Department of Visual Arts

We offer a Bachelor of Art with concentrations in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Generalist and also a minor in Visual Arts. Take courses in painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, videography, digital art and graphic design. As you develop your portfolio and strengthen your artistic skills, we will help prepare you for a career in the creative field through exhibition opportunities, regional workshops, professional opportunities, internships, and service learning projects through the Student Art Organization. Display your artwork at the ASU Callie Warren and Arthur Britt Fine Arts Galleries.

Faculty and staff will mentor you as you determine your own creative career path. Career options include:  professional artist, curatorial or preparator work in a museum or gallery, museum education, arts administrator, graduate school, artist in residence, illustrator, graphic designer, photographer, videographer, art therapist, entrepreneur, entertainment industry specialist, set designer, fabrication specialist, architect, drafts person, public artist, muralist, creative place maker, teaching art through community centers, K-12 schools, colleges and more. 

With dedicated drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics studios, two computer labs, two galleries and lecture rooms, students have access to the space, equipment and technology necessary to gain a depth of knowledge in the Visual Arts and to thrive in a vibrant and nurturing community. 
 

Bachelor of Arts

Learn more to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art at Alabama State University.

Click here to meet the Art Faculty & Staff
 

Scholarship Awards & Criteria

The Department of Visual Arts offers a limited number of scholarships to both incoming/transfer and continuing students. Scholarships are based on both scholastic and artistic ability/potential by the applicant, and are awarded after submitted material and application is reviewed by the departmental scholarship committee. Awards are renewable based on student’s ability to fulfil requirements listed on the scholarship application. For full consideration, submit your application by April 30th. 

Download the scholarship application for continuing art majors

Download the scholarship application for incoming freshmen and transfer students
 

Alabama State University is fully accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

Alabama State University holds NASAD accreditation (National Association of Schools of Art and Design). The Department of Art and Design's studio practices, safety protocols and curriculum meet national standards for teaching art.

“Receiving this accreditation puts us as the only university in Montgomery, the eighth school in the state, and only the tenth Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the country to meet the rigorous educational standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design,” - Stephen Cappelli, former chairman of ASU's Department of Visual Arts. Read the full article here.
 

Departmental Mission

The mission of the Department of Visual Arts is to provide a highly valued educational and artistic experience. Students will think critically, create and appreciate art, and participate in an aesthetic culture while recognising art as an integral part of our global society. Students will receive effective and innovative instruction in traditional studio arts methods and materials as well as contemporary graphic arts technologies. The practice based learning in studio courses is further enhanced by courses in art history and aesthetic theory. This foundation will prepare graduates to make informed, valued contributions to the global visual arts culture that expresses their diversity, our University and the communities we embody. Students will also have the self-discipline, motivation, and the expertise necessary to maintain their artistic activities and goals well into the future.

Departmental Goals

• Foster a student centered environment that nurtures the development of intellectual and aesthetic growth.
• Maintain a skilled faculty recognised as educators as well as professional artists.
• Provide students with access to state of the art instruction, technology and equipment.
• Develop global thinking, free exchange of ideals and total immersion in a divergent artistic cultural setting.
• To establish an environment that will allow students to experience, interact and analyse a rich variety of visual arts culture.
• Raise a conscious appreciation for and understanding of the value of arts by enhancing the visual appearance of our university and community environment.
• Serve as a resource that supports and validates the artistry in the community.
• Promote interest in the rich diverse cultural experience of the African Diaspora.