Major in Art at UMW
The Studio Art major at the University of Mary Washington combines intensive studio practice with experimentation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. Students work across our studio areas—including Digital Media, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture—developing strong technical skills while building an individual artistic voice.
Our flexible curriculum reflects UMW’s liberal arts mission and prepares students for a wide range of paths in the arts, education, and creative industries. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship support each student’s creative and professional growth from introductory courses through the senior exhibition.
Core Foundations
Foundation courses introduce students to a wide range of artistic processes, materials, and approaches while building technical skills, visual awareness, and creative confidence. These courses encourage experimentation, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary thinking while preparing students for advanced studio work across the major.
Design Principles
Introduction to the elements and principles of design through two- and three-dimensional studio projects that explore composition, visual communication, form, space, and material processes.
Drawing I
Introduction to observational, traditional, and experimental drawing practices using a variety of media and approaches to image-making.
Digital Art Foundations
Introduction to digital art practices through creative projects that explore image-making, design, and contemporary digital tools in the context of art theory and studio practice.
What other courses will I take?
After completing the foundation courses, students explore a wide range of advanced studio classes across the department. Courses encourage experimentation, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of an individual creative practice. Students can study Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Digital Media, Animation, and Video while working with both traditional techniques and contemporary approaches to art-making.
Opportunities
Visiting Artists and Speakers Program
Every semester, we welcome professional artists, curators, and scholars to campus for lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and workshops. These visits give students the unique opportunity to engage directly with leaders in the field, gaining insight into contemporary practices and professional pathways. The artist talks are free and open to the public. You can check our schedule on our Department calendar, or stay tuned on our socials for upcoming events.
Instagram: @umwstudioart
Facebook: UMW Studio Art
Student Art Association
The UMW Student Art Association (SAA) welcomes all students, majors and non-majors alike, who share a passion for creativity. Working alongside faculty, members organize art-filled meetings, local collaborations, and community events throughout the year. From participating in VIA Colori Stafford to hosting student art sales and taking field trips, SAA fosters a vibrant space for anyone interested in exploring and celebrating the arts.
Study Abroad/Scholarships
We offer competitive scholarships, Undergraduate Research Grants, and departmental awards that support independent work, study abroad, and summer opportunities.
Galleries
Students exhibit work regularly in our campus galleries, gaining experience in professional presentation and curatorial practices. Galleries offers internships each semester, as well as paid positions.
Where will you go next?
An Art degree from the University of Mary Washington prepares students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt to an ever-changing world. Our graduates pursue diverse paths: some continue their education in competitive MFA and graduate programs, while others become art educators, digital designers, art therapists, illustrators, conservation specialists, community arts leaders, and creative entrepreneurs.
Through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, the program fosters critical thinking, communication, and problem solving—core skills that prepare students for Life After Mary Washington. Graduates leave with the confidence, perspective, and adaptability to make an impact in the studio, the classroom, and the broader creative community.
The university also offers assistance with our Center for Career and Professional Development.
UMW Art graduates pursue careers across the creative industries and beyond. Alumni work as exhibiting artists, educators, designers, photographers, filmmakers, museum professionals, illustrators, arts administrators, and independent creative professionals. Others apply their studio experience to fields including digital media, exhibition design, community arts, conservation, and creative technology.
Art graduates have continued their education at leading MFA and graduate programs including Rhode Island School of Design, Virginia Commonwealth University, Savannah College of Art and Design, George Washington University, Boston University, the University of Oregon, Ohio State University, and other nationally and internationally recognized institutions.
Students gain professional experience through internships, curatorial projects, exhibitions, and community partnerships. Opportunities are available through the UMW Galleries as well as museums, galleries, and arts organizations in Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.. Students have completed internships focused on exhibition design, collections management, gallery administration, museum education, and studio assistance.
Careers and graduate programs are covered in ARTS 474: Professional Practices in Studio Art
Ready to take the next step?
Contact
For all general department business, please contact:
Jason Robinson
Department Chair of Studio Art
Associate Professor of Digital Art
jrobins8@umw.edu