Art

The art major at Stetson is designed to allow students to develop their personal styles and directions on the base of a strong foundation in technique, design principles, historical tradition and contemporary artistic theories.

Because this process takes place in the context of a liberal arts college, students also gain a breadth of experience that results in stronger, more versatile graduates. While becoming technically adept, our students also develop the ability to think critically, analytically and creatively. Small classes assure individual attention and 24/7 access to studios allows ample opportunity to work outside of class.

The studio art program at Stetson has particular strengths in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, and ceramics. Other areas of concentration include photography. The Department of Art is also actively involved in the Digital Arts major, a partnership between the Art, Computer Science and Music Departments. Many Art students choose to double major in Digital Arts or minor in Digital Arts or Art History.

What makes the program distinctive?

This Stetson Art program is an integral part of the Department of Creative Arts, which brings together faculty and students engaged in the study and practice of creative pursuits. See relevant sections of the Stetson University Catalog and other pages on this website to learn more about the department's other programs in art history, digital arts, humanities and theatre arts.

Academics and Research

Facilities and opportunities

The Hand Art Center, an on-campus venue adjacent to Sampson Hall, provides first-hand access to important artwork through its rotating exhibitions. It is also the venue for our annual juried student art competition and the Senior Thesis Exhibition, the capstone experience for art study at Stetson. Area museums and galleries further expand student options for a variety of art experiences. The Hand Art Center also houses Stetson's renowned Oscar Bluemnes Collection of over 1,000 drawings and paintings.

A rich and varied program of visiting artists, lecturers and exhibitions widens student exposure to contemporary art and artists. Recent lecturers, critics and visiting artists have included Alexis Rockman, Fiona Rae, Mark Dion, Judy Pfaff, Vik Muniz, Dave Hickey, Zoe Leonard, Michael Rush, Alison Saar, Martha Rosler, William Wiley, Patti Warashina, Michael Lucero, and Samella Lewis.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

Members of our faculty bring both strong academic training and professional artistic and art historical experience to art students at Stetson. Faculty include:

• Gary W. Bolding, M.F.A., Brooklyn College; painting, drawing, mixed media
• Roberta Smith Favis, (Emeritus), Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; art history
• Dan A. Gunderson, M.F.A., University of Wisconsin; ceramics, sculpture, design
• Ekaterina Kudryavtseva, Ph.D., University of Southern California; art history

Undergraduate awards

The department awards the Elizabeth Knight Sumner Purchase Award, Hamill Award (for outstanding senior art student), Quintessential Art of Business Purchase Award, The Louis and Elsie Freund Young Artist Award, Margaret Duncan Memorial Scholarship Award, and, at the annual juried student art competition, more than $4,000 in awards.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

Institutional relationships with arts organizations including the Southeast Museum of Photography, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the Museum of Florida Art provide internship opportunities for Stetson's art students.