Two students looking at an art installation

School of Art + Art History + Design

two students painting

Explore the creative process and see the world in new ways.

The School of Art + Art History + Design engages students in an interdisciplinary, collaborative exploration of the creative process, visual history and socially responsible design. Our classrooms and studios encourage experimentation, creative thinking, critical dialogue and research. Students’ creative and academic work is recognized through scholarships, awards, exhibitions and public presentations. Four galleries exhibit student work, including the Jacob Lawrence Gallery (named after the famed artist and UW faculty member), which is devoted to education, social justice and experimentation. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized artists, scholars and designers who exhibit, publish and lecture globally.

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View of glass blowing kilns from outside at night with students blowing glass inside
Student showing inspiration photos and research for a project

Careers

Our students graduate with the confidence and critical problem-solving skills needed for success across a diverse set of fields. The school’s faculty frequently collaborate with arts organizations, nonprofit institutions and businesses, providing students with opportunities to engage in the arts communities off campus.

Career Paths

School of Art + Art History + Design alumni pursue a wide range of careers, including: 

  • Fine artist
  • Graphic designer
  • Art director
  • Museum curator
  • Gallery manager
  • Digital collections archivist 
  • Videographer and photographer
  • Arts organization director
  • Fashion designer
  • Film and digital animation specialist 
  • Product designer
  • Art conservator
  • Art appraiser 
  • User Experience (UX) designer  
  • Educator
  • Marketing and advertising professional
  • Gallery owner 
  • Nonprofit leader
Students look up to view the ornate art in a cathedral in Rome, Italy.

Explore art and design in an international context

The school’s faculty-led study abroad programs and Exploration Seminars provide students with global learning experiences in Italy, London and the Netherlands. In addition to programs directly affiliated with the school, students can choose from hundreds of other international opportunities offered through the UW Study Abroad Office.

 

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Find Yourself in Art + Art History + Design

Develop your creativity and critical thinking in a stimulating, collaborative and supportive environment.

School of Art + Art History + Design Stories

Jacob Lawrence working in his studio.

A Gallery Renovation, Inspired by Jacob Lawrence

With an Art Building renovation, the Jacob Lawrence Gallery will better reflect its namesake, whose paintings about the Black experience have inspired generations.

Nathan Jones headshot

An Animated Life

Nathan Jones (2015) tells stories through animation. Both of his UW degrees — creative writing and art — are reflected in is his work. 

Colorful artwork in window-only gallery

A Window into Art

When exhibition spaces closed due to COVID, artist and alum Anna Mlasowsky found another way to share artists' work.