About the Department
In the Department of Art and Design at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, your courses are not only educational, but also prepare you to enter your career in art. We offer majors in areas including visual communication and design, drawing, painting, glass, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, illustration, and art education. Here, you have many extra opportunities to gain a richer educational experience, from visiting artists and gallery shows to workshops and national competitions, to extra-curricular art clubs and working with clients in the community.
The Art Department at UNK is ever-changing with popular culture while still staying true to classical artists. You’ll find your home here as a student, and an enriching life as a professional in the arts. Our faculty will help you hone your skills and find your niche as an artist and member of the UNK Art Department.
Undergraduate Degrees
Minors
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“UNK is a great value and the education quality is EXCELLENT. The Art & Design Department is truly a GEM. Professors are passionate, skilled, and engaging, and class sizes are small enough to receive guided help when needed. Everybody here is super encouraging and they push you to be better. It’s a really inviting place to be and students are free to be who they really are. UNK is PREPARING ME WELL for my degree and is giving me necessary skills and confidence to succeed.”
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"I did not know at the time that ceramics was what I wanted to do, but changing to a studio major just felt right. I immediately fell in love with the material and knew it was the right choice. UNK’s Art Program has prepared me very well for what I hope to accomplish after graduation. The program has helped me develop artistically and as a person in general. It has offered me opportunities that have been tremendously beneficial."
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"I wanted to be a part of a program that was going to help me expand my skills, and challenge myself. This program has given me exactly what I wanted: a challenge. I look back at my beginning design work, and am constantly amazed with how much I've grown. The professors here have given me the desire to go back to grad school in the future, and possibly teach design myself. I may be a little sleep deprived, but I love what I do and couldn't be happier with my experience here."
Beyond the Classroom
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you have opportunities to enhance your education in clubs, organizations, art shows, and more. With opportunities to participate in national conferences and shows, the University of Nebraska at Kearney's Art students are a step above the rest. With multiple ways to get involved, students can develop the skills needed for their future careers. The UNK Art Department also gives students options for financial aid, internships, and independent studies.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Art is a hands-on discipline, and students in every art program at UNK are in the studio from their very first year, working alongside experienced faculty building the essential skills they need to bring their visions to life.
All seniors hold a senior exhibition providing them each with real world experience. All exhibitions are open to the public and have a reception.
Student Organizations
Student Organizations
AIGA Nebraska, Student Chapter at UNK
The American Institution of Graphic Arts is a national non profit organization that promotes excellence in graphic design.
DPI Graphics Studio
DPI graphics is a student operated, non-profit design studio with a goal of furnishing quality artwork to its clients while providing students with experience in a design studio, printed material, motion graphic and web design for their portfolio.
Art Society
The Art Society hosts or co-sponsors visiting artist, various workshops, and lectures, conferences, and seminars.
UNKlay
This ceramic club provides ceramic students an opportunity to discuss concepts of pottery and how to promote the Fine Arts through ceramics.
Glass and Sculpture
The Glass & Sculpture Club provides students with support in their individual creative research through a visiting artist program, field trips, and participation in the International Sculpture Center and Glass Arts Society.
Specialty Facilities
Specialty Facilities
Walker Art Gallery
The public is welcome to visit the gallery exhibitions. Walker Gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building. The Gallery is adjacent to Art Dept. Office (room 301). Location maps. Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (except University holiday dates).
Glass Blowing Studio
UNK's full-featured glass blowing studio provides a professional setting for students to hone their craft, and regularly hosts internationally-acclaimed artists for exhibitions and instruction.
MONA
The Museum of Nebraska Art is home to visual art that appeals to all audiences. MONA collects and preserves the work of Nebraskas artists that have lived, trained, or worked in the state to create artwork that reflects it's natural beauty.
