About

The department of Art, Art History, and Film offers students three separate programs that investigate the history, theory, and practice of making art. Our perspective of the visual arts is broad, encompassing historical periods from pre-history to the present, geographical regions around the globe, and diverse media, from traditional painting and darkroom photography to digital animation and documentary film production.

Our department is closely connected to the McMullen Museum of Art, Arts Club, and the annual spring Arts Festival, which provide meaningful and exciting experiences for students, both in and beyond the classroom. To enrich our curriculum, we invite a variety of speakers through programs such as the annual Josephine Von Henneberg Lecturer in Italian Art, and the Currents Presents series of contemporary artists. Our department Colloquium presents cutting-edge research and creative work by our faculty of scholars, artists, and filmmakers.

Our faculty offers students one-on-one attention in small- to medium-sized classes. We provide opportunities for students to work closely with professors through independent study courses and Undergraduate Research Fellowships. Students have held internships at the McMullen Museum of Art through the Student Ambassadors program and at numerous galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions. Each year we recognize our students’ achievements through a variety of departmental awards.

Alumni have gone on to become artists, architects, filmmakers, gallerists, graphic designers, museum curators, professors, public humanists, and scholars. Our majors have also had successful careers in business, law, medicine, and organizations devoted to social change. We strive to cultivate critical thinkers and creative minds, passionate in their work and driven to make an impact in the world.