Shane Harris teaching ceramics

In Visual Arts courses, faculty and students work together in a professional and creative learning environment. The Bachelor of Arts curriculum allows students to tailor a course of study suited to their professional and personal ambitions. Students have the option to focus their studies in one media area or sample a broad range of art and design perspectives. Visual Arts offers a variety of courses in the areas of painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, digital media, photography, and art history. Students can also minor in Visual Arts, Art History, and Art Therapy.

Art Students League

Two women standing next to a painted window with a yellow brick road and the text "there's no place like UIS."

The Art Students League (ASL) hosts art events for student life, organizes field trips to local and regional exhibits, supervises the Access Gallery in the Visual and Performing Arts Building, and coordinates fundraisers benefiting Visual Arts Students. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, visit the ASL bulletin board located in VPA or contact any ASL officer. They believe in the cultivation and development of awareness and importance of art through each individual difference to enrich our campus environment and surrounding community.

Follow the ASL!

Advising

Our Program Advisor, Craig McFarland, meets with students to make a plan of study. Students are urged to consult their advisor before registering each semester, particularly before registering for the last semester of classes. These meetings outline requirements for graduation and ensure the student has planned his/her schedule to take all necessary courses in order to graduate on time. Visual Arts students are assigned a faculty advisor upon declaration of the Visual Arts major during their time in ART 301 Entrance Assessment. Faculty advisors work with students to ascertain career goals and to assess preparation and deficiencies.

Our Faculty

Art professor Mike Miller teaching

Visual Arts faculty consists of experienced educators and artists dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise with students in a collaborative environment. Faculty includes artists working in ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, graphic design and digital media. Please feel free to contact a faculty member directly about your visual arts interests. Biographical information is available for each faculty member through the Faculty and Staff link.

Advising Guides

Visual Arts B.A.

Visual Arts B.A. with Art Therapy Minor

Equipment Checkout

Our Facilities

a row of easels

The Visual Arts program is located in the Visual and Performing Arts Building and provides several Student Resources. This facility offers numerous classrooms equipped with whiteboard technology; a ceramics lab; a printmaking lab; studios for drawing and painting; a sculpture lab complete with tools; a Macintosh computer lab with graphic design, animation, and 3D modeling programs; a printing lab; and two photography studios. Additionally, the Visual Arts program maintains a photography classroom and darkroom within the Human Resources Building.

  • dSLR Canon Rebel XT
  • dSLR Canon EOS 20D
  • dSLR Nikon D40
  • dSLR Nikon D50
  • film SLR Nikon N8008s
  • film SLR Nikon N90s
  • film SLR Canon AE-1
  • phone tripod holders
  • tripods
  • reflectors
  • hot light kits

Safety Procedures for Studios

General 

  • The responsible faculty member will establish rules for eating and drinking in the studio. These rules must be always followed. No exceptions! 
  • Proper decorum is essential. Practical jokes or goofing around is not acceptable. 
  • Never block exits. Aisles must be kept open and emergency equipment, eyewashes, and safety showers must always be accessible. 
  • Use materials and equipment only for their intended purpose or as directed. 
  • Always ask for assistance if there are any questions about proper procedures or safety. 
  • Notify the faculty member if an injury, spill, or any unexpected event occurs. 
  • Notify the faculty member if symptoms of exposure to hazardous material are experienced.
  • Visitors are permitted only under the direct supervision of a faculty member. 

Protect Yourself and Your Belongings 

  • Bring only required materials into the workspace. Leave coats, books, and other unnecessary materials in the designated area. 
  • Scarves must be removed prior to entering the studio. 
  • Wear closed toe shoes. Bare feet, sandals, flip-flops, and perforated shoes are not permitted. 
  • Loose clothing and long hair should be confined.
  • Contact lenses may exacerbate eye injuries. It is best not to wear them when there is a potential for exposure to vapors, dust, or splashes. 
  • Know the location of safety equipment. 
  • Avoid direct contact with any hazardous substance. 
  • Use protective equipment and apparel as appropriate or as directed by the faculty member.
  • Inspect the equipment before use. Replace equipment that becomes damaged, worn or contaminated immediately. 
  • Wash hands and exposed skin on arms before leaving the studio. 

Reduce Hazards 

  • Keep all work areas free of clutter and obstructions. 
  • Ensure that all containers are labeled. Lids should be closed when containers are not in use. 
  • Materials should only be used as intended by the manufacturer. A faculty member must be directly involved if different uses or treatments of materials are contemplated. 
  • A faculty member must be available when working with open flames or heat guns. 
  • Inspect all power tools prior to use. Do not use damaged tools. 
  • Kilns, presses, power tools, and other specialized equipment must be used only by individuals instructed in proper operation or under the direct supervision of properly instructed individuals. 
  • Work with solvents must be performed only in designated areas. 
  • If breakage or spills occur, take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all. Contact the proper authority while ensuring no one enters the area. 
  • Clean area when work is finished. Ensure that equipment is disconnected and stowed. Store all chemicals properly. 
  • Follow instructions for the management of waste. Never dispose of any material in the sink unless a faculty member has indicated that this is acceptable. 
  • If unsure about safe methods for conducting an activity, ask a faculty member. 

Local Art Venues

artist looking at artwork in Visual Arts Gallery

The department extends learning beyond the classroom and studios by sponsoring exhibitions in the UIS Visual Arts Gallery located on the second floor of the Health and Sciences Building. Students attend openings and workshops and gain experience in viewing works by a variety of local, national and international professional artists. Graduating students will present their senior exhibitions in the gallery.


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