Studio Art
Embrace Your Creativity as an Art Major at UNC Asheville
A foundation in design and conceptual research with concentrations in ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture—where context and communication shape creative practice.
A Robust Curriculum
Whether you’re drawn to intensive studio practice, a broad liberal arts experience, teaching art in schools, or simply adding creative depth to another major, UNC Asheville offers flexible options to fit your goals. Learn more about the BA, BFA, minor, and K–12 licensure pathways to find the right fit for your future
Career Paths
Studio Art majors pursue careers as graphic art directors, museum curators, teachers, illustrators, gallery managers, art critics, conservationists, and more. Many combine their creative talents with other fields, opening doors to unique and fulfilling career paths.
Undergraduate Research in Art
Art and Art History students at UNC Asheville may pursue independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Additionally, seniors will produce a major body of work in the form of a solo or group exhibition and portfolio, which serves as strong preparation for postgraduate work. All students are also encouraged to learn outside of the studio and gain professional experience through internships at local museums and galleries.
B.F.A. Application Requirements
B.F.A. Application Requirements
UNC Asheville’s B.F.A. in Studio Art requires a 3.0 GPA in Art courses, a portfolio of 10–15 works, and an artist’s statement. Applications are reviewed each semester, and admitted students must pass a later candidacy review to remain in the program.
Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders:
Your creative visions spring to life as an art major at UNC Asheville, where curiosity meets critical thinking, and imagination has the power to make an impact.
As a student at UNCA I conducted research that brought me to Germany the summer before my senior year. I proposed a project in which I retraced my lineage, and worked to understand the creative legacy of my family. This undergraduate research project was wildly meaningful at the time, and ended up being a catalyst for my own creative career. After graduation, I was invited to an artist residency in Dachau, Germany for three months, where I created ceramic artwork among local makers. The residency would not have happened without my undergraduate research project, and as time unfolds - this rings true for many other things.
Studio Art Concentrations
Studio Art Concentrations
UNC Asheville offers six distinct concentrations in studio art, allowing students to explore and deepen their creative practice in a chosen medium. Students can focus on ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture—each providing a strong foundation in both technical skill and conceptual development. These concentrations encourage personal expression, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in the arts or further study in graduate programs.
Artists in Action
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs offer students the flexibility to explore diverse areas of creative practice. Whether you’re interested in deepening your studio work, engaging in interdisciplinary study, or combining art with other passions, these degree paths support a wide range of personal and academic goals.
Beyond Four Walls: Hazel Freeman
Art Major Hazel Freeman discusses her senior exhibition entitled Memory at Play, for which she created 11 paintings depicting nostalgic memories from her childhood.
Beyond Four Walls - Margaret Priest
Margaret Priest is the collections intern at the Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center in downtown Asheville. She is proud to learn new skills like art handling, photography, and collections management, while contributing her efforts to preserving Black Mountain College’s legacy in modern art.
Original Minds: Brianna Miller
During her time as an art student, Brianna Miller utilized the printmaker's stone to explore her artwork, introversion, and the intriguing intersection of the two.
Paint it Gold
Lydia Ham, a painting major, was named a finalist for the 2023 AXA Art Prize, one of the nation's leading student art competitions.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Art Exhibitions
At UNC Asheville, your art education spans beyond the classroom. Our galleries across campus host student, faculty, and visiting artist exhibitions. All senior-level students create a major body of work—presented in a solo or group exhibition and portfolio—that provides strong preparation for postgraduate opportunities. Students are also encouraged to gain real-world professional experience through internships with local museums, arts organizations, and galleries.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Lecture Series
Each semester, UNC Asheville’s Art & Art History Department welcomes renowned visiting artists to campus to share their expertise and creative process. Through hands-on workshops and meaningful interactions, students gain fresh perspectives, sharpen their skills, and expand their artistic horizons.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Our Art and Art History Department faculty are passionate about the work they create and the subjects they study, bringing their wealth of knowledge to the classroom, the studio, and beyond. With small class sizes, you build meaningful connections with professors dedicated to your academic and artistic growth.
Related Programs
Ready for What's Next?
Discover your true potential in UNC Asheville’s art programs as you delve into one of our six dynamic concentrations tailored to ignite your creative spark and deepen your knowledge of history, critique, and craft. Whether you want to hone your fine skills, prepare for graduate school, or enter the field of education, our major can help you achieve your goals.