The Art Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo provides study in studio art, concentrating primarily in the areas of Drawing, Printmaking, and Painting. The curriculum supports students in the comprehension of art theory, aspects of art history, and the fundamentals of studio practice. Students continuing their education in graduate studies are offered guidance in the development of their portfolio of work which is a requirement for graduate school admission. Other areas of study in the fine arts can be arranged through consultation with the Art Department and College of Arts and Sciences.
Mission Statement
The Art Major (B.A.) program in the College of Arts and Sciences in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo established in January 1986 and is based upon the creative, experimental, and developmental aspects of art.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of the history of art, the role of art as an expression of cultural heritage, and of the practice of art in the studio environment with an emphasis on drawing, printmaking, painting, and digital media applications.
Department programs offer additional opportunity for students, the university, and the community to experience attitudes and forms of visual art in regional, national, and international contexts.
Our objective is to train intelligent hands capable of driving the technologies applied to the production/creation of art; help students better understand current professional standards as they are applied in the field.
- The development of working relationships with materials, techniques, procedures, and training in creative exploration of individual expression and ideas.
- The development of creative thinking and critical analysis in the area of the visual arts. Critical thinking skills and the ability to express this process are significant aspects of studio practice.
- The understanding of the history of world cultures and an appreciation for developments in the contemporary mainstream. Comprehension of the role of art as an expression of cultural heritage.
- The experience and exposure to mainstream visual arts through national and international exhibitions to establish a broader base of comprehension for contemporary movements in art.
- Preparation for graduate studies in studio art. The program areas in the Art Department which can support graduate school candidates are painting, printmaking, drawing, and digital media.
- The development of a foundation for professional occupations in the areas of digital media design, graphic illustration, and teaching.
- The development of organizational and planning skills and experiences required in the profession of art.
- Providing a cornerstone for liberal arts education in the University environment.