In the fine arts, you can learn to be an independent creative artist and imaginative problem solver and develop your own approaches to craft and vision. A wide array of courses are offered that are designed to help you expand and reach your goals. Students learn basic and advanced techniques and concepts in each of the four areas in preparation for individualized, experimental work at advanced levels of study. Working in well-equipped studios with professional artists as faculty, you can become proficient in these mainstream approaches to making art.

Advanced courses offer increasingly independent activity and the opportunity of working in several media at the same time. The Department of Art also offers related training available in Photography and Digital Imaging to augment individualized, creative, experimental approaches to making art.

GOALS

Provide fundamental training in the concepts and skills of each of the four media.

Encourage independent development of ideas and strategies for problem solving.

Develop awareness of current art movements in prominent national art centers.

Offer extra-curricular activities such as field trips, visiting artist lectures and critiques, in-class lectures on current events in art, and opportunities to show work.

Prepare students for graduate study.

Provide instruction in careers as exhibiting artists or work in related fields.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are generally awarded during the spring semester. Please contact the Department of Art for further information. 901.678-2216

THE LITTLEJOHN SCHOLARSHIP is awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in Art with a concentration in Painting or Sculpture.

THE DONALD AND MARY VAUGHN ART SCHOLARSHIP provides a scholarship in art to a freshman of academic merit in academic need.

THE ART DIRECTORS CLUB OF MEMPHIS SCHOLARSHIP is awarded annually to an outstanding Art major with a concentration in Graphic Design and a GPA of at least 3.0. Selection is based on portfolio review.

THE DANA D. JOHNSON ART SCHOLARSHIP is awarded annually to an outstanding sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in Art with a concentration in Fine Arts, Art History, or Art Education.  A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, and preference is given to a student with exceptional portfolio work if recipient is majoring in studio art.

THE FRANCE FALLS AUSTIN SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to an incoming freshman pursing an undergraduate degree in art.  Preference is given to a student with exceptional portfolio work.

THE MARY MARGARET ROSS ART ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP is awarded annually by the Art Alumni Chapter to an outstanding Art major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

TALENT BASED SCHOLARSHIPS IN VISUAL ARTS are awarded annually to incoming freshmen pursuing degrees in Art.  Preference is given to students with exceptional talent and potential; portfolio presentation, artistic background, personal character, and intelligence and scholarship.  Applicants must complete a standard departmental scholarship form, and will be notified of dates for portfolio presentation (usually in the late fall of a student’s senior high school year but continuing until all scholarships are awarded).  These scholarships are renewable for four years.  Recipients must maintain full-time status, follow the recommended sequence of Art courses, and maintain a 2.8 GPA.

AD FED COMMUNIGRAPHICS SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a Junior of Senior Graphic Design major with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

MEMPHIS-GERMANTOWN ART LEAGUE AWARD is awarded to a student who demonstrated exceptional artistic abilities in any discipline within the Art Department.