Large scale work in the Art and Design Gallery

Preparing & Inspiring Artist Scholars for Careers in Visual Art

Small School. Big University.

In the Department of Visual Art, you get the best of both worlds. You will work side by side with world-class, practicing artists. Small classes provide time for directed and individual instruction and space for developing big ideas. You can explore all visual art areas to create an education as individual as you are.

At a Glance

A class of students creates drawings and sculptures

World-class Instruction

The Department of Visual Art provides students with the technical skill and cultural awareness essential to the careers of professional artists, scholars, teachers or administrators. Seminars on specialized topics, a strong visiting artist schedule, trips to major cities, and study abroad possibilities all enrich students studying Visual Art at the University of Kansas.
Academics
Professor Yoonmi Nam holds up a print at a critique

Engaged Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff of the Department of Visual Art is comprised of internationally recognized artists and scholars with interests that span a broad range of media and disciplines. Dedicated to educating the next generation of artists, award-winning teachers prioritize mentorship, offering students individual attention and small class sizes.
Faculty and Staff
A ceramics class works at spinning wheels

Excellent Facilities

Visual Art students have access to outstanding facilities and close mentoring from the Visual Art faculty. Coursework includes practice, discussion and critiques with faculty, advisors, and visiting artists. Cross discipline investigations are strongly encouraged and many courses are team-taught. Exhibition and installation spaces are readily available throughout the community of Lawrence and Kansas City.
Resources and Facilities
A group of students sits outside

Undergraduate Studies

The Visual Art undergraduate degrees allow students to design an academic experience tailored to their interests and goals. By choosing and combining courses from across a variety of studio areas, students direct their own educational path.

Undergraduate Program
Student works on textile piece

Graduate Studies  

The MFA program is interdisciplinary in it's approach, and our grads go on to do amazing things in the studio and in the classroom. Work with all faculty in the program among seven studio areas and use the resources, archives, scholars and facilities available at our comprehensive research university.

Graduate Program

Department of Visual Art Virtual Tour

Home to the Department of Visual Art, Chalmers Hall features five floors of studios and creative work spaces for students to study their medium. Check out the latest edition of Habitat to learn more about this artistic oasis.

Studio and Academic Areas

Upcoming Events

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Strong Artist Community

Faculty and staff in the program exhibit their work all over the world, and are present in important collections around the world. Students are also supported by a strong Artist-in-Residence, Visiting Artist, and Visiting Critic program. These contacts go on to become peers and resources long after graduation.
Faculty and Staff Faculty and Staff
Artists-in-Residence Artists-in-Residence
Visiting Artists Visiting Artists

Give to KU Visual Art

Help support current programs and future artists with your donation to any of our Visual Art-related funds. For information on other giving options, please visit: https://kuendowment.org/

Areas of Support

Stay up-to-date with Visual Art

Our bi-weekly newsletter is filled with artist profiles, opportunities for students and alumni, and the latest news from the Department of Visual Art.
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