WCU Art & Design Department

Art Program

Make your mark through meaningful creative practice.

Western’s Art Program grounds students in traditional media while encouraging experimentation and personal expression. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more, students build a strong technical foundation and explore the evolving role of art in contemporary culture.

Hands-on studio courses are led by practicing artists who guide students through creative processes rooted in both classical techniques and innovative approaches. The program emphasizes critical thinking and encourages engagement with social, cultural, and environmental issues through art-making.

Students gain real-world experience through exhibitions, collaborative projects, and connections with the local arts community in the Gunnison Valley. Whether pursuing fine arts or interdisciplinary creative practice, Western’s Art Program fosters artists who think deeply, create boldly, and contribute meaningfully.

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Two students sit on grass and watercolor paint a scene with their canvases on their laps.

    Artistic and Professional Growth

    Western Art students gain real-world experience through internships, exhibitions, and creative projects—with many opportunities to get paid for their work.
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Areas of Study

Art

Available as: Major, Minor

Art Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Art K-12 Licensure with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Ceramics

Available as: Major Emphasis

Illustration

Available as: Certificate

Interdisciplinary Art Major

Available as: Major

Jewelry

Available as: Major Emphasis

Painting

Available as: Major Emphasis

Photography

Available as: Major Emphasis

Printmaking

Available as: Major Emphasis

Sculpture

Available as: Major Emphasis

Studio Art

Available as: Major Emphasis

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Department News

  • Tina Butterfield, assistant professor of art, discusses a painting with senior Silas McDonough in the painting studio of Quigley Hall.

    Professor Tina Butterfield Brings a Touch of Humanities to Leadership After WICHE Academy

    Today, most colleges and universities are led by people trained in education, business, and the sciences. But an effort to bring more faculty from the…
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  • Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

    Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

    Training humanities faculty for leadership GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Art & Design Department Chair and Professor Tina Butterfield was one of only eight people from across…
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Top Skills

Technical and Artistic Skills
Conceptual Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking
Professional and Career Skills
Soft Skills
Strong Work Ethic

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Career Pathways

Fine Art Career Pathways
Studio Artist
Ilustrator
Art Educator
Museum or Gallery Curator
Art Conservator/Restorer

Art Program

Chair of Art

Contact Information

970.943.3093
970.943.2329

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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