Department of Art

We are grateful to be guests on the homeland of the Dena'ina Athabascan people.

Step Into Creativity


The UAA Fine Arts Building is home to a vibrant and inclusive community of students and faculty in which we currently offer two undergraduate arts degrees, a minor in art, and an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Graphic Design

It is a place of discovery where students can choose from 6 areas of study and find their own unique way to communicate and express themselves visually. Students are mentored to be courageous, ask thoughtful questions, solve problems creatively and develop the skill sets necessary to be engaged professionals.  

Dedicated faculty, challenging curricula, well-equipped studios, a dynamic roster of visiting artists, and a gallery that focuses on national and international art exhibitions are the aspects of our department which empowers and prepares students for graduate study and careers in the visual arts.

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    License to create

    Art alumna and ecology technician wins 2023 Alaska Artistic License Plate Competition

    At an unveiling ceremony presented by Gov. Mike Dunleavy during the Alaska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 26, Sabrina Kessakorn, A.A. General Program '19, B.A. Art '21, was announced the winner of the 2023 Alaska Artistic License Plate Competition. While the day was rainy (per Alaska State Fair tradition), the scene depicted in Kessakorn’s design, “Fireweed in Denali,” was anything but. Featuring a pastel color palette showing fireweed against the backdrop of Denali, she hopes her license plate will offer a reprieve for drivers stuck in winter traffic.

    Read More on Kessakorn's Efforts

  • Panel photo

    The Future of Visual StoryTelling

    On February 1st, 2024, the Department of Journalism and Public Communications and the Department of Art held a panel discussion about the future of visual storytelling. The panel was moderated by Professor Tim Remic, and featured Jovell Rennie, Chris Arend, Amber Johnson, and Anne Raup.

  • AK Native Art Photo

    Current Gallery Exhibitions


    Native Arts Student Showcase: An exhibition of student work from UAA Native Arts classes

    Arc Gallery, UAA Consortium Library

    Exhibition Dates: February 23- April 19

    This group exhibition highlights the work made by students enrolled in June Pardue’s Native Arts classes, held in conjunction with June Pardue's solo exhibition, “Sugpiak Art Renaissance”.

    More information can be found on the Arc Gallery Website

    Arc Gallery Exhibition

  • Angaiak PhotoDavid John Angaiak Mentors Students in Alaska Native Arts Classes

    In the fall of 2023, students who are enrolled in Native Arts classes will have the opportunity to learn from David John Angaiak, a Yup’ik and Unungan artist currently living in Wasilla. June Simeonoff Pardue, a Native culture bearer and coordinator of the Native Arts Program at UAA approached David John about being a Native Visiting Artist in Residence.

    Read More on Angaiak's Efforts

  • Pardue Art

    Current Gallery Exhibitions


    Sugpiak Art Renaissance

    June Pardue
    Kimura Gallery, UAA Fine Arts 
     

    Exhibition dates: February 23- April 5

    This solo exhibition highlights the work of June (Simeonoff) Pardue, an Alutiiq and Inupiaq artist who resides in remote Sutton, Alaska. Originally from Old Harbor Village on Kodiak Island, June is recognized as an Alutiiq grass weaver, fish skin tanner, fish leather and sea mammal skin sewer, jeweler, and beader.  June is currently the Adjunct Professor of Art, Native Arts at UAA.

    More information can be found on the Kimura Gallery website: https://alaska. digication.com/kimura-gallery

    Kimura Gallery Exhibition

 

student in UAA kimura gallery

Art Galleries to Explore

Kimura Gallery: The gallery programming is used to enhance the curriculum of studio art and art history classes and expand students thinking and approach to making art.

Arc Gallery: Dedicated to enriching the UAA and Anchorage community by producing exhibitions featuring emerging, mid-career, and established Alaskan artists.

Hugh McPeck Gallery: Located on the second floor of the Student Union, showcases artwork created by UAA Students.