Welcome to the Art Department of Lock Haven University.

Our program offers a wide array of studio courses taught by a staff of dedicated artists and educators. Though we share in the cause of quality education our varied teaching styles blend to form a healthy mix of tradition and innovation. As a result students benefit from exposure to both traditional values of artistic craftsmanship and the most advanced contemporary trends and technologies.

Among the degree programs we offer the Bachelor of Arts major in art combines a desirable liberal arts background and a firm grounding the studio art discipline with concentration in an area of your choice. The Bachelor of Fine Arts which is more professionally focused encourages the student to immerse themselves even more fully in their chosen studio field and medium. Each major allows students the benefit of having a chosen concentration in Two-dimensional or Three-dimensional art or Graphics and On-line Design.

Our courses provide students with a solid grounding in studio practice as well as the application of fundamental principles of aesthetics and design. Students develop the ability to integrate vital skills such as concept development and critical thinking into the creative process. We encourage students to engage in a continuous process of individualized development, achievement, and refinement. As students progress though the program, they work closely with their faculty mentors to hone their skills and develop and personalized body of art work. In their junior year students assemble their work into a professional portfolio which is viewed by other studio faculty who act as consultants. As part of the degree program students take a capstone course in professional practice and exhibit their work before the public in a Senior Show.

Our graduates leave with a competitive portfolio and the ability to articulate and pursue their artistic goals. The programs produce graduates who are prepared as candidates for entry level jobs in a variety of fields related to art. The BFA degree provides graduates with the foundation necessary to succeed in post-graduate work and subsequently obtain a potentially greater range of professional level career options. Placement rates for graduates in both degree programs have steadily increased over the past five years as more of our students are building successful careers in a variety of art related fields.

Each of our studio areas is well-equipped, enabling students to explore a wide range of mediums techniques. The teaching facilities have improved and expanded due to several initiatives began just prior to the new millennium and others during the subsequent years yet there is more and better yet to come. As we prepare for further growth we look forward to the challenges and opportunities before us. I invite you and your family to visit us and tour our facilities. Or join us in one of our open house events coordinated by the Office of Admissions throughout the year.

Ray Heffner
Associate Professor & Chairperson
Art Department