Art Department | Graceland University

A vibrant program with an interdisciplinary focus.

Our department attracts gifted and motivated students who thrive in an environment that encourages autonomy and meaningful communication. As a team of professional, relevant, accomplished and student-focused faculty, we will help you build a dynamic interrelationship of ideas, processes and practices that are steeped in tradition with an emphasis on contemporary art and ideas.

Our small class sizes enable student-driven courses that help you promote your unique voice. We are a close-knit community that encourages meaningful engagement between studio, classroom, campus and community. As a part of our community, we will encourage you to take big risks in your creative work and develop a set of problem-solving skills that will help you succeed in a multitude of arts-centered careers. We will travel together to metropolitan areas to experience art first hand.

Facilities to Help You Create

Our facilities in the Helene Center for the Visual Arts are open 24 hours a day to give you complete access to our extraordinary studios, equipment and materials. Our MAC computer lab is state-of-the-art, and our sculpture, painting, drawing, non-toxic printmaking and ceramics studios are some of the best in the Midwest region. We have multiple student galleries and a professional gallery for visiting artists and senior exhibitions, and as a department, we are committed to bringing in regional, national and international artists to exhibit on campus and work in partnership with you.

Come create with us!

Programs of Study

Our unique curriculum is both creative and professional. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with studio art and graphic design concentrations, and a K-12 teaching certification. We will help you build self-promotional tools, connect you to internships and job opportunities, and help you discover your creative place in the world. We offer discipline-specific scholarship opportunities for majors and non-majors based on portfolio reviews and interest in the arts.