See the Special Programs page for more opportunities in the department.

Art Studies

Graphics Lab	Painting class

The Bachelor of Arts degree offered in the area of Art provides an excellent opportunity for students seeking to develop their potential as visual artists while experiencing the environment of a Historically Black University. Course work leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Art with an emphasis in the fields of either Comprehensive Art or Graphic Design is offered in the context of a liberal arts education. Through this curriculum, students are challenged to examine their role as artists in light of relevant social, ethical, philosophical and political issues.

Students have access to a black and white and color lab, extensive printmaking and ceramics studios, and spacious sculpture, painting, and drawing studios, and computer labs with drawing, painting and desktop capabilities. Student works are frequently exhibited in the department's gallery. Art majors can participate in the Art Club. Students also have the opportunity to enter departmental and local juried art shows.

Students have recently been exposed to prominent African American visiting artists such as Dr. John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Ron Adams, James Phillips, Will Barnett, Bob Blackburn, Gloria J. Coker and Jacob Lawrence. Along with their exposure to visiting artists, students have exposure to very talented and experienced faculty.

Theatre Studies

Costume design students try on a corset	A performance of Tartuffe

The Theatre program offers students an opportunity for extensive and individualized instruction. Students obtain personalized, hands-on experience on state-of-the-art equipment. The Theatre area offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in two areas of concentration, Performance Arts and Technical Theatre.

Our program provides theatrical performances for the University as well as the surrounding community. The performances are run by The Hampton University Players and Company encompassing production, management, acting, directing, and playwriting. Students also gain experience in every aspect of the theatre from box office operations to set construction. The faculty and students hold memberships in and attend meetings in:

• The Southeastern Theatre Conference
• The National Association of Dramatics and Speech Arts
• The Virginia Theatre Association
• The American Theatre in Higher Education
• The United States Institute for Technical Theatre.

The Theatre Area also houses the competitive Debate Society and the Forensics Team.