Art History
We provide an exciting learning environment in which to study art in 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 History?
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 in galleries, museums, or arts administration; and for a life enriched by the visual arts. Our students graduate with an art history degree, plus the ability to think creatively and critically through the way they analyze and discuss past and contemporary art.
What You’ll Study
The department offers two majors (studio art and art history) and one minor (art and art history). 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 history 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, many of our students have been awarded numerous arts-related internships in Portland. 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 history majors are English, entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, and any of our world languages and literatures sections.
What Students are Saying about Lewis & Clark
Jason Kowalski BA ’23More about JasonI’m studying international affairs because I want to make a real difference in the world and try to help people. I added art history as a second major because I genuinely love art appreciation, going to museums, and learning the stories behind works.
Jodi Fallas BA ’25More about JodiArt history seems niche, but it includes practices from every discipline, making it an extremely interesting and well-rounded major.
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.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Art History?
Our alumni use their BA in art history 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.
Find Your People
The Art Club is an entirely student-run organization that coordinates lots of extracurricular art opportunities including art exhibitions, visiting artists, 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
Tyler Short BA ’21More about TylerThe art history department helped me develop a foundation of knowledge that I apply everyday at my job, as well as strong writing and speaking skills.
Claire Lyman BA ’18More about ClaireWe have the best professors at Lewis & Clark—especially in the art history department! The classes I took with Dawn Odell, Ben David, and Matt Johnston prepared me for the rigor of a PhD program.
Hannah Ronningen BA ’20More about HannahMy time at Lewis & Clark prepared me to engage with the world critically and with an open mind. My coursework challenged me to consider perspectives other than my own and to advocate for my own beliefs.
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.