Art
We provide an exciting learning environment in which to practice the visual arts and to study art in its historical and theoretical contexts. You will also have direct ties to experiential learning in Portland, the third most creative city in America!
Why Choose a Degree in Art?
We are committed to helping you achieve the visual literacy that is increasingly essential to negotiating the world today. You will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in graduate school; for careers as visual artists or in galleries, museums, or arts administration; and for a life enriched by the visual arts. Our students graduate with an art degree, plus the ability to think creatively and critically, both through the art they produce and in the way they analyze and discuss past and contemporary works of art.
What You’ll Study
The department offers two majors (studio art and art history) and one minor (art and art history). Our studio art program is supported by outstanding facilities and dedicated faculty, who have a commitment to their craft and the skills to introduce students to the key critical questions and themes in artistic practice today. Our art history program exposes students to a wide variety of art from around the globe and throughout human history. Faculty offer rigorous introductions, advanced courses in specific periods in art history, and thematic seminars that consider art in the context of ideas rather than simply by chronological order.
Many of our students study art and earn course credit while on an overseas or off-campus program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed and led by art faculty to England and New York City.
Outside the classroom, our annual senior exhibition showcases the work of our graduating majors in the professional space on campus, the Ronna and Eric Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art. Many of our students have been awarded numerous arts-related internships in Portland, and the department has regular internship programs at area art museums, including a paid internship at the Portland Art Museum. Our visiting artist lecture series features nationally and internationally recognized artists working in a broad range of disciplines.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our art majors are English, entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, and any of our world languages and literatures sections.
What Students are Saying about Lewis & Clark
Apollo Beaber BA ’25More about ApolloMy favorite class has been Professor Benjamin David’s Ovid and the Visual Arts. This class introduced me to the intertextual and intervisual matrixes of allusion, which hold tremendous sway over artists of the past and present. Though couched in history, this class continues to be relevant to the way I view and move through the modern world.
Grayson Smith BA ’25More about GraysonI have the freedom to explore my interests and grow my artistic practice through my major. I am not forced to follow a certain guideline for projects.
Miranda Caba Solano BA ’27More about MirandaI appreciate the way digital media has broadened my understanding of art and creativity. Learning about the ineffable nature of art and its connection to AI has enriched my perspective and deepened my passion for artistic expression.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Art?
Our alumni use their BA in art to pursue a wide range of careers within academia, nonprofits, arts production and administration, and beyond. While some students pursue a studio practice with their bachelor’s degree, others apply their critical thinking, research and writing skills, creativity, and visual literacy to many areas other than art and art history.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Art faculty are some of the most engaged working artists in the Pacific Northwest. They are fellowship winners, run nationally recognized arts nonprofits, and have had their work supported through residencies, foundations, and grants. Our art faculty produce events annually, often bringing students on as assistants or collaborators.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
There are two art-specific scholarships available. The Kent Swanson Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Ceramics is awarded annually, and benefits students who have demonstrated financial need and interest in the outdoors, environmental conservation, and ceramics. The Barbara Scheidler Bartholomew Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a faculty-nominated studio art major of exceptional merit and financial need.
Find Your People
The Art Club is an entirely student-run organization that arranges lots of extracurricular art opportunities including exhibitions, artist talks, collective art-making events, and the annual Art Week. Our campus also has a few student-run art and creative spaces, like the Platteau and the Coop. Incoming students can take advantage of our Creative PDX New Student Trip, which gives them the opportunity to get to know the Portland arts scene and connect with the vibrant arts programs at L&C, all before classes start.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Hannah Stubee BA ’21More about HannahThe theory I learned in class and the practical work experience I was able to get were a really great introduction to the work I’m doing now.
John Carr BA ’21More about JohnThe biology and art programs gave me both real world and conceptual practice experience. My majors were extremely thorough and provided me with a great foundation.
Spencer Byrne-Seres BA ’13More about SpencerL&C encouraged curiosity in me to see and cultivate new perspectives of the world, to listen, and to observe.
Featured News
From Trash to Treasure: Creating Art From Waste
Cara Tomlinson’s Art and Ecology class uses waste materials from around Portland to create beautiful and meaningful works of art. This course offers a fresh approach to creative practice, merging art and ecology to help students respond to the climate crisis, explore the agency of materials, and build connections to place.
