Art
Through the Department of Art at Pittsburg State University, students gain a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and artmaking.
Our program of study leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. The BFA degree prepares students for a multitude of professional careers in studio, applied arts, and art education, and is also considered fundamental preparation for graduate degrees in the studio arts and art history.
Under the BFA program students choose one of four emphasis areas:
- 2D Studio Art
- 3D Studio Art
- Illustration and Visual Storytelling
- Art Education
Our curriculum, no matter the emphasis, is divided into three main tiers: foundations, media and technique, and application.
The student-to-faculty ratio in the Department of Art is 15 to 1.
The art program is structured for hands-on application. Conceptualize, design, and paint murals for downtown Pittsburg.
Students are placed in internships aiding in the operations of museums, galleries, and studio spaces.
Excellent studio facilities and an experienced faculty are hallmarks of the program.
Major opportunities for personal artistic and professional development from faculty who are working artists and/or research scholars in their respective disciplines are afforded to all students.
- Undergraduate Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society
- Facilities and Studios
The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University, provides students who have an interest in art, a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and design, that prepares them in a multitude of professional careers in studio, applied arts and art education. The BFA is also considered fundamental preparation for graduate degrees in the studio arts and art history.
To prepare students, the PSU Art Department offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Major in Art in a variety of emphases:
- 2D Studio Art
- 3D Studio Art
- Illustration and Visual Storytelling
- Art Education
Minor:
- Minor in Art (Non-Teacher Certification Minor) - Those seeking aesthetic or art historical knowledge, visual thinking and/or technical art skills to complement or expand their major courses of study should choose a minor in art.
We are pleased that you are interested in applying for a scholarship within the Department of Art at Pittsburg State University.
The Department of Art offers several scholarship opportunities that may be appropriate to your goals. To be eligible, students must be a full-time art major for the entire academic year (fall and spring semester). Professional semester for Art Education emphasis enrollment does not qualify.
The application is in three parts:
By February 1 of each year:
- PSU Online Scholarship Application
- 10 image portfolio of artworks (PDF or PowerPoint), Resumé including significant art related activities submitted via Canvas or emailed directly to the Department of Art office.
Many of our scholarships are based on financial need as well as academic achievement. Financial need is determined by the results of FAFSA.
Donor acknowledgements are required before disbursement of scholarship funds.
If you have any questions about art degree programs, career opportunities, or any further questions about applying for scholarships, please contact the Department of Art.
Founded in 1911 at the University of Kentucky, Kappa Pi is the oldest Honorary Art Fraternity. The Pittsburg State University Chapter began in the spring of 2017.
PSU Chapter Advisor
James Oliver, Professor/Chair
Faculty Initiates
Jamie Oliver
Janet Lewis
The Department of Art is located in Porter Hall, a three-story building originally built in 1927 as Pittsburg State University’s original library. This complex of spacious classrooms, studios, and galleries affords students an environment for significant artistic learning opportunities both in emerging and traditional media. Porter Hall also contains two gallery spaces on the main floor, the Harry Krug and University Galleries, which feature rotating exhibits of work by national and international professional artists. The Second Floor Gallery features community-based art projects and student curated exhibitions. Artists whose work is exhibited in the gallery spaces travel to campus to give lectures or workshops and interact with our students to provide them with deeper insight and understanding of the art world.
- Welcome to the Art Department
- Mission & Vision Statement
- Connect With Us - Social Media
- Directions to Porter Hall and the Galleries
The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University provides students who have an interest in art with a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and design. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with four emphasis areas: 2D Studio Art, 3D Studio Art, Illustration and Visual Storytelling, and Art Education. The BFA degree prepares students for a multitude of professional careers in studio, applied arts, and art education, and is also considered fundamental preparation for graduate degrees in the studio arts and art history. The Department of Art faculty members are all active exhibiting artists and/or research scholars in their own respective art fields. Faculty provide students with insight and guidance as they prepare for their own careers. The student to faculty ratio in the Department of Art is approximately 15 to 1.
All art majors take a series of introductory art courses in a wide range of media, as well as art history courses, and upper level courses in their emphasis area. Additionally, students pursuing a studio art emphasis take a series of professional practice courses that introduce them to the business aspects of being working artists and developing creative careers. Those pursuing the art education emphasis receive a comprehensive art education curriculum. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships in the areas of museum studies and gallery practice or studio and creative Industry.
Our mission is:
- to provide an exceptionally high quality education for those students committed to learning in the visual arts by providing a relevant, integrated and comprehensive curriculum that expands their artistic, intellectual and professional abilities through developing knowledge and skills in art (history, theory, pedagogy, and studio),
- to instill a greater understanding and visual literacy of the arts and humanities within the Pittsburg State University general student body, PK-12 school systems and the broader community by creating opportunities to engage in the world of visual arts through curricular, interdisciplinary and campus-based programs, along with directed outreach to the four state region,
- to provide the Pittsburg State University campus and community with exhibits of contemporary art and lecture presentations in order to further the artistic understanding of all constituents in the academic setting,
- to contribute significantly to advancement of the artistic disciplines by having active professional faculty, who are established at the local, regional, state, national and international levels.
Vision Statement
The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University seeks to further an educational and creative environment of the highest integrity providing students a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and design, that prepares them for professional careers in studio, applied arts and art education as well as advancing artistic disciplines and crossing traditional boundaries between academic disciplines as new professions and developments emerge.
Campus Map
Directions to Porter Hall and the Museum of Art Galleries
The PSU University Art Gallery is located in Porter Hall on the first floor off the main lobby.
The Harry Krug Art Gallery is located in Porter Hall on the first floor main lobby.
The Second Floor Gallery is located in Porter Hall on the second floor.
Directions to the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts
Outreach and Community Events
Find out about our community events like Art Connectors, High School Art Day, Family Art Day, and more!
Galleries and Exhibitions
See the University and Harry Krug Art Galleries and current/previous exhibitions.
- Becoming a Gorilla
- Current Art Gorillas
Contact Information
Chair: James M. Oliver, Jr.
Contact: Janet Kingman
Department of Art
101 Porter Hall
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone 620-235-4302
Fax 620-235-4303
Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to collaboration, respect, understanding for all students, staff, and faculty. The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity as a community of individuals and artists which seek to reduce prejudice, disparities, discrimination and build a supportive environment for all.