From Necessity to Invention: Arts and Humanities Expand What’s Possible
RWU professors are finding new opportunities for experiential, student-centered approaches to teaching and learning across the grounds of the Bristol campus
Department of Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Program prepares students for future careers in the arts with an interdisciplinary spirit and a global perspective
Balancing craft and conceptual agility, new and traditional media, the Visual Arts program positions graduates to engage in an increasingly interdisciplinary world. Our curriculum provides a model of study that allows students to explore multiple areas of interest that then informs their creative work. Our strength is the amount of attention given to each individual student-artist as they develop through the program, preparing them for a future in the arts by cultivating technical proficiency in a number of media, conceptual understanding through ongoing criticism, dialogue and understanding of the cultural context in which they are working.
Degree Offerings
We offer major and minor degree programs for Visual Arts. Depending on the student's educational and career goals, Roger Williams University offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Student Work
Our students create work that is original, fresh, and, of course, creative. Whether it's in video, photography, printmaking or any other media, the work students produce is an exploration of their own individual aims and interests.
Arts on Campus
Arts on Campus is a university-wide program to showcase the work of our students, faculty, and partner artists by utilizing the public spaces of the campus and our academic buildings as the setting for dynamic Arts and Design exhibitions. Students, faculty, and staff can make project proposals and requests here.
The Emerging Artist Program
In a partnership between Roger Williams University and area high schools, this program offers current high school students the opportunity to study drawing, painting, sculpture or photography at RWU for college credit.
Visual Arts Facilities
Visual Arts students work in several specialized spaces across the campus and off-campus in our studios located on the historic Bristol Common.
Faculty and Staff
The Visual Arts faculty consists of active artists who share their experiences with students through lively and challenging discussions and critiques.
Recent News
Video: Meet the RWU Alumni Putting Their Skills to Work at Bristol’s First Brewery
Two alumni, one a scientist and one a designer, find opportunities to thrive in their fields at Twelve Guns Brewing, which opened in Bristol last month.
"Dead Ringer" Exhibit is a True Collaboration
RWU alumni, faculty, visiting artists, and others combined their talents to create the Bristol Art Museum's compelling installation that encourages viewers to take a closer look.
