The Department of Art

Learn To Shape The World Around You

Within the scope of the university’s land-grant mission, the Department of Art utilizes our unique geographic location to serve and reflect distinctive border communities. The program supports innovative and hybrid practices, investigation of materials through both studio practice and a museum conservation program, as well as exhibition and curatorial opportunities. Establishing a foundation in critical and cultural discourse, our program includes in-depth examination of theory, methodology, and historiography of art and art history.

Department of Art
Interdisciplinary & Intercultural

 

Capitalizing on the expertise and research agendas of the department’s faculty, as well as a state-of-the-art facility, students are provided with multiple platforms for artistic and critical engagement, as well as professional advancement. The curriculum fosters learning through collaborative and cross-disciplinary approaches and encourages exploration through a variety of research and curatorial practices. Critique and discourse are contextualized within historical and contemporary frameworks, with the possibility of developing new strategies of inquiry into culture and knowledge production. A faculty of nationally and internationally recognized practicing artists, historians, and conservators, in conjunction with a vibrant roster of visiting artists and researchers, create opportunities for active engagement across varied disciplines.

Devasthali Hall

The facilities in Devasthali Hall offer students  nearly 60,000 sq. ft. of classroom, studio, and exhibition space. Devasthali Hall was designed with the emerging generation of art and culture professionals in mind with features that accommodate the robust research and creative activity happening in our community.

 

Find more detailed information and virtual tours of our Student Facilities   HERE

Success Stories

 

Learn how we're helping students build memorable experiences and careers.

News Highlights

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Community

Where We Ended UP: 2026 MFA Thesis Exhibition

Opening Reception on May 1, 2026

5:30-7:30 PM

Contemporary Gallery 

This exhibition will be on display through May 16, 2026. This two-person exhibition showcases the culmination of both artists’ individual research and development during their time in the Department of Art’s graduate program. Where We Ended Up: 2026 MFA Thesis Exhibition features a variety of media and processes from ceramics and paintings, to found objects and immersive installation.

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