Department of Fine Art

The Art Department’s purposes are:

• to provide art majors, teacher licensure and art minors with engaging educational experiences designed to prepare them for a variety of professional careers and continued learning in the arts
• to provide learning experiences in art to all students for general education and elective credit which promote creativity, individual aesthetic awareness, and knowledge of the roles art plays in our culture
• to provide opportunities through partnerships such as Mars Hill University’s Weizenblatt Gallery for cultural enrichment and growth for all members of the college community by encouraging active participation in the art world as a meaningful way to embody the unique spiritual and human values inherent in the arts

Summer Programs offered by Fine Arts

The Department of Fine Arts is offering several opportunities for high school age students to explore opportunities at MHU.

MHU Summer Photo Camp for Teens
June 19-23, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Students in 9-12 Grade

Join us for Summer Photo Camp at Mars Hill University. This weeklong day camp is hosted by the MHU Fine Art Department and designed for students in 9-12 grade. Campers will explore a variety of topics and processes to create several photo projects including studio portraits, constructed images, cyanotypes, and more! Camp time includes group photo shares, short presentations for inspiration, and hands-on photo-making. Photos will be made during and outside of camp. Campers will need a digital camera (smartphones are ok!); all other materials are provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Register Here

Exploring clay in new ways
June 19-23, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Students in 9-12 Grade

Have you ever been curious about making pottery? Or seen videos of someone throwing on the potter’s wheel or hand building with clay? Well let’s go for it! Participants will learn the techniques of throwing on the potter’s wheel and how to use soft slab construction to make a lidded vessel. Demonstrations will include centering clay, opening the centered mound, pulling a wall to form a bowl and trimming the bottom into a foot. Soft slab construction uses seamstress styled techniques to cut, dart, fold soft clay and then raise and connect into a three-dimensional form. Students will then decorate all their work in a personalized way. This weeklong half-day camp is open to the complete beginner interested in starting their Ceramics journey.

Program schedule:
• Mon: Demonstrations of tools and materials; work on first project (Slab prep and wheel demo)
• Tue: Students conquer the potter’s wheel
• Wed: Pattern creation for soft slab construction, Potter’s wheel work.
• Thurs: Decoration, Trimming bowls and then into the fire!
• Fri: Show & tell, campus tour

Register Here

Inked Up: Introduction to Block Printing

June 19-23, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Students in 9-12 Grade

Have you ever been curious about making your own hand-designed notecards, books, wall art, wrapping paper and more? To create these items, participants will learn the technique of block printing. Block printing includes carving a matrix (often made of linoleum), applying ink, and taking an impression on paper. Students will have the opportunity to use their own imagery to personalize their prints. Demonstrations will include image transfer, multi-color ink experimentation, texture buildup, patterned motifs, and instruction of the required printmaking tools. This weeklong half-day camp is open to the complete beginner interested in starting their printmaking journey.

Register Here