Department of Visual Arts

Rocky Horton, Associate Professor and Chair
Angela Lee, Associate Professor
Clifford Tierney, Associate Professor 

The Department of Visual Arts fosters creative development and sound craftsmanship as it provides strong foundations in historical, theoretical, and critical studies in art as applicable to each major. We currently offer Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Graphic Design and Studio Art, as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art Education, Art Therapy, Studio Art, and Graphic Design. The department also offers minors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Art History. 

Distinctives of the Department of Visual Arts

The Department of Visual Arts has access to numerous museums, galleries, local artists’ studios, conferences, and graphic design firms in Nashville. Prime museums include the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Cheekwood Museum of Art, Tennessee State Museum and the Parthenon Gallery as well as Nashville’s downtown public library, which has exhibitions and speakers on art, photography, and graphic design.

The department, as well as the city of Nashville, provides students with the opportunity to get involved with a variety of internships. Examples include working with Nashville-based artists in their personal studios, education-based internships at local art institutions, as well as hands-on experiences at various graphic design firms and agencies. The department also encourages our students to participate in Lipscomb’s Global Learning programs.

The Department of Visual Arts offers a Visiting Artist Program (VAP) that serves to educate and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through critical discourse. This program features prominent artists throughout the academic year and brings them to Nashville to interact with students and the community over a period of two to three days.

Lipscomb is positioned within driving distance of numerous cities with outstanding arts resources including: St. Louis, Mo.; Birmingham, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Every academic year, art majors go on field trips with professors so that they can experience their area of study in an “out-of-school” context. 

Career Opportunities

Industrial, technical, and scientific artists are needed to prepare the thousands of visual aids and publications for business, government and educational institutions. Some of the opportunities available to art graduates include:

• Graphic Designer
• Visual Communications
• Web Designer
• Fine Artist
• Curator
• Gallerist
• Art Director
• Art Conservator
• Art Educator
• Creative Consultant
• Industrial Designer
• Art Handler
• Arts Management
• Photographer
• Videographer

Entrance Portfolios

All students wishing to study in the Department of Visual Arts must submit a portfolio of work for review. These portfolios allow our faculty to evaluate your skill level and ability before you begin the program. A portfolio is also required for departmental scholarships. Entrance portfolio requirements and scholarship applications can be found on our website: www.lipscomb.edu/art 

Program of Study Requirements

• Art Therapy, B.A.
• Art, Graphic Design Track, B.A.
• Art, Studio Track, B.A.
• Graphic Design, B.F.A.
• Studio Art, B.F.A.
• Visual Arts Administration, B.A.
• Visual Arts Teaching, B.A.

• Art History Minor
• Art Minor
• Graphic Design Minor