Studio Art
Study art. And everything else you want to learn.
Our students develop their artistic practices while pursuing diverse academic interests in science + medicine, design, and the humanities. They graduate uniquely equipped to become professional artists and find prosperous careers in virtually every field.
STUDIO ART AREAS
Studio art comprises diverse disciplines and practices. By their very nature, these courses will inspire and challenge you to think, act, and be in the world differently.
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Time-Based + Media Art
Discover the perfect path for you.
Every first-year student is mentored by a dedicated academic advisor who guides them in shaping the educational path they desire. This includes course selection and scheduling. Whether you want a studio-intensive or a broader liberal arts-focus, we will help you find the right choice for you.
BFA in Studio Art
- More studio-intensive experience
- 65 credits of studio courses (about ½ of your total coursework)
- Optional concentrations in Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, or Time-Based + Media Art
- Capstone experience + annual thesis exhibition
*Students may also earn the BFA as part of a dual-degree program.
BA in Art
- Broader liberal arts focus
- 30-36 credits of studio courses (about ¼ of your total coursework)
- No capstone requirement
*Students may also earn the BA as part of a dual-degree program.
Second Major in Art
- Integrated mix of disciplines, including printmaking, photography, sculpture, painting, and time-based + new media
- Designed for WashU undergraduates pursuing a primary degree in another discipline
- Develops essential skills like visual thinking + creativity
Minors
- Creative Practice for Social Change
- Design
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Studio Art
In the senior capstone course, BFA in Studio Art students commit to an artistic position evidenced through studio production, presentation, and writing. You’ll deliver a public presentation about your work and participate in the BFA in Studio Art Thesis Exhibition at the Des Lee Gallery in downtown St. Louis.
STUDIO ART FACULTY
Jamie Adams / Carrie Becker / Heather Bennett / Matt Branham / Lisa Bulawsky / Juan William Chávez / Carmon Colangelo / Jennifer Colten / Zlatko Ćosić / Brandon Daniels / Sage Dawson / Joe deVera / John Early /Jen Everett / Abby Flanagan / Amy Hauft / Meghan Kirkwood / Andrea Moon / Arny Nadler / Patricia Olynyk / Tom Reed / Jack Risley / Anna Schenker / Lindsey Stouffer / Anika Todd / Denise Ward-Brown / Cheryl Wassenaar / Monika Weiss
*Image: Tom Reed. Bruno David Gallery, 2020.
Student + Alumni Spotlights
Virgil Marti, BFA ‘84, is an artist known for his works in sculpture and installation — which have been described as flamboyant and psychedelic — as well as his many years spent as a master printer.
Storytelling is at the core of Imani M. Cheers’ work—particularly helping to amplify the stories of women from underrepresented communities.
Avery Johnson talks about her approach to making and the influence her experiences with Island Press have had on her own work as a printmaker.
Kimia Ferdowsi Kline discusses her current practice and the way Family Systems Theory influences her work in this Q&A.
