An Artistic Survey of Four Generations

Please make plans to join us for a Homecoming reception from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, and witness an exhibition offering a glimpse of the impact of fine art instruction at ACU from the 1970s to the present. “Delineated: Four Generations of Artistic Influence” will be on display Sept. 30 - Oct. 28 in ACU’s Shore Gallery.

The exhibition begins with the influence and art of the late Dr. Brent Green, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Design from 1980-98. A second generation is represented by one of his early students, Jeff Tabor (’73). When Tabor later joined Green on the faculty, the two of them educated a third generation of artists: Polly (Compton ’82) Jones, Kenny Jones (’82) and Robert Green (’79). Representing the most recent generation are works by Allen Smith (’09), Jay Hendrick (’12) and Nibizi (Anthia Nibizi ’18), who studied with Jones and Robert Green. Green and Jones conceived and co-curated the exhibit. A special debt of thanks goes to Dr. Heather (Green ’80) Wooten and Dr. Bill Green for loaning Dr. Brent Green’s paintings, and to all of the participating artists without whose help this exhibition would have been impossible.

Alumna Celebrates Residency and M.F.A. Exhibition

Erin Holland (’07) was selected for the Core Program, a funded nine-month residency sponsored by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and its Glassell School of Art. A Core Program residency is among the most prestigious in the country. Fellows receive a $20,000 stipend along with 24-hour access to a private studio. They engage with a range of leading artists, critics, curators and art historians. Holland was one of three recipients this year. “It feels pretty surreal,” she said. “I think it will be the perfect way to enter back into the Texas scene.”

Holland earned her M.F.A. from the Columbia University School of the Arts. Her work is featured in the 2022 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition, curated by Elisabeth Sherman of the Whitney Museum of American Art, which runs through May 22 at the Lenfest Center for the Arts in New York City.

Wiggins Steps Down As Department Chair

After 12 years of leadership as chair of the Department of Art and Design, Mike Wiggins (’93) has decided to return to full-time teaching. His term of service began in 2010 when Jack Maxwell (’78) vacated the position. During his tenure, Wiggins instituted numerous changes that made an enormous impact on the department, including expanding departmental Study Abroad opportunities; overseeing the development of new majors, minors and course offerings; undertaking important renovation projects; and growing relationships with alumni and the broader arts community. We are extremely grateful for his years of service and leadership in this role.

This summer, Robert Green (’79) will step into the role. With his many years of experience as well as leadership skills honed while serving as director of the Fine Art Program, we believe the department has a bright future.

New Major and Minor Starting Fall 2022

Beginning Fall 2022, the Department of Art and Design will offer a Bachelor of Science in art therapy and a minor in art history. “The major is a carefully curated selection of art and psychology courses designed to prepare students for a master’s program in art therapy while simultaneously giving them a chance to deepen their own artistic practice,” said Dan McGregor (’97), professor of art and faculty advisor for the new program. The art history minor allows those with a passion for art history to receive a formalized designation after completing 18 credit hours in this area.

Graphic Design and Interior Design Programs Visit NYC

The New York City Spring Break trip has been a big part of our program for more than a decade. After participating, many students move to the city, sometimes working for some of the studios and agencies they visited as students.

In Spring 2022, 20 graphic design and interior design students visited with some of the world's most significant designers. With experiences including a typography tour at Brooklyn's Greenwood Cemetery with type designer Jordan Bell (’12) and breakfast with renowned designer/letterer Dana Tanamachi, our students had an experience of a lifetime. Next Spring Break, we will take a group of graphic design students to San Francisco.

Fine Art Program Seeks Alumni Feedback

The department is conducting a survey to assist in improving and promoting the fine arts program. We first surveyed our current students in early April about their experiences in our courses. Now we need to view our program through a longer lens that only our alumni can provide.

If you graduated between 2008 and 2021 with a B.F.A. in two-dimensional studio or three-dimensional studio, a B.F.A. in art education, or a B.F.A. with a concentration in painting or sculpture, we solicit reflections on your curricular and extracurricular fine art experiences at ACU. Use the QR code above or click here to access the survey. Your response is much appreciated!