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Department of Art, Art History, and Design

Welcome to the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at the University of North Florida!

As the Chair of the department, it is my pleasure to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all students, faculty, staff, and art enthusiasts. Our department is a vibrant and dynamic community that embraces creativity, exploration, and innovation across a diverse range of artistic disciplines.

We offer seven exceptional programs designed to nurture your artistic talents and broaden your understanding of the visual arts:

  1. Art History: Delve into the rich tapestry of artistic heritage, studying various cultures and periods to gain insight into the context and meaning of visual expression.
  2. Ceramics: Learn the art of shaping clay into stunning forms, exploring traditional and contemporary techniques to create functional and sculptural works.
  3. Graphic Design: Combine technology and artistic vision to convey powerful messages through visual communication, mastering digital tools and design principles.
  4. Painting & Drawing: Develop your artistic voice using traditional techniques in painting and drawing, while experimenting with new ideas and styles.
  5. Photography: Capture the world through the lens, mastering both digital and analog photography while exploring the art of visual storytelling.
  6. Printmaking: Dive into the world of printmaking, experimenting with a range of techniques to create unique and compelling printed artworks.
  7. Sculpture: Shape and mold materials into three-dimensional wonders, exploring a range of traditional and contemporary methods and materials to bring your creative visions to life.

Our commitment to providing a holistic education extends beyond the classroom. We offer unparalleled opportunities for dimmers experiences through our Study Abroad Programs including trips to Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Germany, England, allowing you to explore art in global contexts. As a proud affiliate of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), our students benefit from a unique partnership that fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary art and its impact on society. Our on-campus galleries, including the UNF Gallery, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, the Cynthia and Walter R. Graham, Jr. M.D. Student Art Gallery at the UNF Library, and the UNF Gallery at MOCA, showcase the incredible work of our students, faculty, and visiting artists.

Our students' creativity is not confined to campus, as evidenced by their contributions to the UNF Seaside Sculpture Park in Jacksonville Beach and James Weldon Johnson Park in downtown Jacksonville. These outdoor installations reflect our commitment to engaging with the community and enhancing public spaces through art.

At the heart of our department's vibrant culture are a myriad of events, including engaging lectures, interactive workshops, inspiring exhibitions, and special occasions such as Printmaking's Blocktober Steamroller Print Event (October), Semiannual Iron Pours for UNF Sculpture (Fall and Spring), Ceramics Woodfire Kiln Firings (multiple times a semester), Charcoal and Pizza Night (Painting/Drawing), and Portfolio Reviews for Fine Arts and Graphic Design & Digital Media.

In addition to our comprehensive academic programs and engaging events, we are excited to highlight our annual student trip to Art Basel in Miami. This extraordinary opportunity allows our students to immerse themselves in one of the most prestigious international art fairs, where they can explore cutting-edge contemporary art, connect with established artists and galleries, and gain firsthand insight into the global art scene. This enriching experience not only broadens horizons but also serves as a source of inspiration and networking for our aspiring artists, art historians, and designers. At UNF, we are dedicated to providing our students with transformative experiences that extend beyond the classroom, and our Art Basel trip stands as a testament to our commitment to their holistic artistic growth.

Our primary focus is on fostering undergraduate research and creativity, guided by dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields. We are deeply committed to your success and personal growth, striving to create an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse perspectives thrive.

For more information about the UNF Department of Art, Art History, and Design or to schedule a tour of our programs, please feel free to contact us at (904) 620-4037 or via email at artoffice@unf.edu. We look forward to embarking on this artistic journey with you!

Warmest regards,

Jenny K. Hager

Chair, Department of Art, Art History, and Design and Professor of Sculpture

University of North Florida

 

Mission

The nationally accredited Department of Art, Art History, and Design provides undergraduate degree programs in Art History, Painting/Drawing/Printmaking, Graphic Design and Digital Media, Photography, Ceramics, and Sculpture. Our nationally and internationally accomplished faculty participate in exhibitions and commissions, engage in ground-breaking scholarly research, and as experts in their fields, provide outstanding undergraduate instruction through a broad and diverse curriculum. The Department’s dynamic and innovative programs go beyond curriculum and classroom walls to foster experiential and transformational learning through internships, community engagement, undergraduate research and exhibition, study abroad, and gallery practice and museum study opportunities in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, a cultural institute of UNF. The Department of Art, Art History, and Design prepares its students to excel as creative thinkers, makers, and cultural entrepreneurs, to excel in their disciplines, and to be successful in a broad range of graduate programs and professions in the arts and beyond.