program Type Department School
Undergraduate Major Creative Arts School of Liberal Arts

At Siena, your journey in Visual Art & Design is more than just learning; it’s about doing. From your first day, you'll be immersed in hands-on experiences that turn your creativity into real-world skills, preparing you to step confidently into the art world or any creative industry.

how you'll grow as an artist and designer

  1. Foundational Skills: Building Your Toolkit - Start by mastering the essentials that every artist and designer needs. From brushstrokes to digital design, you’ll develop the technical and conceptual skills that form the foundation of your creativity. Imagine learning techniques that help you create a portfolio of work showcasing your versatility across multiple mediums.
  2. Contextual Understanding: Finding Your Path - Next, dive into the history and theory of art. You’ll explore what it means to be an artist today, guided by Siena's dedicated faculty who mentor you every step of the way. Learn how to turn your passion into a career, just like Jazmin Ortiz, who graduated with skills she now uses as a photography manager in the textile industry.
  3. Portfolio Development: Showcasing Your Talent - As you progress, you’ll build a body of work that truly represents your vision and skills. Whether it's designing posters for theater productions, creating marketing materials for athletics, or producing logos for campus initiatives, you’ll have the chance to apply your skills in real projects. By graduation, your portfolio will be a testament to your growth as an artist and designer.
  4. Culminating Experience: Mastering Your Medium - In your final year, you’ll complete a personalized capstone project that highlights your mastery. You’ll not only refine your craft but also present your work in a curated exhibition, celebrating your achievements with family, friends, and the Siena community.

why siena stands out

  • Tailored Mentorship: With small class sizes, our faculty are dedicated to your success. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance, ensuring your growth is personalized and impactful.

  • Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience by contributing to real projects on campus, building a portfolio that catches the eye of future employers.

  • A Tight-Knit Community: Join a network of peers and alumni who support and inspire each other. You’ll graduate with a powerful professional network that’s ready to help you launch your career.

life after siena as a visual art and design major

Siena's Visual Art and Design program doesn’t just teach you about art—it prepares you to thrive in the creative industry. Graduates have secured roles as art directors, multimedia artists, graphic designers, museum curators, and more. Imagine yourself like James Muentes, now an Assistant Designer at New Balance, or Melanie Maltbie, who landed a role in marketing and communications.

At Siena, you won’t just be learning about art and design—you’ll be living it. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a portfolio brimming with real-world projects, a clear understanding of your place in contemporary art, and a network of connections to help you succeed.

Scott N. Foster

Department Chair and Professor of Creative Arts

Student Profiles

See what our talented students are doing!