The mission of the School of Art and Visual Studies is to link the study of art and visual culture to the University’s broad undergraduate liberal arts tradition by providing world-class instruction in the history, theory, and practice of art. As a student here, you will receive opportunities for advanced study through undergraduate professional programs and graduate instruction. Your education at SA/VS will not only make you competitive in careers as a professional artist, educator, and scholar, but will also prepare you for challenges in fields outside the arts. Through our own research and creative endeavors we maintain SA/VS’ long and distinguished tradition of contributing to the cultural matrix of the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world. We serve the campus and wider community by bringing home professional exhibitions, and by sharing our own knowledge and experiences.







