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SLU Studio Art Program

Saint Louis University’s studio art program provides students with a learning experience that fosters art-making in the context of the liberal arts.

A student works on a drawing in a classroom studio.
 


We encourage a healthy curiosity in the natural world around us, allowing our students to grow within our program and begin seeing and thinking like visual artists.

Our studio art faculty model professional artistic practice and provide a link to the larger art community. Faculty exhibit in galleries and museums, share works in progress in the classroom and provide connections to other professional artists that can lead to internship opportunities.

Saint Louis University’s studio art program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Degrees in Studio Art

Studio Space and Portfolio Development

Studio art students at SLU have the opportunity to expand and sharpen their artistic abilities through practice. We have studios for 2-D and 3-D media, including ceramics and sculpture, painting, drawing, fibers, metals, photography, printmaking, computer art and graphic design.

Experiences in the studio enhance natural development as an artist as you explore your individual gifts and learn about the world. Connections across disciplines and cultural differences will help you gain a conceptual and intellectual framework for their art.

You will leave SLU with a portfolio of work, an appreciation of the development of your values and creative skills, as well as an appreciation of the processes, expressions and values of others.

Studio Art Scholarships

SLU’s Studio Art program offers competitive scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional skills in art. Funds may be used toward tuition costs and general fees but not course fees.
 
Applicants must declare a major in studio art, achieve a grade of "B" in all studio art coursework and present a portfolio of work via SlideRoom to become eligible.
 
In addition to your portfolio, you must submit the following:
 
  • Listing of studio art coursework you have completed or are currently taking.
  • Personal statement describing your studio art goals at SLU (limit to one page).
  • Resume of any studio art exhibits or related work experience.
The scholarship deadline is March 1.
 

Studio Art Internships

An internship is a valuable experience to expand your knowledge about studio art and develop important professional skills. All studio art students at SLU are encouraged to complete at least one internship before they graduate. You can participate in an internship with or without receiving course credit. Before accepting an internship, review the requirements below.

Seeking Course Credit

If you are interested in taking an internship for credit through the studio art program, you must have achieved junior or senior status and be a declared studio art major or minor. You must also:

  • Register for ART 3800.
  • Complete 150 hours of work for three credit hours. (You may also do an internship for one or two credit hours at a rate of 50 hours per credit hour.)
  • Submit a proposal form prior to beginning the internship.
  • Have your employer submit a performance evaluation to the supervising professor that describes your overall performance and your ability to complete tasks, communication skills, interpersonal skills, initiative, responsibility, reliability and other skills specific to the job.
  • Submit an activity report and performance evaluation to the supervising professor prior to the end of final exams.

For questions about the internship requirements, contact your studio art mentor or Martin Brief at martin.brief@slu.edu.

Tidy Projects

Tidy Projects is a student-run graphic design studio creating a culture of good design at Saint Louis University and in the larger St. Louis community. Our designers solve problems and produce quality work for both on- and off-campus clients. Mentored by studio art faculty, Tidy Projects prepares students with real-world client relationships and design experiences. Our team is made up of students from a variety of majors, but all of them have taken graphic design courses in the studio art program. These courses teach students the skills they need allow them to become involved with Tidy Projects.

Learn More About Tidy Projects

 

McNamee Gallery

Studio art majors display their work in the McNamee Art Gallery, located in Saint Louis University's historic Samuel Cupples House. Students are involved in the conception, organization, and installation of exhibits, publicity and gallery events.

Students also have access to SLU's two nationally recognized art museums: the Saint Louis University Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of Saint Louis University's studio art program reflects the larger University mission in developing students that are reflective individuals seeking to find their place in the world.

Students are active critical thinkers as they pursue seeing with insight, thoughtful decision-making, and developing original approaches to producing their art. Professors seek to create a learning environment that is collaborative in their courses, within the program as a whole, and with the larger University community, as well as the community at large. Students learn with different approaches, media and perspectives about art.