“Art and life shouldn’t be separate entities, they should exist as one and I follow this philosophy in my artistic process. I have SADAH to thank for further strengthening my artistic philosophy.”
Ashley Roth, Art B.F.A. Alumni ‘17
As cultural makers, students in the Art program at James Madison University engage in an array of mediums, practices and intentionality as they create their art. The Art program consists of seven distinct media areas, ceramics, fibers, metals, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture which are all available for students to explore. Through rigorous course work, students are pushed to develop a visual vocabulary, foster a deeper understanding of art processes, enhance their critical thinking skills, and embrace experimentation.
Flexibility is paramount in providing students an opportunity to hone traditional skills as they develop individual voices as artists. The Art program offers three degrees, B.F.A., B.A. or B.S. to allow students an opportunity to forge their own creative pathways.
Art, Studio B.F.A.
A commitment to critical thinking, creativity and technique is essential to a career in art. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree at James Madison University fosters independent thought, risk-taking, and experimentation through a wide array of media yet allowing students to specialize in at least one selected medium. In a range of disciplines—ceramics, fiber arts, metals, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture, students' imagination will flourish as they develop their skills. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue the professional production and exhibition of their art or more in-depth study at the graduate school level.
The B.F.A. in Art requires a portfolio review.
Art B.F.A. Studio Concentrations
Art, Studio B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is for students interested in pursuing a program of art study that promotes lifelong learning with an emphasis on the humanities.
Designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts, the B.A. in Art is suited for students with an interest or background in the humanities.
The B.A. in Art does not require a portfolio review.
Art, Studio B.S.
The Bachelor of Science degree is for students seeking a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and with a preferred interest or background preparation in math, the natural sciences, or the social sciences. The Art B.S. allows students to develop their visual vocabulary and provides a range of elective options that complement the major in art.
The B.S. in Art does not require a portfolio review.
Zipporah Norton B.F.A. Alumni ’17, Recent MFA recipient from the New York Studio School. Photograph: Sarah Marcella Creative
Our graduates are regularly accepted to some of the best graduate programs in the US and abroad including Cornell University, American University, the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Maine College of Art and Design.
Why study Art?
Critical thinking and creative problem solving are core skills students cultivate in the Art program which are applicable to any career. Additionally, students are taught to apply the same creativity to their career path as they do to their artwork. Art is one of the few disciplines that exists without boundaries and allows students to craft their own means of success.
Our students have gone on to become professional artists and entrepreneurs, art educators and therapists, art directors and designers, art administrators, historians and more.
Emily Warden Designs, Forbes 30 under 30, Emily Warden B.F.A. class of 2017
The Art of Immersion
Art exists outside the walls of the institution, and artists thrive within communities, thus our students are often challenged to work beyond the confines of the art school. SADAH has relationships with several local arts communities such as the Arts Council of the Valley and the Staunton Augusta Art Center.
Every semester, our students visit alumni and galleries in the mid-Atlantic region, with trips to D.C., Richmond and Baltimore. Additionally, our faculty and students often travel internationally to Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Hardware and Software Requirements
SADAH's programs require all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running any necessary software. SADAH considers a laptop an essential tool for total participation in classes and content. Read more about SADAH's hardware and software requirements.
Suggested Specifications
Operating System (OS)
MacOS
Storage (GB)
512GB
Screen Size (IN)
13”
Random Access Memory (RAM)
32GB
Graphics Memory (VRAM)
6GB
Processor (CPU)
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i7 / i9
Required Specifications
Operating System (OS)
MacOS or Windows 11
Storage (GB)
512GB
Screen Size (IN)
13”
Random Access Memory (RAM)
16GB
Graphics Memory (VRAM)
4GB
Processor (CPU)
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i5
Required Software
Microsoft 365*
Zoom*
*Provided by JMU
Corinne Diop
Graduate Director for Art, Photography Area Coordinator, Coordinator of Art Minor, Professor of Art
Robert Mertens
Fibers Area Head, Associate Professor
Mark Rooker
Art Area Coordinator, Metals and Jewelry Area Head, Professor of Art
Rebecca Silberman
Professor of Art, Photography
Greg Stewart
Sculpture Area Head, Professor of Art
Susan Zurbrigg
Painting and Drawing Area Head, Professor of Art
