As an art student, you’ll learn how to unify technique and theory across an array of media and disciplines with the option of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts tracks. A strong foundation in art will prepare you for a career as a professional artist, educator, curator and more.
Department Overview
Immerse yourself in the world of art.
The Art Department emphasizes an academic approach to artistic training centered on a strong foundation in design and drawing. In studio courses, you’ll have access to faculty who are equally versed in traditional and cutting-edge artistic practices, technologies and industry-standard software. Through the comprehensive curriculum, you’ll acquire tools to explore critical contemporary issues and a broad foundation in western and worldly art history and theory.
Programs in Western Colorado University’s Art Department will prepare you to pursue a career in graphic design, photography, animation, teaching and museum curation. Areas of study include Art Education Licensure, Art History, Graphic Design, Ceramics and more. This department also encompasses our Master of Gallery Management & Exhibits Specialization.
Artistic expression
Western art students are given the tools to explore critical contemporary issues and a broad foundation in western and worldly art history and theory.
Scholarships
Eligibility
- Full-time Western Senior majoring in Art
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
- Student must exhibit service to the Art program by involvement with the ART League or other co-curricular art activities
- Preference will be given to a BFA Senior Veterans of the United States Armed Forces
Description
This scholarship is provided by Dr. Al Caniff.
Amount: $1000
Selected by: Art Faculty in consultation with the Financial Aid Office.
Application:
Contact the Art Department at 970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- High School seniors to college seniors
- Must have been involved in scouting program and attained rank of First Class Scout
- Must be a graduate of a Western Slope high school
- Preference will be given to Gunnison High School graduates who meet the criteria
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family to perpetuate the memory of Gary Dolezal, who was an example of scouting, citizenship and scholarship. Award depends on funds availableApplication:
Please complete and submit Western's Common Scholarships Application.Eligibility
- Student must be full-time
- Junior or senior art majors seeking Art Education Licensure
- Student must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours
- Must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Demonstrate a strong interest in art education and the potential to become a successful teacher in art
Description
This scholarship is provided by art students, celebrating the memory of Mary L. Alber, Western class of 1942.
Award determined by available funds. Renewable.
Eligibility
- Must be a graduating Art Major with skills in sculpting, preferably in hand built ceramics
Description
The Brian Hirsh Award has been established by Joel and Barbara Hirsh to provide an award to a Western Colorado University Senior majoring in Art. This scholarship serves to honor the art talent of Brian Hirsh, a 2001 graduate of Western who passed away in 2012. The small award is for a graduating senior, to give them a start in their career, perhaps to start a website, to cover a fee or an art show or art supplies; however, there are no strings attached.
Scholarship Recipient Selected by:
The recipient will be determined by the Art faculty, in consultation with Financial Aid.
Application: Contact the Department of Art and Music for scholarship application and deadline information.
970.943.2071 | Quigley Hall 101
Find out more about Western's Art Program at www.western.edu/art.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student's GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
News & Research
Department Information
Art Department
Department Chairperson
S. Chase Hutchison, MFAArt Department Chair, Associate Professor of Art
Administrative Assistant
Becky KenlonAdministrative Assistant
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231