“In helping students achieve their creative goals, we seek to expand their horizons. We embrace collaboration and innovation while respecting the traditional approaches contemporary art is built on.”

Michael Shaughnessy, Professor of Art – Sculpture

Ohio University, MFA

Two Art Ed students show off student made papermache caterpillar and butterfly

Art Education

Combine an in-depth studio experience with a professional course of study that prepares you to work in a complex and diverse world through collaboration and reflective inquiry.

Art Faculty Instructs Art student with Printing a Silkscreen

Studio Art & Art History

All of our degree programs offer low student-teacher ratios, mentorships, peer learning, community engagement, and internship opportunities.

Two paintings of bottles and glassware by student Anna Garenenko above two prints of artists' still-lifes as palette inspiration.
Paintings by student Anna Garenenko.

Art Department Open Studios

Each semester the Art Department opens its Studio doors to the public on the last day of classes to showcase work created during the fall and spring semesters. Come to the next Open Studios, Friday, December 8, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 PM, in the Gorham Campus Art Studios, and see the amazing work USM Art students’ have created.

Painting in process by BFA student Rose DiMuzio. Painting of seated figure with oranges in alap and head and front covered with cloth.
Painting in progress by BFA student Rose DiMuzio.

BFA & BA Senior Exhibitions

The Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition showcases the work of the Art Departments BFA and BA students. This exhibition is the culminating capstone for students enrolled in Senior Seminar. a BFA major requirement. The 2024 BFA/BA Exhibition Opening Reception is scheduled for April 11th, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Husky with one blue eye and one yelloweye

Current students, faculty, and staff: Visit us on MyUSM

Information for current students, faculty, and staff is available on MyUSM — streamlining access through our secure, single sign-on portal. Login required.

Where Do USM Art Students Go After Graduation?

If you were wondering what students do with a Liberal Arts degree, see what some USM Art Department Graduates are doing today.

“Being part of USM’s art department has changed my life. The department is a real community and everyone that I’ve met — peers, teachers, and staff alike — have made me feel known, cared about and supported. They’ve pushed me to think bigger but at the same time to be confident in my present work from process to interest.”

Dani Cournoyer, 2019, BA Photography & Digital Art & Design, Summa Cum Laude

Dani Cournoyer at her BA/BFA Exhibition Reception in front of her Artwork
Dani Cournoyer at her BA/BFA Exhibition Reception in front of her Digital Photographic Artwork, April 2019.