Art & Art History
Explore the study and practice of visual art. Develop your creative talents through printmaking, drawing, painting, digital imaging, sculpture, photography and extended media. Study the history of art through courses in Canadian art, Aboriginal art history, European architecture, Renaissance works, 19th Century visual culture and photographic history. Take advantage of our unique study abroad opportunities and sign up for international art courses in Europe or Japan. Experience an environment that fosters creativity and individual diversity. Get a genuine taste of what a professional artist is and does. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose Art and Art History at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Art & Art History?
Art & Art History is an interdisciplinary program in studio art, art history and art education. Studio art develops the student's creative potential in a wide range of visual media from printmaking to sculpture to digital imaging. Art History offers courses in the history, theory and practice of visual culture in Canada and elsewhere, with a focus on Aboriginal art. In a contemporary world saturated with visual images, it is increasingly important to be visually literate and to understand how visual images affect our daily lives.
Students in the program have the opportunity to work in a studio environment as well as study and research a variety of subjects ranging from traditional works to contemporary video and performance art.
Having a double major has allowed me to experience both areas in the department. The professors have challenged me, but I’ve found them to be supportive and approachable, and my peers have become some of my most admired friends. You can always count on the art department for interesting events and exciting opportunities. Highlights for me included showing my art in student exhibitions and taking one term abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.—Jillian Cyca,
Double Major, Studio & Art History,
Hometown: Swift Current, SK
A Stepping Stone...
A degree in Art & Art History is a great start for students interested in careers in visual art, design, architecture, film, curatorial work, education, university teaching, arts administration and art conservation.
Students with a U of S degree in Studio Art or Art History are prepared to pursue graduate studies here and around the world. At the U of S, students can work toward a graduate degree in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography and inter-media.
Graduates of the Master's of Fine Arts program have many career options to choose from as well. The Department also offers special-case Master’s studies in Art History.
Career Opportunities
Art & Art History graduates may continue their professional development with careers in the following areas:
- Professional Artist - self-employment or contract work in visual art, photography, printmaking, sculpture, extended media, painting and drawing.
- Art Education - professional teaching positions in the visual arts.
- Art Administration - careers in cultural and heritage institutions as academics, curators and art administrators.
- Commercial Art - careers with corporate and governmental agencies as specialists in graphic design, promotion design, art consulting, website design and creative directing.
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan was the first university in Western Canada with a Fine Arts degree program. The Department of Art & Art History's multi-disciplinary approach to art continues to provide students with the option to explore and develop their talents with support from the Department’s enthusiastic and dedicated staff.
The Department of Art & Art History offers an active Visiting Artist Program where nationally and internationally renowned artists and lecturers conduct artist talks, seminars, workshops and studio visits. Faculty and staff offer distinguished research, dynamic art, experimental teaching methods and community involvement.
Choose Your Program!
There are three areas of study in the Department of Art & Art History including:
- Studio Art - the practice of art in various media in six studio areas
- History of Art - the history, theory and criticism of art
- Art Education - the teaching of art
Courses are supported by the information and skills gained from rigorous and traditionally structured courses in both Studio Art and Art History. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is fundamental for students who wish to pursue careers in studio art or continue with further studies in the graduate program. In Art History, the B.A. Honours degree is required to pursue further studies in this discipline.
A Major in Art & Art History
Students majoring in Studio Art can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.F.A. Four-year (Honours)
- B.A. Double Honours
Students majoring in Art History can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
- B.A. Double Honours
The three-year degrees provide students with a general background in the visual arts; whereas, students enrolled in the four-year programs will have the opportunity to choose a field of specialization. Students may choose an Art History major to acquire a thorough knowledge of the history of art in preparation for continued studies in graduate work. The Double Honours programs are suitable for students interested in obtaining diverse education with two chosen specialties.
The Department of Art & Art History fosters an environment which is open, encouraging of individual diversity and creativity, and rigorous in the way that work is looked at and discussed. Students get a genuine taste of what a professional artist is and does.—Alison Norlen
Associate Professor
Outstanding Students & Faculty
The University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Art & Art History is proud of the many achievements of its students and faculty members:
- Numerous solo and group exhibitions by U of S faculty members have been featured in world-renowned, Canadian galleries, including: the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa; the Parisian Laundry and La Centrale in Montreal; Wynick Tuck, Gevik Gallery and Gallery 44 in Toronto; and Douglas Udell in Edmonton and Vancouver. Faculty members are also regular recipients of Creative Arts grants from the Canada Council and Saskatchewan Arts Board.
- Art & Art History students have been recognized for their works with scholarships including the national BMO Student Art Competition Award and departmental awards, including the Michael Misanchuk Travel Award and Coca Cola Scholarships.
- The Department of Art & Art History has produced graduates who produce outstanding works. Many artists not only have been featured in exhibitions but also have been published in catalogues, featured in public and private collections, and included in public commissions. Art History graduates have pursued careers as university teachers, gallery curators, art conservators, arts administrators and architects.
Getting Involved!
Join the Visual Arts Student Union. The student-based organization strives to enhance the social and developmental needs of artists. It provides workshops, plans group exhibitions, screens art films and organizes group excursions. Students meet other artists and develop a network of contacts while attending multiple student-organized events.
The Department of Art & Art History encourages students to become involved in planning and curating group exhibitions for presentation to their peers, mentors, friends and family. Featured works of undergraduate, graduate and master's students are arranged for viewing in a public forum at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery throughout the year.
Research Facilities
The main research facilities in the Department of Art & Art History are fine art studios, a visual resource centre, the Snelgrove Gallery and a digital editing suite. Students are inspired to develop artistic skills in a multi-disciplinary environment with amply equipped studios and the latest innovations in fine art equipment and supplies.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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