Welcome to the Department of Art & Art History
Art is vital! It is vital to our students, our university, our communities, and our future. In the Department of Art & Art History, we celebrate the unique role that art and design play in historical and contemporary societies and foster globally informed engagement with visual culture. We are dedicated to effecting change through critical thinking, creative practice, and leadership in art education, art history, design, and studio art. Our vision is to strengthen our connection with local, national, and international audiences and to expand interdisciplinary inquiry in our scholarly practice and teaching.
About the Department of Art & Art History
The Department of Art & Art History fosters innovative and thoughtful artistic practice, scholarship, and education and offers four undergraduate degrees, three majors, and a minor in art history. As professional artists, designers, art historians, and art educators, our faculty enrich the experience of visual culture for our students and for the metropolitan area of Charlotte. We contribute to local, national, and international dialog through exhibitions, lectures, publications, and other forms of research and outreach. By promoting critical thinking, we empower our students with the analytical and adaptive skills necessary to negotiate and contribute to an increasingly complex and cosmopolitan visual world.
The Department of Art & Art History offers four undergraduate degrees, three majors, and a minor in art history. All studio Art and Art Education classes are available to Art majors only. Many Art History classes are open to any major.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design.
celebrate art & art history’s 60th anniversary
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Department of Art & Art History. Join us as we celebrate 60 years of leadership in the visual arts, marking the start of art-based research at UNC Charlotte and honoring the oldest of the programs in the College of Arts + Architecture. Learn more about our celebratory exhibition, Generations: 60 Years – 21 Conversations, RSVP to special events, and discover participating alumni!
upcoming events
Hear from current students
“My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte is the proximity to the city. I enjoy going into uptown and trying out new restaurants with my friends on the weekend or taking my family out to eat when they visit. In CoA+A, I love the sense of community. Even though Charlotte is such a large school, the feeling of camaraderie is so strong in our department and my majors.“
Jonah Sanderson
BFA in Graphic Design and BA in Art History
“Within the Department of Art & Art History, I am a recipient of the MacKillop Scholarship. This type of support has benefited my academic experience by easing financial pressures and broadening my opportunities within the college. I have also received scholarships that helped me study abroad in Ireland. These awards have significantly enhanced my artistic and educational journey.“
Sydney Carmer
BFA in Art in Digital Media and Illustration, and minors in Art History and Psychology
recent Art & Art History news
May 1, 2025
Lisa Homann, Ph.D., co-curated New African Masquerades and co-edited the catalogue.
March 31, 2025
Students in the College “make a difference” while earning valuable experience and income.
March 18, 2025
“Subcritical” is a multi-sensory exhibition, book launch, reception and public conversation on April 4.
February 28, 2025
Reinstallation of the Mint’s African art collection focuses on ethics and transparency.