A Unique Fine Arts Degree
Get your fine arts degree in a close-knit community of students and faculty making art with passion and intention. Experiment with established methods as well as new technologies, practical techniques, and creative flexibility.
The Holman Arts & Media Center’s newly renovated and fully equipped open studios are a place to try anything and everything. Explore the freedom of an expansive visual practice with an interdisciplinary attitude throughout the Sierra Nevada University fine arts degree programs.
Our Fine Arts program emphasizes entrepreneurial leadership, addressing the challenges you will face as a working artist in the world. The structure mirrors fine arts graduate programs.
The Trashion Show
A catwalk with a low carbon footprint!
MAPR
What the heck is it?
We believe
…creative interplay is paramount to creating visual thinkers ready to interact with the world. Here you will:
- Refine your art-making skills in ways you’ve never imagined
- Learn the essentials of making a career out of creativity
- Explore and explain artistic content and concepts through the lenses of art history and contemporary art practice – in your work and the work of others.
- Receive feedback from peers and faculty mentors invested in your work, ideas, and future
- Exhibit your work, and build a portfolio that will open doors to residencies, MFA programs, grants, and art careers
What can I do with a Fine Arts degree?
Our alumni go on to do incredible things as working artists. And they stay connected with us, letting us know how their Fine Arts degree transformed their lives with the tools to be successful.
They are regularly awarded grants, fellowships, and residencies, nationally and abroad.
They have attended top graduate schools, including Alfred University, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Mills College, Parson New School of Design, and the San Francisco Art Institute.
They are successfully working in the arts, in positions including Art Director, Computer Animator, Illustrator, K-12 Art Teacher, Book Publisher, College Professor, Sports Photographer, Videographer, and Web/Graphic Designer.
BFA Student Exhibitions
Build a portfolio that opens doors.
Fine Arts Options
2-D Practices
Painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, fabric . . .
3-D Practices
Clay, wood, steel, plaster, papier-mâché, glass, balloons, found objects . . .
Digital Arts
Video practices, web design, computer animation, digital imaging . . .
Interdisciplinary Art
New ways of thinking about how art can happen and what it can do.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Finish your degree by preparing and mounting your solo exhibition.
MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts
A master's degree program for creative art makers driven by critical thinking and built on community
Our Students Say It Best
Ian Wieczorek
Major: Fine Arts – Ceramics
Class of 2016
I graduated in December 2016. A friend and I bought land and a building, and renovated it into ceramic studio, painting studio, glass shop, and a show room. We plan to sell pottery and paintings, and host a farmers' market on the property, and be full time artists.Read More
Anza Jarschke
Major: Fine Arts – New Genres, Psychology
Class of 2013
After finishing my masters in Social Justice and Community Organizing from Prescott College, I returned to SNC Tahoe to work as the Gallery Director. It's an exciting step in life to be able to come back to a place that provided me with so much at a formative time. Read More
Cara Close
Major: Fine Arts – Two-Dimensional Practices
Class of 2018
I came back to SNC after many years out of school raising my girls and experiencing life to continue my journey as a fine artist. It has been a wonderful experience to be back in the art department community surrounded by young artists. Although I am more busy than ever, I am also more focused and getting the most from my classes.Read More
Which Fine Arts Degree?
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Undergraduate 8 semesters
– Understand and communicate a breadth of studio art practices, art history, and contemporary theories.
– Build your portfolio.
– Gain art career strategies: create exhibition proposals, grant applications, and client presentations.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) (with a concentration)
Undergraduate 9 semesters
Take your artistic practice to the next level! Refine your creative viewpoint and the craftsmanship which brings it to life. Everything in the BA plus:
– Solo thesis exhibition in one of our professional gallery spaces
– 1+ year working closely with a faculty committee
– 15 credit concentration in a chosen medium
– Move directly into a professional artistic or academic career
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interdisciplinary Art
Graduate 5 semesters
– Continue your professional education beyond your bachelor’s degree. Creative problem solving, fostered by critical thinking with an emphasis on community.
– Low residency format (two 10-day on-campus residencies each year) provides creative ferment while accommodating the practical needs of working adults.
– Work with a dynamic group of faculty, renowned visiting artists, professional mentors and peers to guide you through the process of developing an active and professional practice.