Art (ART)
Durham Rayner (chair), Lowly, Okore, VanderBrug
(Art-Curatorial Studies concentration will be discontinued as an academic major for students starting after the 2021 academic year.)
The North Park University art major provides students with opportunities for vocational discernment and personal development within the visual arts. Students choose one of two concentrations; Fine Arts, or Graphic Design. Pre-Art Therapy and Art Education are also available. (Pre-Art Therapy is a pre-professional area of study and thus does not require an Art major, but a major in Art and/or Psychology are recommended.) Use the academic planning guide from the Pre-Professional webpage of the North Park website along with your faculty advisor to plan your needed courses. Art Education requires a major in art with the K-12 Licensure coursework from the School of Education. Advisors from both Schools assist with coursework planning and steps towards successful completion of the Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
The Art program fosters a broad, deep, and critical engagement with visual culture, exposing students to art from many different periods and places. Students are instructed in the conceptualization and production of visual art in a wide range of new and traditional media and are introduced to standards of professional practice in applied and fine art. The major is energetically engaged with the urban context, offering multiple internship opportunities and a wide range of gallery and museum field experiences. The department encourages students in their visual and spiritual development and promotes a visual culture/faith dialogue. Finally, the department serves art students and the general campus community by prominently exhibiting art in a wide variety of styles and media produced by students and art professionals.