Our mission is to provide a professional education that enables
students to successfully cultivate their individual passions in the
fine arts. A faculty of practicing artists provides rigorous instruction
in a stimulating environment characterized by one-on-one
communication and strong community support. The curriculum
promotes investigation in a medium or a combination of media,
which are appropriate for the student’s chosen path. Each student
will discover a personal direction in his or her work,
professionalism as an artist, and a lifelong commitment to art.
The ultimate goal is self-knowledge as a contribution to the
richness of our culture.

Educating the artist as a whole person, as well as recognizing
the need for individual specialization and breadth, creates many
possibilities. Students choose an emphasis in one area: painting,
sculpture, printmaking, drawing, or photography. The in-depth
exploration within a particular medium assures a high level of mastery
in the student’s chosen field while studio electives provide the
opportunity of spreading course work across several media.
Combinations such as painting and drawing, sculptural installation
and photography, or printmaking and book arts are encouraged and
can provide students with new ways of thinking and seeing. Courses
proceed with greater intensity and complexity with students at the
advanced level working independently with faculty guidance and
support. The culmination of the student’s course of study results in
the Senior Thesis Statement and Exhibition which demonstrates
visually, verbally, and in writing their abilities as a practicing artist.