A degree in Art hones your creative edge & collaborative skills.
The Art Department encourages and promotes independent, original, innovative and critical thinking skills and prepares students for a career in art.
The department endeavors to provide an environment of artistic and academic excellence in the visual arts. By design it provides the student the opportunity to explore, research and master skills needed for many art careers. The department serves a vital community role in enriching the Alaskan humanities through the promotion of all aspects of visual arts, from traditional to contemporary including Alaska Native art and history.
The department designs, develops and implements programs that encourage and foster new ways of seeing as part of the Alaska aesthetic. Department faculty teach the means, modes and history of art to encourage independent, original, critical and creative thinking. Students enrolled in art studio classes are provided technical skills and access to facilities required to create fine art in varied disciplines in many different media. Students are prepared for careers in art and the department operates a gallery for the presentation of student, faculty and special exhibitions The gallery provides opportunity for academic and career development with an emphasis on professional presentation of works. The department also serves as a resource center for artists and arts groups. Emphasis is placed on Alaska Native Arts, given the university’s location and the variety of Native cultures represented in the student body and the value placed upon Alaska Native culture and art in the North.
News and events
March 21, 2025
A donor's deep connection to UAF inspired the Circumpolar Music Series, celebrating Arctic music and culture. See how giving can make a lasting impact.
Circumpolar Music Series: Brian Walker II
March 15, 2025
The Circumpolar Music Series hosts Brian Walker II, an Inupiat and Deg Hit’an mask maker, for a talk on Alaska Native music, culture, and artistic traditions.
March 09, 2025
J. Jason Lazarus is featured in Aeonian Magazine for Western Consumption, a Mordançage series exposing the environmental decay of the West.
Department of Art Contact Information
Email: uaf-art@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7530
Physical address:
1706 Tanana Loop,
Fine Arts Complex, Room 310
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Mailing address:
UAF Department of Art
PO Box 755640
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Zoë Marie Jones
Associate Professor of Art History
Office: Fine Arts Complex, Room 409
Phone: 907-454-7726
Email: zjones@alaska.edu
At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic
journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success.
Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey.
Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.
UAF Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–30 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation,
equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.
CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with 30+ credits)
Once you’ve completed 30 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors
for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related
questions.
CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared
a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance,
helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships,
practicums, and capstone projects.
CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate
students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides
the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated
department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want
to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens
through UAF Admissions.
Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.
