The Black Hills State University Studio Art Program is the ideal choice for aspiring art students throughout the state and region. The Department of Studio Art provides students with the technical skill and cultural awareness essential to the careers of professional artists, scholars or teachers. Seminars on specialized topics, a schedule of visiting artists, trips to major cities, and study abroad possibilities all enrich students study of Studio Art at Black Hills State University.
Studio Art students have access to newly updated studio facilities, private studio spaces, and close mentoring from the art faculty. We integrate formal art concepts with contemporary theory and fundamental practice while using digital media and contemporary technologies in our curriculum. Coursework includes practice as well as discussion and critiques with faculty, advisers, and visiting artists. Exhibition and installation spaces are readily available throughout campus and the community of Spearfish.
The faculty of the Department of Fine Art is comprised of nationally and internationally recognized artists and scholars with artistic practice and research that spans a broad range of media and disciplines. Dedicated to educating the next generation of artists, award-winning teachers prioritize mentorship, offering students individual attention, small class sizes and private studio spaces.
Most course work in the programs of study are practice-based studio courses. Studio classes are typically capped at 18-20 students. All studio areas also have classes that are open to non-majors. Three-credit courses normally meet in class for three hours weekly for 15 weeks of fall and spring semester; another six hours of work is expected outside class. Studio areas are open and accessible, and private studios are available on an application bases.