Your creative visions spring to life as an art major at UNC Asheville, where curiosity meets critical thinking, and imagination has the power to make an impact.
Why Study Art at UNC Asheville?
Student/Alumni Spotlight
The BFA program prompted me to develop a robust creative practice, which I draw upon working with artists nationally. The opportunity to do funded research (rare at the undergraduate level) also mimicked the grant-writing + proposal process essential to cultivating resources in the arts.
Kelly Olshan
Lydia Ham, a third-year painting major, was named a finalist for the 2023 AXA Art Prize, one of the nation’s leading student art competitions.
“The painting skills translate a lot in what I do now in terms of color theory, perspective, and all of the technical things I learned [and now] apply to a more magical, fantasy style,”
Hannah Bunzey
“I’d like to tell anyone going into the arts program (and especially the BFA program), do not overload yourself with expectations. I walked into college wanting to be a sculptor, and I’m walking out of it as an illustrator. Take the time to immerse yourself in each new media and you’ll find that the concentration chooses the artist. Also, don’t skip studio classes.”
Darby Mitchell, Class of ’22
Outside the Classroom
At UNC Asheville, your art education spans beyond the classroom — we have multiple galleries across campus to host student, faculty, and visiting artist exhibitions. All senior-level students produce a major body of work in the form of a solo or group exhibition and portfolio, which serves as strong preparation for postgraduate work. All students are also encouraged to learn outside of the studio and gain professional experience through internships at local museums and galleries.
Faculty and Staff
With a faculty of acclaimed artists and art historians within the thriving arts scene of Asheville, UNC Asheville’s art programs offer rigorous training in the creative sector. Students pursuing their BFA degree, BA degree, or K-12 licensure find support and guidance as they apply their skills in and out of the classroom.
Tamie Beldue
Department Chair & Professor
| Office: 211 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6845 |
| Email: tbeldue@unca.edu |
Eva Hericks Bares, Ph.D.
Humanities Coordinator, Lecturer
| Office: 213 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 258-7724 |
| Email: ebares@unca.edu |
Duncan Pittman
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 222 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6559 |
| Email: dpittma1@unca.edu |
Cynthia Canejo, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Suzanne (Suzie) Dittenber
Assistant Professor
| Office: 212 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6875 |
| Email: sdittenb@unca.edu |
Jackson Martin
Associate Professor
| Office: 214 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6877 |
| Email: jmartin5@unca.edu |
Leisa Rundquist, Ph.D.
Professor and University Curator
| Office: 216 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6848 |
| Email: lrundqui@unca.edu |
Brent Skidmore
Collaborative Co-founder of STEAM Studio; Public Arts & Humanities Chair; Professor
| Office: 219 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-2390 |
| Email: bskidmor@unca.edu |
Carrie Tomberlin
Lecturer and Gallery Director
| Office: 209 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 258-7723 |
| Email: tgeorge2@unca.edu |
Eric Tomberlin
Associate Professor
| Office: 215 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 258-7722 |
| Email: etomberl@unca.edu |
Scott Lowrey
Adjunct Associate Professor
| Office: 233 Owen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6559 |
| Email: slowrey@unca.edu |
Art Major Careers & Outcomes
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs open up opportunities in various creative industries. While the specific career paths may vary depending on individual interests, skills, and experiences, students may consider careers in graphic art direction, museum curation, teaching, conservation or restoration, gallery management, illustration, art writing or criticism, or freelance work. Students often have the flexibility to explore different paths and combine their artistic skills with other interests or disciplines.
UNC Asheville students who have graduated with BA and BFA degrees have diverse paths, ranging from esteemed graduate programs to employment in the arts and other industries. Some graduates maintain successful careers as studio artists showcasing their work in national and international galleries. Several have achieved notable awards and accolades, such as being the principal photographer at The New York Times or working in leading universities across the nation. Our graduates have attained graduate positions at universities, including Clemson University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Indiana University, and many others.
Related Courses
Embrace Your Creativity as an Art Major at UNC Asheville
Discover your true potential in UNC Asheville’s art programs as you delve into one of our six dynamic concentrations tailored to ignite your creative spark and deepen your knowledge of history, critique, and craft. Whether you want to hone your fine skills, prepare for graduate school, or enter the field of education, our major can help you achieve your goals.
Contact Us
| Art & Art History Department |
| Phone: 828.251.6749 |
| Email: info@unca.edu |
