visual arts better at Denison?

Praxis in the arts internship program

As a visual arts major, you are required to have work experience in the arts to deepen and expand your knowledge and network. The Knowlton Center for Career Exploration offers funding and support for these internships.

A student shakes hands with a faculty mentor.
A student painting public art on a building as part of a community revitalization project.

Work one-on-one with faculty and visiting artists

You will be mentored by Denison faculty, who are talented teachers and highly respected professional artists, as well as by artists and designers through the Creative in Residence initiative. Visiting artists offer additional exposure to a diversity of practices.

Visual Arts: Not a traditional studio arts program

We are committed to art and design problem-solving and embrace emerging modes of image creation. You’ll explore diverse media, connect art to broader ideas, and engage with community and professional artists, while acquiring technical, critical thinking, and contemporary art practices and skills.

A faculty member works with two students in an art studio.
An art student sitting at his studio workstation.

Top-tier arts facility

Our home in the Bryant Arts Center provides a wealth of equipment and spaces for art-making. From our kilns and welding tools to our dark room and woodshop, you’ll have unlimited access to create.

Jobs as a visual arts major

Visual arts grads work in a wide range of industries, with the Columbus Museum of Art, the Ohio Arts Council, the Hayley Gallery, and Interlochen as artists and gallery managers, illustrators, architects, animators, photographers, and more. See where our grads have landed.

Career communities

Visual arts majors often join one or more of our career communities. Discover potential jobs and career paths in one of our career communities, like our Visual, Written, & Performing Arts career community.

Career Exploration

Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.

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Beyond the Classroom

Internships

Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Denison visual arts majors have interned at the Columbus Museum of Art, RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects), the Irish Architectural Archive, Nascent Art New York, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and the Sarah Shepard Gallery.

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Study Abroad

Study visual arts in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and build your career network. Conduct research on a traditional semester abroad or take a summer internship in another country.

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Summer Scholars

Engage in self-directed projects that mirror professional artistic practice through disciplined studio work and research. Supported by the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement, Visual Arts Summer Scholars receive a stipend, housing allowance, and additional support for materials or travel.

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Student-Led Projects & Exhibitions

Denison visual arts students have collaborated on community murals, organized group exhibitions in spaces throughout campus, and created installations that engage diverse audiences. These experiential opportunities build leadership, collaboration, and public engagement skills.

Spotlights

An art installation by Micaela Vivero, artist and professor

A Fragile Balance

Artist and professor Micaela Vivero explores space and balance in a recent exhibition in Rota, Spain.
Hold Hold Spill artwork

“Hold Hold Spill”

Artist and professor Sheilah ReStack describes her work as something recognizable, but changed.
Students interacting with the About Ourselves/Inside Ourselves exhibit
How We Learn

A Look Inside Ourselves

A Denison Museum art exhibit titled About Ourselves/Inside Ourselves explores queer history and identity.
Al DiLorenzo, 'Painting Virtual Reality'
Where We Go

Painting Virtual Reality

Studio Art alum Al DiLorenzo ‘19 learned virtual reality & painting skills - now they combine them for a career in the arts.

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