Programs

Learn More About

• Creative Inquiry
  Creative Inquiry is an initiative at Clemson University that engages students at the Undergraduate level in applied research.
  
  Students take on problems that spring from their own curiosity, from a professor's challenge or from the pressing needs of the world around them. Team-based investigations are led by a faculty mentor and typically span two to four semesters. Students take ownership of their projects and take the risks necessary to solve problems and get answers.
  
  Currently the Art Department offers four creative inquiry options open to all majors.
• Public Art
  Atelier InSite is a project that implements public artwork on the Clemson University Campus. It capitalizes on a cross-disciplinary and inclusive approach that is predominantly student driven. The goal is to create a new paradigm for the administration of public art on university campuses.
  
  The word Atelier is derived from the French word meaning workshop or studio. Atelier describes the atmosphere and attitude toward the installation and development of public art on campus. Learn More 
• Clemson Curates

  Faculty teach experiential-learning courses through a partnership with the CVA, allowing students to gain practical knowledge of how arguments are constructed, how visual arts exhibits are developed and how various social media platforms are utilized for marketing and communication. Students learn to consider the arts from a variety of perspectives and fields, providing them with a comprehensive view of exhibit development and applied learning.

• Community Supported Art (CSArt)
  CSArt endeavor was created to support local art, artists, and collectors and to create a unique shopping experience.
  
  The Clemson CSArt program, begun in 2014, is unique because it has been started by college students and has been funded by the Clemson University Creative Inquiry program so that the CSArt team is able to further explore and research new, innovative ways to run the program. Interested consumers and collectors will purchase a share and in return, receive one share of locally-produced artwork at our seasonal pickup event. Learn More
• Contemporary Art in Practice

  Contemporary Art in Practice students spend time researching and evaluating exhibit presentation strategies while seeing some incredible art in New York City. This trip is part of a Creative Inquiry-Clemson course, a part of Clemson's commitment to student engagement and undergraduate research. This opportunity for engagement is what set the Clemson experience apart from other institutions. Learn More

• Art History
  Visual Art students are immersed in a rigorous course of study that includes studio techniques, principles of design, conceptual grounding, and art history. Our art historians at Clemson University possess a broad knowledge of art history and specialize in modern and contemporary art history. These professors offer a rich understanding of past and current developments in art. Courses demonstrate how history, geography, politics, religion, and culture are reflected in and shaped by art. This understanding helps provide context for students studying visual arts and other fields.
  Here are some of the topics and areas covered in the art history courses:
  

  • Global art and architectural history from prehistory to the age of the Enlightenment.

  • Modern art history, theory, and criticism in the West.

  • Global contemporary art history, theory, and criticism.

  • The place of art today in regional, national, and global contexts.

  Please refer to the most recent course catalog for further information regarding the several art history courses offered at Clemson University.

Alumnus Spotlight