Myers School of Art named as one of the top art & design programs in the country

10/23/2023

Close up of oil painting

Newsweek.com has recently named the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron as one the leading art and design programs in the U.S. The Education Insight Team summarized their program selection criteria as offering students: an inspiring environment, expert guidance from experienced instructors, a comprehensive education and preparation for successful careers in the creative industries.

“Our stellar faculty, the focus on careers open to students after earning a degree in art and design, and a robust visiting artist residency program all help to make us a leading school,” said Janice Troutman, distinguished professor of art and director of the Myers School of Art.

The Myers School of Art shares UA’s commitment to "Leading with the Arts" as one of five schools, 14 departments and four academic programs within the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences (BCAS).

"We are incredibly proud of the Myers School of Art's recognition as a leading art and design program in the country,” said Mitchell S. McKinney, dean of the college. “This achievement reflects the dedication and excellence of our faculty in shaping the future of art and design students. Not only do they gain artistic skills but also the knowledge to turn their passion into a sustainable career. We congratulate the Myers School of Art on this well-deserved honor."

At Myers, students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Art degree with emphases in ceramics, graphic design, jewelry/metalsmithing, painting/drawing, photography, printmaking or sculpture. They can also earn a Bachelor of Art degree in Art Education and Art Studio. The school also offers 13 minors including art history, computer imaging, emerging technology, illustration and photography for non-art majors.

The Myers School of Art awards $120K in scholarships and grants to art/design degree seeking students each year to support tuition, fees, travel, scholarship and tools and materials.

Myers' internationally diverse faculty of active professionals includes two Fulbright Scholars, a Guggenheim Fellow and two Distinguished Professors. All are engaged, accessible, attentive, and dedicated to leading undergraduate students on their paths to fulfilling, successful careers.

Myers hosts a reputable Visiting Artist/Designer Residency Program, bringing nationally and internationally recognized artists and scholars to campus for residencies ranging from a few days to several weeks. Guest artists and scholars work closely with students in studios, give demonstrations and public lectures, and bring fresh perspectives into the school to educate and inspire the Myers and Akron communities.

In Folk Hall, 28 studio/lab spaces, lecture rooms and the nationally recognized Emily Davis Gallery are an incubator for artistic growth in which students discover their creative identities and are challenged to define the future of art and design. The Emily Davis Gallery, a front door for the arts for the university and the broader Northeast Ohio community, highlights work and lectures by visiting contemporary artists of national and international acclaim in addition to exhibiting faculty and students works.

Related:


Story by: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.