About

Located at the intersection of making and thinking, we’re a vibrant community of craftspeople and philosophers. Our 700+ students explore 6 degree programs alongside 57 faculty and staff who love seeing their students’ creative and thoughtful works impact society and culture.

Majors & Concentrations
  • Art Education, BFA
  • Art & Visual Culture, BA
    • Art History
    • Art Management
    • Studio Art
  • Graphic Communications Management, BS
  • Graphic Design, BFA
  • Photography, BFA
    • Commercial Photography
    • Fine Art Photography
  • Studio Art, BFA
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Minors
  • Art History
  • Graphic Communications Management
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Studio Art
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Wey Hall, a modern glass-and-brick academic building with large reflective windows, set against a partly cloudy blue sky and surrounded by green lawn and landscaping.
Interior view of a bright yellow stairwell with large glass windows, where a person leans playfully over a wall and waves down toward the camera.
Come Visit Learn How
Attend an Open House Find out when
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Try different things. There are so many options and you’ll never know if you like something ’til you try it.

Zoe Nichols
See what we’re up to

See the latest from students, faculty and alumni. Explore our exhibitions, and find out who’s coming to campus to bring fresh perspectives to our community.

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Meet Our
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Faculty

The artists, designers, and scholars on our faculty bring their professional expertise and passion for teaching into the classroom and studio to support every student’s growth.

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Student Groups

You'll find welcoming communities of peers with shared interests who provide space to collaborate, connect, grow and travel together.

Find a group to join
Circular wall-mounted sculpture featuring a dark, woven center surrounded by many small, dark, stylized bird shapes radiating outward.
Student’s Work

Discover the talent and creativity of our students. Our gallery showcases the ideas, skills, and perspectives that define our community of emerging artists and designers.

Explore our student work
There’s More to Explore
A group of students gathered around a glass display case holding a model of a church, with the highly detailed facade of the Sagrada Familia visible behind them.
DigiLab
A group of ten people sit closely together on stone steps outside a building, smiling at the camera. The group appears relaxed and friendly, with casual clothing and natural lighting creating a warm, candid atmosphere.
Study Abroad
Six unique, purple, 3D-printed modern chess pieces standing on a clear plastic base.
Semester at Penland