Department of Art

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The Art Department at the University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a nationally accredited program that provides students with a rigorous studio experience, historical understanding of the complexity of art practices, and the critical skills needed to become informed visual artists, art educators, and art historians. Through the closely integrated relationship of studio art classes, art education, and art history, USM Art emphasizes the development of the ability to think creatively and independently and provide multifaceted approaches for creating and thinking about art.

“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.”

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Michael Shaughnessy, Professor of Art – Sculpture

Ohio University, MFA

Art Ed student works with young boy in Art Lab.

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.

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Studio Art & Art History

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

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Two students exclaim excited over painting of two mushrooms in the woods.

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 13, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM, in the Gorham Campus Art Studios, and see the amazing work USM Art students’ have created.

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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, and is held every April.

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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.

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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.

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“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