Department of Art

APU’s Department of Art prepares art students for a lifetime of artistic expression as reflectors of the creative and transformative nature of God, the ultimate Creator.

Mission

The mission of the Azusa Pacific University Department of Art is to prepare art students for a lifetime of artistic expression and to cultivate individual creativity through the study of history, technique, presentation, and social engagement as reflectors of the creative and transformative nature of God, the ultimate Creator.

Faculty hold the belief that art is a socially responsible calling that empowers students to act as transformers in the world. In human history, artists have been the vessels and vehicles for spiritual, social, political, and psychological definition and change. Therefore, art is presented as a professional occupation and an essential part of a liberal arts education. APU students train to continue in that artistic tradition.

Department Policies

The following policies apply to all art major and BFA students:

  • Students must successfully complete a portfolio Review of Artistic Competencies (RAC) before progressing to upper-division courses. The review dates are announced every term and are available in the Department of Art.
  • Students must submit a portfolio application to be admitted into the BFA program. The application due dates are announced every term and are available in the Department of Art.
  • BFA majors must install a capstone exhibition and create a final portfolio at the conclusion of their coursework to prove proficiency in their selected emphasis or concentration.

Accreditation

Faculty

Department Chair

William Catling, MFA

Professors

William Catling, MFA

Stephen Childs, MFA, Director of Exhibitions

Lyrica Taylor, PhD

Associate Professor

Nery Lemus, MFA, Director, MFA in Visual Art

Assistant Professor

Angela S. George, PhD, Director, MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History

Adjunct Faculty

Alisa Barsegyan, MFA

Andrew Cole, MFA

Marcus Doyle, MA

Amy Fox, MFA, MBA

Jeffrey Grubbs, PhD

Nathan Huff, MFA

Sue Lafferty, PhD

Shelby Moser, PhD

Meredith Munson, PhD

Mark Nelson, MFA

Maryann Rachford, EdD

Carolyn Robertson, MFA

Stephanie Sabo, MFA

Tonja Graves Schmitt, MFA, MPS

Daniel Siedell, PhD

Jamie Sweetman, MFA

Tamara Valdry, MFA

Catherine Wagley, MFA

Faculty Emeriti

Robert Bullock, MA

David McGill, MFA

Susan Ney, MA

James Thompson, EdD