Fine Arts

Josef V. Venker, S.J., MFA, Chair

Objectives

The fine arts program connects the rich heritage of a Jesuit liberal arts education with the vibrant cultural and artistic resources of Seattle. Our interdisciplinary learning environment encourages collaboration as part of a diverse community of students and faculty. Our programs in music, theatre, and visual art are grounded in the creative and critical study of foundational works, histories and methods. Our focus on contemporary works and our active engagement with the arts community offer our students experiential training that is both professionally and personally rewarding.

The Fine Arts program provides opportunities to:

study with professional artists in the visual arts, theatre, and music
study photography through an affiliation with the Photographic Center Northwest
perform, design and exhibit in Seattle University drama productions, choir concerts, instrumental music concerts and gallery shows
develop and pursue the writing of mentored research papers
explore Seattle’s rich arts community through theatre, opera, symphony, ballet, art gallery, and museum events off campus
work with contemporary Seattle artists
realize a senior honors project and graduate with departmental honors
intern with a variety of Seattle arts organizations
study art abroad

The future for a fine arts graduate might include additional BFA or MFA programs in the arts, graduate teaching programs, or the beginning of a professional career in the arts.

General Program Requirements

All majors in the fine arts department must complete at least 20 credits in the major at Seattle University. Fine Arts transfer credits are subject to review which may include portfolio review, audition, exam, and/or interview.

Non-Major Students

As elective choices, most courses are open to students in other fields. Many complement the work in other majors (e.g., art history, English, history, philosophy, or religious studies) and the department cordially welcomes all members of the school community. Observe prerequisites where noted.

Courses open to auditors include FINR 120 , ART 211 , ART 212 , ART 315 , ART 316 ; THTR 110 , THTR 211 , THTR 212 . All other courses in the fine arts department are to be taken for credit.