The realm of studio art is so vast, you could spend a lifetime examining its never-ending reservoir of possibilities. So when you enter Maryville's Studio Art program, you'll be exposed to all kinds of studio experiences, and you will graduate with a diverse, top-notch portfolio. And with so much to choose from, you'll have plenty of time to explore before settling on a major or concentration.
Although you'll study a wide spectrum of topics, you can be sure that you'll receive individual attention. Your experience will be tailored with one-on-one assessments, technical and aesthetic feedback from your instructors, and independent study in areas like graphic novels or installation art to assure the most personal growth possible.
Program Features
The Art Experience
Though your first three years at Maryville will focus on the here and now, preparation for the future is also a key part of your education. That's why we require our Studio Art Senior Capstone and Seminar class. It'll help you transition into life after graduation by covering the details of setting up a studio, exhibition options, résumés, artist's statements, job options, networking, gallery protocol, legal issues and other practical matters. We also try to incorporate guest speakers and field trips whenever it's feasible.
This class will also prepare you for your solo Senior Exhibit in the Morton J. May Foundation Gallery. You'll learn presentation methods, exhibition design, and most importantly, you'll produce a cohesive body of work that represents the culmination of your studio art endeavors. If you're thinking about grad school, we can offer advice about appropriate graduate programs, and assist you with portfolio presentations, artist's statements and documenting your work.
To make sure you get as much real-world experience as possible, you'll be expected to complete an internship before you graduate. Don't worry - faculty members will help you find an appropriate internship that reflects your interests and future goals. Attending events and working with faculty are the best ways to expand your internship opportunities. Past students have interned at places like COCA, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis University Museum of Art, Don Weigand Studios, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Michael Eastman Photography, Matt O'Shea Photography Studio, Missouri Historical Society, Morse Fine Art Studios, Alive Magazine and Phillip Slein Gallery.
Getting Involved
Creating great art is only part of what you'll do here. Getting professional feedback, networking and participating in exhibits during your time here will enable you to grow as an artist and will add "real-world" context to your college experience. On campus and off, we make it easy and worthwhile for you to get involved in the art community. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities like these:
- Maryville's Student Art Association produces and promotes off-campus exhibits, social events and service projects.
- Throughout the year, the Morton J. May Foundation Gallery exhibits the work of regional and national professional artists who you can meet at the opening receptions.
- The Whitaker Foundation Endowed Visiting Artist program lets us bring guest artists to campus to talk about their work, critique student work, and conduct workshops.
- Several professional arts organizations, like the Society for Midwest Metalsmiths and the Weaver's Guild of St. Louis, meet on our campus or hold workshops in our studios. Both organizations also provide Studio Art students with opportunities for scholarships.
Studio Art Events
- Student-curated exhibits on and off campus
- Social events, such as the annual Halloween Costume Party, the Chinese New Year Celebration and Movie Nights
- Field trips to Chicago
- Informal trips to art events, such as gallery opening receptions in the city, free Fridays at the St. Louis Art Museum and lectures
- Guerilla Art Events (site-specific art installations that make a social or political statement)
- Senior B.F.A. Exhibit
- All-Student End-of-Year Exhibit
Professional/Career Opportunities
Careers in Studio Art
The goals of the Studio Art program, whether you earn a B.F.A. or a B.A., are to prepare you for a career in art and design, or to assist you in pursuing graduate studies in studio art (M.F.A.), medical illustration or arts administration.
After Graduation
Your decision to enroll in the B.F.A. Studio Art program reflects your passion for making art and your desire to become an artist. In this program you will develop and learn new skills, meet people who share your interests and develop a professional body of work ... But what happens after you complete this program?
Many of our students become entrepreneurs or begin careers with established employers. Recent graduates have worked in frame shops, studied art restoration, worked in video production, worked as photo stylists, had mosaic and mural commissions, taught at Craft Alliance, worked for a custom jewelry company and installed exhibits as various venues.
Still others have attended graduate programs at Fontbonne University, Otis Parsons Institute - Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Southern Methodist University, University of California - Berkley, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Washington University or Webster University.
Degree Offerings and Requirements
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
Admission Requirements
After meeting the requirements for general admissions to Maryville University, you may submit a portfolio to be considered for a merit scholarship. We want to see work that demonstrates creative ability, perceptual skills (drawing), basic understanding of two-and three-dimensional design (line, texture, space, color and movement), focus and range of aesthetic interests, craft and technical ability. Portfolio also required for transfer students.
