Visual Arts majors study the arts in a context that emphasizes the acquisition of processes and technical skills in various studio disciplines as well as the understanding of historical context and philosophical concepts in art.

While developing skills in critical thinkingcreativity and innovation, students learn to effectively communicate verbally and visually their worldview. In Visual Arts courses, faculty and students work together in a professional and creative learning environment that fosters inquiry and analysis through information literacy. The Bachelor of Arts curriculum allows students to tailor a course of study suited to their professional and personal ambitions. Students have the option to focus their studies in one media area or sample a broad range of art and design perspectives. Visual Arts offers a variety of courses in the areas of painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, digital media, photography, and art history. Students can also minor in Visual Arts and Art History.

The Visual Arts Program and the Psychology Department work in tandem to offer a minor in Art Therapy. The minor meets the American Art Therapy Association’s basic requirements for entrance into their approved graduate programs by requiring 18 studio art credits and 15 psychology credits.

Visual Arts Degrees

row of easels

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

two people at an art show looking at a work

Art History Minor

someone helping a blind person feel a piece of art

Art Therapy Minor

a row of people at pottery wheels making ceramics

Visual Arts Minor

Visual Arts Gallery

As an extension of classroom teaching, the department sponsors exhibitions of both regionally and nationally recognized artists in the Visual Arts Gallery located in the Health and Sciences Building. Students attend openings and concurrent lectures to gain exposure to the work and access to the technical expertise of professional artists. Graduating students present their work at the Senior Exhibition held every spring at the Visual Arts Gallery and the Access Gallery.

Visual Arts Studio Maker Spaces

A variety of visual arts studios are available to students looking to work on many different kinds of projects.

  • Photography Lighting Studios
  • Animation Workspaces
  • Photography Darkroom
  • Printing Lab
  • Digital Media Computer Lab
  • Drawing Studio
  • Sculpture Studio
  • Ceramics Studio
  • Painting Studio
  • Printmaking Studio

360 Virtual Campus Tour

Get a first-hand look at one of our art studio spaces by taking a tour of the UIS Campus virtually! Learn more about the many exciting and fulfilling opportunities we offer our Prairie Stars.

Art Students League

The Art Students League, a UIS student group, is responsible for organizing exhibitions in the Access Gallery, an exhibition and performance space in the Visual and Performing Arts Building.

UIS Art & Artifacts Collection logo

The UIS Arts & Artifacts Collection is managed by Visual Arts Faculty and University Staff and is composed of works of art and historical and cultural artifacts of quality and inherent value that exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence in creative accomplishment and public service.


Upcoming Visual Arts Events

No upcoming events at this time. Check back soon!