Art transforms feelings and ideas into visual expression. At the Center for the Visual Arts students learn how to express themselves artistically by developing media skills and a visual and conceptual language. Unlike other programs in the nation, the program in the Department of Art is connected to the galleries and library of the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art. At our unique campus students can take advantage of these outstanding research facilities. Classes regularly visit the Toledo Museum of Art and take advantage of the museum’s collection of masterpieces to explore artistic concepts first hand.

Studio courses are taught by professors and instructors who continue professional careers in their own individual art disciplines. This brings a rich and invaluable layer of real-world experience to the classroom. While developing their special talents in ceramics, drawing, metalsmithing, new media, painting, printmaking and sculpture, students also have opportunities to broaden their experiences through internships in areas such as gallery management and interactive media. Students have opportunities to take field trips to museums, galleries and historical sites, both in the Midwest and on the East coast.

Whether the goal is to become a professional artist or to go on to graduate study in art, students may also apply to the department’s more specialized, intensive degree programs in art. The Bachelor of New Media Design Practices provides hands-on experiential and practie learning, in combination with the creative an theoretical new media course offerings of the department. Alternatively, the B.F.A. track is a rigorous and competitive program of study that enables students to enhance their skills base, while developing a strong personal portfolio of work.

What to expect when you graduate

Inaddition to working as fine artists, graduates find jobs in a variety of art-related fields including medical illustration, advertising, interactive media and design, photography and visual communication. Many students go on to graduate school to further their professional career choices with a master of fine arts.

The award-winning Center for the Visual Arts was designed by the renowned architect

Frank Gehry, famous for such buildings as the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.