UNIVERSITY of SOUTHERN MAINE ART offers a professional degree in studio arts and an art education degree that leads to full state and national certification. Additionally, it offers liberal arts degrees in art history, studio arts, and art and entrepreneurial studies, which combines study of studio arts with courses in business, financial management and marketing. Art students actively engage in doing art projects, research and internships within communities served by the University. Students can customize their experience within these various degree options to meet their own needs.
UNIVERSITY of SOUTHERN MAINE ART programs offer a low student-teacher ratio, mentorship and peer learning. All faculty are recognized artists and scholars who are committed to their teaching. A sense of community flourishes within the department and is reinforced by the dedicated and attentive staff, who are all practicing artists or art historians. Rather than promote a single artistic approach or attitude the studio art programs emphasize the development of students’ ability to think creatively and independently. A BFA thesis exhibition is held each year in conjunction with a professional practices seminar, and capstone seminars are also offered in art education and art history.
UNIVERSITY of SOUTHERN MAINE ART GALLERIES present the work of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and play a major role in the cultural life of the Southern Maine region. Each spring the artist-in-residence program brings a nationally recognized artist to campus to teach and produce work.There is also a distinguished and long-running short-term visiting artist program that brings artists, scholars and critics to campus throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a well-established internship program that links them to professionals and arts organizations.
Art Majors will:
- Demonstrate entry-level competence in their chosen art media by exhibiting technical facility and making a coherent set of artistic and intellectual goals evident in their work;
- Produce and exhibit original artwork in their areas of concentration;
- Be able to analyze and evaluate cultural representations in historical contexts in both written work and oral presentations;
- Possess the knowledge and skills that will help them to lead rich and fulfilling lives both personally and professionally;
- Develop an awareness of and appreciation for multiple forms of art;
- Gain knowledge and skills in creative thinking and problem solving that are transferable to a wide range of disciplines and professions.
