Department of Art

About the UK Art Department

The nearly 300 undergraduate majors and 30 graduate students in the Department of Art seek degrees in Art Studio, Art History, and Art Education. They are taught by 24 full-time faculty, who are recognized nationally and internationally for their high level of research and creative activity. Large enough to present a diversity of creative experiences yet small enough to offer personal attention to individuals, our department offers the only terminal professional degree in Studio Art, the M.F.A., in the Commonwealth.

Over the years we have developed a reputation as the leading center for the production and exhibition of cutting-edge art of the highest quality in Lexington and Central Kentucky and as a national leader in new approaches to the creation and interpretation of art, educating artists, teachers, and future leaders in the cultural life of the Commonwealth.

The University of Kentucky’s Department of Art is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD: nasad.arts-accredit.org/). NASAD is the only accrediting agency covering the whole field of art and design recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Academic Programs

Art Education: B.A. and M.A.
Art History: B.A. and M.A.
Studio Art: B.A.
Studio Art: B.F.A. and M.F.A. with specializations in:

• • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Fiber
  • New Media
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Undergraduate Minors:

• Art History
• Art Studio

UK College of Fine Arts

The Department of Art resides in the College of Fine Arts along with the School of Music, the Department of Theatre, and the Arts Administration program. The values of creative learning and personal growth unite the College’s degree programs. Both students and faculty comprehend that the ability to think critically – to judge, learn and adapt to the endless waves of change that mark life’s journey – is the foundation for all personal development and success. To capture the heart and soul of quality education, the College of Fine Arts offers rich and diverse learning opportunities designed to meet your individual needs.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is the Commonwealth’s land-grant university, classified as a “Rank I” Doctoral/Research Extensive institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Located in the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass, the University of Kentucky’s eleven colleges, five professional schools, and The Graduate School support more than 34,000 students. UK offers 88 bachelor’s level, 93 master’s level and more than 60 doctoral, specialist and professional degree programs.

The University’s colleges provide the Commonwealth’s best education to their students, with many areas recognized as among the nation’s best. To date UK boasts over 70 nationally-ranked programs. It is also ranked as the top university for its quality and value, technology, libraries, African-American student services, and several programs are ranked among the top 50 public institutions by U.S. News and World Report.