Department of Art
Faculty.
Angela Lee (2023). Professor of Art and Chair. B.F.A., Belmont University; M.A., Austin Peay State University; M.F.A., Azusa Pacific University.
Steve Halla (2009). Associate Professor of Art. B.A., Moody Bible Institute; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Texas.
Paige Ward Moore (2019). Associate Professor of Art. B.A., Union University; M.F.A., University of Florida.
Danielle Sierra (2024). Assistant Professor of Art. B.F.A., California State University; M.F.A., University of Memphis.
Staff
Callie Bodiford (2026). Academic Secretary.
Shelby Rector (2023). 3D Shop Technician.
Mission Statement
The Department of Art provides an environment and curriculum devoted to developing skills, stimulating critical thinking, and expressing creativity within the framework of a Christian liberal arts program.
Curriculum Requirements
The Department of Art is housed in a newly renovated and fully outfitted location in the Pennick Academic Complex, including 2D/3D Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting, Photography darkroom and Graphic Design classrooms, as well as upper-level individual student studio spaces. In addition, art faculty members have individual private studio spaces where they pursue their visual research. The department also houses the University Art Gallery as well as a new second art gallery dedicated to student art exhibitions.
In the freshman year art students begin a five-course visual foundations sequence in drawing and design. Students complete a five-course art history sequence and pursue visual studies in one of several areas of concentration. Students may also choose to pursue a graduate school preparation sequence of courses for Art Therapy, a minor in Education (toward Teacher Licensure), minor in Digital Media Studies or Visual Theory and Aesthetics.
Through department activities students may participate in a variety of related service projects, trips, and social events. The University Art Gallery presents an ongoing series of art exhibits highlighting a wide variety of professional artists’ work, including local, regional, national and internationally recognized artists. In addition, the student gallery presents an annual exhibit of student work and graduating senior exhibits. The department also hosts yearly workshops by nationally recognized artists. All gallery events and workshops are free and open to the public.
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art is a liberal arts degree with emphases in Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Studio Art with Discipline Specific Honors Studio Art with Teacher Licensure, and a preparation track for students interested in Art Therapy. It enables students to focus on art and design in the context of a broad program of general studies.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art is a professional degree with emphases in Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture. It enables students to focus on professional practice in the studio arts and preparation for graduate studies.
In the freshman year art students begin a five-course visual foundations sequence in drawing and design. Students complete a five-course art history sequence and pursue visual studies in one of several areas of concentration. Students may also choose to minor in Digital Media Studies and/or Visual Theory and Aesthetics. An art major who wishes to teach art grades K-12 may pursue a minor in education toward teacher licensure and those who wish to prepare for graduate school in art therapy may pursue a recommended minor in psychology.
Graduates of the department may continue studies at the graduate level or pursue work in a variety of areas such as graphic design, UX design, ceramics, sculpture, illustration, independent studio art, museum and curatorial, gallery sales, photography, teaching, or web design.
Students desiring consideration for transfer studio credit, advanced placement, department scholarships, and workshops must submit a portfolio for review by the art faculty. Awards are based on this review and outstanding performance in art coursework.
Union is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and is affiliated with several organizations and programs that enhance student learning:
- College Art Association of America (CAA)
- National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA)
- Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM)
- Tennessee Craft
- Jackson Arts Council and Association
- Jackson Public Art Commission
- Urban Art Commission Memphis (UAC)
- Center for Southern Art
- Crosstown Arts, Memphis
- Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
- Union University Painters Guild
- Union University Potters Guild
- Union University Graphic Design Guild
The Department Faculty also encourage participation in regional and national conferences.
Assessment of Majors
Students with a major in the Department are required to take ART 198 Visual Arts Seminar 01 in their freshman year, a course designed to highlight career possibilities and requirements in the various art majors. They are also required to take ART 398 Visual Arts Seminar 02 for assessment of work in the major after the completion of 12 hours in their chosen area of concentration. In this course, students must submit a digital portfolio and make a formal presentation of that work to the art faculty. Students in the Bachelor of Arts program present research in ART 499, Visual Arts Seminar 03 at the Union University Scholarship Symposium. Bachelor of Fine Arts majors are required to create a body of work, exhibition, oral review and portfolio in ART 465 Studio Practice 6. Graphic Design majors are also required to submit a senior project for exhibition, oral review and a portfolio of work. Portfolios are retained in the department for accreditation purposes.