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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.

View our 2022 Department Newsletter >

Contact

Department of Art & Art History
Hunt-Cavanagh Hall

401.865.2401 art@providence.edu additional contacts
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Additional Information about Art and Art History

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

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Become members of our thriving Art Club

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Visit museums, locally and regionally, including department-sponsored trips to Boston and New York

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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.

MEET THE ART AND ART HISTORY FACULTY

Dr. Joan Branham on the Art and Art History Department

IN THE NEWS

AFTER PC

91%

of 2018-2022 fine and performing arts graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school

64%

are employed only

13%

are attending school only

15%

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

Achievement First Iluminar
Art League Rhode Island
Boston College
Cambridge Savings Bank
Cathedral of Christ the King
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
The Doseum
The Standard-Times
Upserve
Walt Disney World
White Heron Theatre Company
Wolf & Company, PC

… and elementary/secondary schools throughout the U.S.

Selected Graduate Schools

Amherst Vanderbilt Law School
Boston College
Curry College
Delta State University
Manhattan School of Music
New York University Steinhardt
Northeastern University
Penn State University
Providence College
Saint Joseph’s University
University of Leeds
University of Massachusetts

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 Assistant
401.865.2401
jdilustr@providence.edu

Scott Alario, M.F.A.

Studio Art Technician
401.865.2738 or 401-533-4428
salario@providence.edu