Department of

Visual and Performing Arts

We believe the pursuit of creativity is a human right.

The Visual and Performing Arts Department comprises six separate majors. In our classes, you will learn about the history of creative practice, from the ancient Greek architects and the plays of William Shakespeare to the music of Duke Ellington, the films of Maya Deren, and the contemporary photo-collages of Mickalene Thomas.

You will cultivate the theoretical tools to analyze works of art from the past and the present, and develop your own skills as a creative practitioner in our studios — painting, costume, recording, and more.

By studying the history, theory, and practice of the arts in a liberal arts context, you will make and explore creative works while connecting the past to the present.