Department of Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Program prepares students for future careers in the arts with an interdisciplinary spirit and a global perspective

Visual Arts Department Mission

The Visual Arts Department prepares students to express effectively through visual communication, ideas, opinions, and impressions about personal, societal and aesthetic aspects of the lived experience. Diversity, equity and social justice are central to our program which honors all individuals' identities, cultures and communities. Interdisciplinary exploration within and outside the Visual Arts is critical to the art-making process and is an essential aspect of the program. An education in the Arts develops creativity and problem-solving abilities and is a powerful preparation for all professional careers. Study in Visual Arts culminates in the creation of a developed body of work that reflects the expression of each individual student’s personal areas of interest.

A statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Visual Arts Department prepares students to express effectively through visual communication, ideas, opinions, and impressions about personal, societal, and aesthetic aspects of the lived experience. Interdisciplinary exploration within and outside the Visual Arts is critical to the art-making process and is an essential aspect of the program. An education in the Arts develops creativity and problem-solving abilities and is a powerful preparation for all professional careers. Study in Visual Arts culminates in the creation of a developed body of work that reflects the expression of each individual’s areas of interest. Diversity, equity, and social justice are central to our program, one that honors all individuals' identities, cultures and communities.

Image of photography and sculpture by rwu students

Degree Offerings

We offer major and minor degree programs for Visual Arts. Depending on the student's educational and career goals, Roger Williams University offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Visual Arts (major)>

Student artwork "pantyhose"

Student Work

Our students create work that is original, fresh, and, of course, creative. Whether it's in video, photography, printmaking or any other media, the work students produce is an exploration of their own individual aims and interests.

See Student Work
Image of the interior of "the muffin" focused on ceiling and windows of classroom space

Visual Arts Facilities

Visual Arts students work in several specialized spaces across campus.

Explore Our Facilities
Visual arts classroom

Faculty and Staff

The Visual Arts faculty consists of active artists who share their experiences with students through lively and challenging discussions and critiques.

Meet The Faculty and Staff
Kristen Fissell

Visual Arts Department Alumni Spotlight

Kristen Fissell, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±×ÊÁÏ Class of 2022
Visual Arts

Kristen completed many installations and exhibitions during her year with the Visual Arts program, most of her work being displayed at the then Roger That! Gallery. She notes that her favorite class taken during her time with the Visual Arts program was Marking Spaces with Professor Elizabeth Duffy. In this advanced sculpture class, Kristen said she learned how to take up space in a bigger and more impactful way.

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