The Department of Art and Art History is dedicated to developing students’ critical thinking, creativity, visual literacy, technical skills, and knowledge about the history of art.
We provide high-quality instruction in Art Education, Art History, Studio Art, and Interior Architecture. In all areas, we endeavor to create an environment which supports professional artistic activities and research in traditional and new media and methodologies.
Department of Art and Art History
530-898-5331
art@csuchico.edu
Faculty and Staff
Location
Ayres Hall, Room 107
Mailing Address
400 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95929-0820
See the course listings, descriptions, and requirements for each academic offering.
Degrees in Art and Art History
Advising
The faculty and staff take pride in being easily accessible. We are eager to explore ideas with students and to help them realize their professional and creative goals.
Our faculty of artists, scholars, and designers are nationally and internationally recognized, have won significant public commissions and grants, shown with well-established galleries, received awards for distinguished teaching, written for key journals and presses, and been invited speakers throughout the world.
Chico State's Visiting Artists events happen every semester. Experience diverse perspectives, innovative works, and engaging conversations with well-renown and inspiring artists like Mexican American printmaker Humberto Saenz.
Open Studios events and multiple campus galleries provide students with opportunities to publicly exhibit their artwork.
The Interior Architecture internship program, in collaboration with Rebuild Paradise, the Town of Paradise, and Habitat for Humanity, pursues community empowerment by crafting innovative design solutions addressing communal needs.
The Janet Turner Print Museum has a collection of more than 4,000 prints ranging from the 17th century to today. At the Turner, students can experience innovative exhibitions, learn from visiting artists, and gain hands-on experience through museum internships.
The Glass Lab in the recently opened Arts and Humanities building is a high quality facility for working in hot glass, casting, kiln forming, and cold working. There are a variety of opportunities for art students to explore the range of glass working as a sculptural medium.
The Ira Latour Visual Resources Center (VRC) houses a collection of over 4000 books and related visual materials for the Art and Art History Department.
Vibrant student clubs like glass and ceramics hold regular sales on campus and organize trips to conferences and exhibits.
Exhibition opportunities for students at the galleries on campus and in galleries and businesses in Chico. '23 graduate Brandon Hernandez recently had a solo exhibition at 1078 Gallery.
BFA Graduate Drawn to Chico State’s Art Program
Recent graduate Joel Solis centered on Butte County’s Latino street vendors in his culminating exhibition
Kristy Moreno: The Company We Keep
In her first solo show with Ochi, the artist Kristy Moreno presents a fascinating cast of characters carved from clay.
With one of the highest 4-year graduation rates in the CSU system and lowest average student debt amounts in the country, Chico State offers one of the nation’s highest returns on investment.
The Department of Art & Art History at Chico State is fully accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1975.
