Department of Visual Arts

Art is transformative. It advances local and global conversations, highlights new perspectives, and brings forth a vision for the future. It creatively expresses the human experience and propels us forward.

At Lipscomb, you will learn the skills to produce art that is intelligent, visually impactful and emotionally powerful. Our unique, spiritually led experience in the visual arts will develop you personally and professionally to make a difference in the field. Engage in the process of perception and practice, and find and develop your distinct visual language.

Whether you want to be a studio artist, graphic designer, curator or art teacher, we provide a set of diverse programs for you to explore and pursue your calling. Be led by a faculty of experienced practicing artists, gain access to museums, galleries, design firms and studios that make up Nashville’s vibrant art scene, and take advantage of opportunities to travel across the country and world to be part of exhibitions, shows and trips. Cultivate your talents, passions and heart for creating change in the world through the visual arts.

Information

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. These portfolios are part of your Admission Application process and are located in the Admissions application portal.

Your entrance portfolio is an introduction to who you are as an artist. It includes work that is representative of your skill and unique voice. Your faculty advisor will use this portfolio in your incoming advising session during orientation. Additionally, you may also use this portfolio to apply for one of our departmental scholarships. 

Please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Robin Ghosh at robin.ghosh [at] lipscomb.edu (robin[dot]ghosh[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) with any questions or concerns you might have about your entrance portfolio. 

Entrance Portfolios are due by December 1st. Please submit your portfolio through your Lipscomb Admission Application.

To be considered for a Visual Arts Scholarship, please submit the Department Scholarship Application and your Entrance Portfolio by December 1st.

Entrance Portfolios Departmental Scholarship Application 

Visiting Artist Program

The Visiting Artist Program is a vital program that serves to educate and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through critical discourse. This program highlights several artists from all over the country and brings them to Nashville throughout the academic year, to interact with and inspire students and the community over a period of two to three days.

The artists lecture, perform studio visits, hold workshops and exhibit their work in the gallery. It is a decidedly eclectic program that showcases artists working in all media including sound, video, performance, painting, sculpting and photography, as well as critics and art writers. Lectures and events with the artists are held two to three times each semester.

John C. Hutcheson Gallery

Our on-campus gallery features a variety of exhibitions each semester. This gallery provides an opportunity to study, exhibit, stimulate appreciation for and advance knowledge of works of art that collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement and artistic interests. Occasional free lectures by nationally and regionally known artists are held at the gallery in conjunction with exhibitions. The gallery is located in Beaman Library.

See Gallery

Travel Study

Special topics travel courses are offered each year. They create unique travel learning opportunities to New York City, Chicago, Paris, Berlin and more. Each course is designed to take advantage of the site's specific art venues and experiences.

Visual Arts Education Alumni - Rachel Goode

“During my time as an art education major at Lipscomb University, my professors instilled in me the drive to continuously challenge my limits as well as grow others around me. They saw leadership in me that I did not always see in myself. The values of leadership and growth continue to serve me today as a principal. I cherish my memories of the visual arts department as well as the education department at Lipscomb.” — Rachel Goode, B.A. Visual Art Education

Rachel Goode currently serves as the upper school principal at Ezell Harding Christian School in Nashville.

Visual Art Teaching

Graphic Design Alumni - Tyler Johnson

“I had a great time at Lipscomb. I built some amazing life long friendships with classmates and professors. The Art Department worked with me to find a path that capitalized on my passion for both design and development. I appreciate the ways in which my professors pushed me to look at Art and Design in ways that I hadn't before, the constructive criticism that built me into a better designer and the opportunities that were afforded to me because the existing connections between my professors, alumni and friends. More than any single skill or piece of knowledge, my time in the art department established a foundation for applying concepts and principles in atypical ways.” — Tyler Johnson, B.A. Graphic Design

Tyler Johnson is the art director at Level 2 Design.

Graphic Design