The Department of Art at Elmhurst University offers three programs of visual studies leading to either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree—the studio art major, the art business major, and the graphic design major. The programs are designed to build on the strengths of a traditional core curriculum while encouraging individual artistic direction and supporting diverse career goals. Completion of a degree program provides the student with the academic background, technical foundation, and qualifications necessary to pursue graduate study or a career in the visual arts, communication, education, or a related field.

Along with the three majors, the department offers two minors—studio art and art history. The minors may be elected to accompany a major or chosen to support programs in other fields that interrelate with visual art.

Our curriculum prepares students for the demands and opportunities of professional careers in the dynamic fields of art and design. Central to our philosophy is the belief that creativity and innovation are skills and talents that can be cultivated and refined. Through a comprehensive approach that combines studio studies with historical and cultural frameworks, the program encourages critical assessment of the societal impact of art and design. Interdisciplinary studio studies and practice are emphasized as the cornerstone of our curriculum, recognizing that this approach encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, innovation through experimental risk-taking, and preparedness for the professional field. The students gain functional competence in visual organization, technical proficiency, and the ability to conceptualize and produce work that reflects perceptual acuity and conceptual understanding at a professional entry level upon graduation.

Department of Art’s studios, computer labs and maker space feature the latest technology and specialized equipment essential for creative innovation and experimentation.

In addition to degree seeking students, the department also welcomes students who simply wish to explore their creative interests by taking individual art courses. Introductory studios are open to all students with or without previous art experience or special skills.

Other on-campus resources include a world-class art collection of Imagist and Abstractionist art. Comprising more than 150 works, this collection is on permanent display in the A.C. Buehler Library. In addition, the University has a vibrant art exhibition and a visiting artist program that each year hosts exhibitions by professional artists that include gallery talks and additional classroom contact.

BFA Program Information

Admission to the BFA program involves a portfolio review process. BFA program requirements include an additional four studio courses at 300/400 level—doubling the BA studio course requirements. The additional courses provide an opportunity to further develop skills and produce a comprehensive professional portfolio, increasing their chances to be admitted to a graduate MFA program.

Mission Statement

The Elmhurst University Department of Art’s mission is to provide a supportive art education which fosters student development into responsible citizens who are empowered to create unique, innovative works of visual art and design using their distinct voice to engage complex issues through a multidisciplinary lens. As a department, we are committed to creating a transformative learning environment which highlights the essential role of art in both the microcosm of a comprehensive liberal arts education and the macrocosm of a global society. This environment encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, innovation through experimental risk-taking, technical proficiency, and preparedness for the professional field. We help students understand the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal values; this promotes a sense of responsibility toward the community and the world. Through supportive mentorship and rigorous curriculum, we encourage students to connect their artistic practice with broader intellectual and social contexts. Our graduates emerge from Elmhurst’s Department of Art as professional artists and designers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insight necessary to produce work which demonstrates a professional level of craftsmanship, contributes meaningfully to cultural discourse, and promotes the values of informed citizenship and ethical leadership.

Goals and Objectives

• Cultivate Creativity and Innovation: Develop students' ability to engage their creativity by synthesizing existing ideas in original ways, embracing innovation and risk-taking.

• Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Equip students with the skills to effectively solve visual problems using knowledge of formal elements and design principles.

• Develop Technical Proficiency: Ensure mastery over the practical application of techniques, technologies, and methodologies for professional-level craftsmanship.

• Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage critical assessment of the societal impact of art and design, informed by historical and cultural contexts.

• Improve Articulation and Presentation: Strengthen students' ability to clearly present and articulate their creative visions, leading to a cohesive body of work.

• Cultivate Global and Cultural Understanding: Foster an understanding of how cultural concepts, values, and contexts shape art's historic and ongoing role in a diverse, global society.

• Prepare for Professional Practice: Help students succeed in the professional world by engaging in ethical practice, continuous learning, and standard expectations in the field.

• Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promote the integration of concepts and techniques from various disciplines into creative practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Creative Thinking—Students will analyze, synthesize, experiment, and iterate to create original and innovative works of visual art and design.

• Problem Solving—Students will produce works of art and design that demonstrate using formal elements and principles of design to solve visual problems, particularly those of form aligning with content.

• Technical proficiency—Students will apply the use of appropriate tools, techniques, and/or technology to create works of art and design with a professional level of craftsmanship.

• Critical Thinking—Students will assess the cultural impact of art and design within a diverse, global context informed by an interdisciplinary knowledge of historical, cultural, formal, and stylistic influences indicative of a liberal arts education.

• Articulation—Students will demonstrate a cohesive articulation of their creative efforts through both visual and verbal presentations of a culminating body of work, wherein their articulated intent and goals match their results.