Why study Art at MC?
The Maryville College Art Department strives to prepare students for lifelong intellectual and emotional engagement with the study and practice of art. The purpose of the Art Major / Minor at Maryville College is to introduce, encourage and strengthen skills, attitudes and knowledge that enable students to become creators, caretakers and advocates of the arts.
The Art Department is an academic community committed to challenging students with a stimulating program of study that balances individual instruction, cooperative learning and independent research. For Art majors and Art minors, the art curricula complements broad knowledge grounded in the liberal arts tradition with specialized expertise in the students’ chosen field. For all students, the curriculum embraces the belief that art both enriches and is enriched by its interconnectedness with other areas of human behavior. Art Majors choose from the following concentration areas: Drawing, Ceramics, Painting, and Photography.
Scholarships, Awards, & Auditions
The Division of Fine Arts offers several opportunities to both first-year and returning or transfer students based on academic achievement, interest areas, leadership and talent. Learn More about the awards and qualifications >
Meet a Current Scot
Anna Price
Hometown: Walland, Tennessee
Attending Maryville College has been a lifelong dream for Anna, who grew up coming to the campus for shows and exhibits at the Clayton Center for the Arts. She says that MC has been “a perfect fit,” being small and close to the mountains. It’s fitting, then, that Anna is also involved with Mountain Challenge on campus.
As an Art major with career aspirations to photograph concerts, performers and venues, Anna loves learning the history and techniques of art as well as having encouragement from professors and students. She enjoys having the freedom to “mess up” and better herself while creating what she loves. “It’s also amazing to have so many connections outside of my major and the College and combine subjects and topics that I love and make future relationships with employers,” she said.
Meet a Recent Grad
Laura Reed ’24
Currently: Pursuing an MBA at Auburn University; PAVE Director at Maryville College
After four and half years in the Navy serving as a construction mechanic with the Seabees, Laura began her collegiate journey at Pellissippi State Community College before transferring to MC. She credits MC for preparing her to be flexible and “ride the wave to your path.”
Currently serving as the PAVE Director at MC while pursuing an MBA at Auburn University, Laura says she uses her art degree to create eye-catching posters, flyers and pamphlets to bring awareness to her program and its services, as well as provide training for students, faculty and staff. With her MBA, Laura wants to take her photography business to another level and eventually work with the Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs and other agencies.
