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Art and Art History at Providence College
The studio art program stresses a strong foundation in the fine arts, as well as the liberal arts, on which to build careers in the arts, communication, advertising, and related fields. The student is also prepared for graduate study leading to an M.F.A. in studio art or M.A.T. in art education. The program in art history emphasizes the historical, cultural, and formal contexts of art and visual culture, preparing students for graduate study as well as careers in museums, cultural advocacy, marketing, communication, and other fields.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
The art history major is designed for undergraduates interested in a humanist education, as well as for those who may pursue careers in college-level teaching, research, museums and galleries, historic preservation, and related careers in communication, advertising, marketing, law, and cultural advocacy. Art history majors begin study in introductory surveys of major artistic achievements, from antiquity to the 21st century, and then deepen their knowledge in courses covering individual aspects and periods. Senior year all art history majors complete a thesis paper on a specific art historical concept. During this capstone program, students develop their research, writing, and presentation skills. The students present their theses to the faculty of the department and refine their work, which is published annually in the departmental Art Journal.
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
The studio art major stresses a strong foundation in the fine arts and the liberal arts on which to build careers in the arts, communication, advertising, and related fields. The program also prepares students for graduate study leading to the M.F.A. in studio art, the M.A.T. in art education, or advanced degrees in various design fields. By the end of the sophomore year, studio art majors choose one area of concentration from Ceramics, Digital Imaging, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture. The studio art major takes courses not only in his or her field of concentration but is also encouraged to experiment in other media to broaden his or her knowledge of the studio arts and to form a foundation for further development. The senior capstone experience is a solo exhibition in the PC—Galleries.
Minors
Art History
The minor in art history emphasizes the historical, cultural, and formal contexts of art and visual culture.
Studio Art
A studio minor can be earned in ceramics, digital imaging, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. All studio minors participate in a group exhibition in the spring of their senior year.
Business Innovation
This interdisciplinary program introduces students to core concepts and practices in business and innovation, and requires a concentration track in Organizations and Entrepreneurs, Global Engagement, Applied Science, or Design Thinking.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Become members of our thriving Art Club
Visit museums, locally and regionally, including department-sponsored trips to Boston and New York
Become part of the curatorial process and work alongside prominent contemporary artists
FACULTY
Art and art history faculty members have expertise in areas that include drawing; painting; photography; digital imaging; theories of sacred space; “Old Masters,” such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt; modern and contemporary artists; and art of the Ancient Classical World.
These faculty bring to their classrooms a wide variety of backgrounds that complement their teaching, including research, leadership of scholarly organizations, government work, and economic consulting. Our faculty come from diverse backgrounds and hold degrees from institutions that include the Rhode Island School of Design, Stanford, the University of Colorado, Indiana University, Emory, Dartmouth, NYU, Harvard, and Brown.
Dr. Joan Branham on the Art and Art History Department
IN THE NEWS
AFTER PC
86%
of 2019-2023 fine and performing arts graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
52%
are employed only
21%
are attending school only
12%
are employed and attending school
Due to rounding, some totals may not correspond with the sum of the separate figures.
Selected Places of Employment/Service
Art League Rhode Island
Boston College
Cambridge Savings Bank
College Light Opera Company
Connecticut Landmarks
Elizabeth Grant Photography
Executive Search Partners Inc.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Fulbright Program
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
Pierre Frey
Pili Montilla
Providence College
Rugg Road Paper Co.
Samuels & Associates
Sian Heder
Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C.
The Catholic University of America
Walt Disney World Company
White Heron Theatre Company
Wolf & Company, PC
… and elementary/secondary schools throughout the U.S.
Selected Graduate Schools
Boston College
Curry College
Delta State University
Northeastern University
NYU Steinhardt
Penn State University
Providence College
Saint Joseph’s University
University of Leeds
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Vanderbilt Law School
ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Paul Crenshaw, Ph.D.
Department Chair
401.865.2296
paul.crenshaw@providence.edu
Lynn Curtis, M.F.A.
Assistant Chair
401.865.2018
lcurtis@providence.edu
Kate McNamara, M.A.
Visual Resource Curator
401.865.1042
kmcnam12@providence.edu
Janice M.DiLustro
Administrative Coordinator
401.865.2401
jdilustr@providence.edu
Scott Alario, M.F.A.
Studio Art Technician
401.865.2738 or 401-533-4428
salario@providence.edu
