Department of Art
Artwork often serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness and fostering discourse on critical global issues, acting as a form of activism to stimulate change and draw attention to a broad spectrum of social, cultural, and political concerns. These encompass matters ranging from racial equality and gender identity to climate change and social justice. Art challenges the conventional boundaries of art spaces and audience engagement through experimentation with innovative mediums such as virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive installations, and internet-based art. It delves into the exploration of personal narratives, memories, and identities, including examining cultural heritage, individual experiences, and underrepresented perspectives, thus yielding a rich tapestry of diverse and inclusive expressions.
Furthermore, art embraces eco-friendly materials and delves into themes concerning nature, biodiversity loss, and the repercussions of human activity on the environment. Art exhibitions and installations are meticulously designed to catalyze conversations and inspire tangible action, often collaborating with professionals from various fields, including science, technology, and literature.
As an art major, you can select from several concentrations and areas of study:
We offer studio art courses in these areas as well as foundation art courses and Art History courses.
A degree in art teaches someone so much more than the skill of mastering a visual medium. It opens up avenues of thought that allow seemingly unrelated connections to form and provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
Visual artist
This includes painters, sculptors, illustrators, and other creators of visual art. They often sell their work through galleries or online platforms.
Art teacher
Art educators work in schools, colleges, or community centers to teach art and foster creativity in students of all ages.
Interior designer
Interior designers use their artistic skills to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces.
Fashion designer
Fashion designers create clothing and accessories, developing their own lines or working for established fashion brands.
Photographer
Photographers capture images for a variety of purposes, including portrait photography, fashion photography, and documentary photography.
Set designer
Set designers work in the entertainment industry, designing sets for theater, film, and television productions.
Creative director
Creative directors lead creative teams in various industries, shaping the overall artistic direction of projects.
Illustrator
Illustrators create visual representations for books, magazines, advertising, and various media.
Art curator
Curators work in museums and galleries, selecting and organizing art exhibitions and managing collections.
Gallery manager
Gallery managers oversee the operations of art galleries, from organizing exhibitions to marketing and sales.
Freelance Artist
Many artists work independently as freelancers, taking on various projects for clients, which can include anything from murals to custom artwork.
Art consultant
Art consultants assist individuals and organizations in selecting and acquiring artwork for their spaces.
Museum educator
Museum educators develop and conduct educational programs and tours in museums and cultural institutions.
Art historian
Art historians study the history of art, providing valuable insights into the context and significance of artworks.
Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual content for a variety of media, such as websites, advertising, branding, and print materials.
Animator
Animators work in the film, television, and gaming industries, bringing characters and stories to life through animation.
Web designer
Web designers create visually appealing and user-friendly websites, incorporating elements of graphic design and user experience.
Art therapist
Art therapists use art to help individuals cope with emotional or psychological issues, such as trauma, stress, or mental health challenges.
Art critic or writer
Art critics and writers analyze and write about art, providing insights and critiques for publications or online platforms.
Art conservator
Art conservators repair and preserve artworks, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their original condition.
These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to those with a background in art. The specific career path you choose may depend on your interests, skills, and the specialization within the field that you pursue. That being said, art education is also very valuable in other fields especially where linear problem solving is standard. Artists are known for their creative thinking and ability to make connections that are unexpected leading to creative leaps in the typical problem solving process.
In the discipline of art, various soft skills are highly valuable for success and professional growth. These soft skills include:Creativity, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Communication, Critical Thinking, Patience, Problem-solving, Self-motivation, Emotional Intelligence, Open-mindedness, Resilience, Time Management, Collaboration, Empathy, Business Acumen & Presentation Skills.These soft skills complement an artist's technical and creative abilities, contributing to a well-rounded and successful career in the art world. Whether you're a visual artist, designer, or in any other art-related profession, cultivating these skills can enhance your artistic journey.
Summer semester courses have included outdoor painting in various remote locations in Alaska. In addition to regular studio courses, we offer workshops by visiting artists.
The bachelor’s in art is comprised of professional coursework that focuses on the means, modes and history of art to encourage independent, original, critical and creative thinking. Our courses are designed to help you explore, research and master the skills needed for a variety of art careers.
The art history and art minors are available online.
Some studio areas, such as computer arts and photography, are available as online classes as well.
Why should I study art at UAF when I could study it anywhere?
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a small university with a lot of big opportunities. The art community in and around UAF is supportive and diverse, not to mention surrounded by incredible scenery and phenomena unlike any other. Draw inspiration from the vast wilderness, the dancing northern lights and the unique quality of light. Explore our many resources available to art students, including the Alaska Native Art Studio, access to NASA faculty, visiting artists, student club sponsorship to conferences and more. Our faculty supports creative exploration and is open-minded when it comes to your unique learning desires and interests.
What will you make at UAF?
The UAF Department of Art offers many opportunities to explore the performing arts without even leaving campus.
UAF Sculpture Club (SLAG)
Student Arts Alliance North
Student Ceramic Arts Guild (SCAG)
Student Organizations
The UAF Art Department works in partnership with arts and cultural organizations statewide including:
The Art Department also provides:
In addition, the UAF Art Department provides services to UA campuses and schools throughout the north through outreach events.
At UAF, you’ll learn from professional artists who understand the unique cultural context of Alaska. You’ll benefit from a vibrant art community in Fairbanks and access distinctive opportunities, like workshops with Native artists and elders, and artists-in-residence programs with renowned artists from throughout Alaska.
