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About

Students in the Art Department at Radford University explore a variety of artistic media and disciplines. Undergraduate students may pursue a particular area of interest within one of four concentrations. Graduate students pursue advanced technical and conceptual studies in studio art. 

Art faculty are professionally active, exhibiting their work in galleries and museums, presenting papers at academic conferences, and writing articles and books. Graduating students exhibit their work in the Radford University Art Museum, the home of changing exhibitions of photography, painting, and other art created by local and nationally known artists.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Radford University Art Department supports the overall university strategic plan of promoting excellence in teaching, research, creativity, and service. The art programs achieve these goals by building and extending a knowledge and skill base of creative and scholarly research and experimentation from which future developments in the creation and understanding of the visual arts emerge. Learning occurs within a studio context consisting of a rigorous critique methodology involving process, production, and representation. The importance of traditional skills as the foundation for further experimentation enables students to begin the process of forming an identity as artists, designers, art educators, and art historians in the world of art. In keeping with the current Scholar-Citizen Initiative of the university, the Art Department’s goal can be summarized by three words: create – connect – contribute.

Coming Soon

State-of-the-Art Complex

At 178,000 square feet, the Artis Center for Adaptative Innovation and Creativity will be the largest academic building on campus. Classes are anticipated to be held in the new facility starting in the Fall 2024 semester.

CAIC rendering

Student Workspaces

  • Studios

    • Drawing 
    • Painting
    • Watercolor
    • Jewelry
    • Darkroom and large shooting studio

  • Labs and Classrooms

    • Computer labs and print labs
    • Animation lab
    • Multi-use lecture room
    • Seminar room
    • Critique Room

  • Art Annex

    • Gas and electric kilns
    • Glazing room
    • Wheel-throwing stations

Alumni Highlights

Our alumni are active as artists, designers, educators, archivists, curators, gallerists, and in other creative roles, and many have pursued graduate studies. 

Giving

Thank you for considering the art department for a donation or gift. Past donations have supported students through:

  • Scholarships
  • Stipends for travel, research, internships, and special projects
  • Visiting artist and artist-in-residence programs
  • Special equipment

Donors may choose to contribute to an existing foundation fund or consider other options. Please contact University Advancement for more information. Thank you to all former, current, and future donors. Your contributions have made and will continue to make a critical difference.

 

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