Explore the Major

Majoring in Art

Senior Art ShowThe Art curriculum is designed to support the student seeking a B.A. degree in Art with a solid core of foundational skills; the flexibility to pursue and define a clear personal direction; and intensive upper-level experiences designed to launch careers in the visual arts and related fields. In their final semester, graduating students develop and present their Senior Project, a professional quality exhibition of self-generated work with accompanying research, writing, publicity, and documentation. Studio coursework includes painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography. In art history, the full chronological survey of Western art is covered at both introductory and advanced levels, plus topical courses in global, environmental, and contemporary art issues.  

Our faculty balance excellence and accessibility as active practitioners and dedicated teachers through exhibitions, lectures, conference presentations, publications, field work and research. Art Program faculty model behavior for professional careers while closely mentoring art students within the curriculum and beyond the classroom. Faculty involvement in service-learning, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and study abroad further expands and enriches the student experience as an art major at FGCU. 

Figure DrawingOur facilities have been purpose-built from the ground up, designed and driven by the needs and interests of faculty and students. The FGCU Arts Complex houses the Wasmer Art Gallery, studio classrooms, offices and support facilities, and expansive outdoor covered work areas for ceramics and sculpture.  Campus galleries provide an exciting schedule of contemporary art exhibitions, regular opportunities for presenting student work, and a lively focal point for professional networking and peer learning.

Our alumni have consistently demonstrated the value of their commitment to the arts as they continue on to new and exciting opportunities – the active creation, exhibition and marketing of artwork; graduate studies in studio art, art history, and art therapy; teaching jobs in public and private schools and in community arts organization; administrative and management positions in museums and galleries.

To visit the Arts Complex and discuss the Art Program with faculty and staff, please contact Program Coordinator Patricia Fay at 239-590-7229 or pfay@fgcu.edu.