Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)

Drawing and print media provide versatile strategies for experimentation in mark, space and idea. In the University of the Arts’ Expanded Drawing + Print Media program, you will develop a studio practice that pushes the boundaries of traditional classifications and broadens your ways of seeing, making mark and creating experiences.

Students will explore the vast range of mark-making potential, both on paper and beyond paper, that “drawing” materials and print techniques have to offer. You’ll explore time-based works, site-specific works, and text and image work.

An intense and immersive studio experience is coupled with inspiration from world-class art museums in the city and exposure to a wide range of visiting artists and critics.

Student Spotlight

photo of mary gilbert-zyats, sitting square to the viewer but looking right in profile. her hair is long and red and she is wearing a pink-orange shawl.
Mary Gilbert-Zyats

BFA '22

Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
portrait of Aarin Wilson. She has shoulder0length red hair, black round glasses, a small septum ring and is wearing striped overalls. sunlight is illuminating her hair from the left.
Aarin Wilson

'23

Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
headshot of catherine dawton on a beach at sunset
Catherine Dawton

’23

Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
headshot of Le-Tai seen from a lower angle against a blank, sun-lit wall. Le-Tai is wearing a blue shirt with a flame motif.
Le- Tai

’23

Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)

Faculty Spotlight

    Portrait of Sheryl Oring. Sheryl is wearing a crimson blouse with matching nails and looks straight at the viewer through rounded square glasses. She is seated at a small desk occupied by a dark typewriter. Behind her are panels on the wall, each with a note pertaining to contemporary political issues.
    Sheryl Oring

    Dean, School of Art
    Black and white image of a woman
    Rebecca Gilbert

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Philadelphia-based artist whose work is featured in public and private collections, and has been exhibited regionally
    A headshot of Book Arts and Printmaking director Lori Spencer
    Lori Spencer

    Book Arts & Printmaking (MFA)
    Artist/printmaker whose work has been exhibited nationally in galleries and public collections
    A headshot of Associate Professor Diane Pepe
    Diane Pepe

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Multidisciplinary artist with a focus in drawing and multimedia constructions who has exhibited widely
    Charles Cooper with his arms crossed in a red and blue striped shirt with a black vest over it and standing in front of a white background
    Charles Cooper

    Painting (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Multidisciplinary artist whose work explores trauma, loss, alienation and identity through personal rituals and myth-making
    Marcelino Stuhmer looking at the camera and smiling in front of a beige brick wall and a window
    Marcelino Stuhmer

    Art BFA (interdisciplinary)
    Artist and professor whose work engages psychological representations of American cinema.
    Rosae Reeder
    Rosae Reeder

    Illustration (BFA)
    Artist and educator whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in galleries and centers for the book

    Curriculum

    The curriculum of the Fine Arts Major with an emphasis in Expanded Drawing and Print Media is based on a framework of research, studio experimentation, artistic invention and daily practice. Personal vision and artistic innovation anchor the development of work for significant cultural contributions and dialogue, gallery and museum exhibitions, and creating work for diverse communities and public spaces. To that end, you will be given assignments designed to develop conceptual skills and become proficient in the necessary processes and techniques appropriate for your artistic vision and intention.

    Students who complete the Fine Arts Major with an emphasis in Expanded Drawing and Print Media will

    • demonstrate independent, creative problem-solving and original thinking through the development of a distinct and personal approach to art-making informed by contemporary issues and historical precedents.

    • demonstrate critical and conceptual development through research and analysis, applying readings, theories and methodologies toward the production of critically informed artworks.

    • acquire and demonstrate the professional skills needed to be successful as practicing artists, entrepreneurs and productive citizens, including further study at the graduate level.

    • effectively communicate, orally and in writing, the thoughts behind their choices and decisions concerning content and strategies.

    • demonstrate proficiency in a number of advanced techniques in individual studio practice, including a deep familiarity with materials and processes.

    Sample Curriculum

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    First Year

    First Year


    Drawing: Objects & Space
    Drawing: Natural Forms & The Human Figure
    Image/Time
    Color
    Object/Environment
    Body as Form

    Second Year

    Second Year


    Sophomore Projects
    Expanded Materials 
    Concepts/Works on Paper
    The Printed Multiple

    Third Year

    Third Year


    Word, Image & Visual Culture 
    Installation/Public Intervention
    Junior Projects/Discourse
    Contemporary Issues 

    Fourth Year

    Fourth Year


    Advanced Drawing & Print Media
    Fine Arts Thesis Groundwork
    The Artist’s Manifesto
    Professional Practices
    Fine Arts Thesis Studio

    Explore the Full Curriculum

    Alumni & Careers

    Alex Da Corte in black and white looks off to the left. He is playing with a necklace with what looks like a plastic spider in his fingers.
    Alex Da Corte

    BFA ’05 (Printmaking)

    Visual artist whose work has been called "dazzling" by 'The New York Times'
    zak parsons operating a silk screen
    Zak Parsons

    ’12

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Zak is the founder, owner, and operator of Four Finger Press (FFP), a small contemporary screen printing studio, located in Philadelphia, PA.
    Lydia Spence headshot
    Lydia Spence

    '18

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Headshot of Leah Mackin at a photocopy machine
    Leah Mackin

    BFA '07

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Professional studio artist and teacher with several solo exhibitions across the country
    Headshot of Nicole Eiland
    Nicole Eiland

    BFA '07

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    Founded & directs an art center in a renovated historic New Jersey train station.
    Shane Olsen headshot with a goat
    Shane Olsen

    '17

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)
    headshot of meg meehan in black and white at a seeing machine with messy long dark hair over a black hoodie with black nail polish
    Meg Meehan

    ’22

    Expanded Drawing & Print Media (BFA in Fine Arts)

    Visiting Artists

    Each academic year, the Fine Arts program at University of the Arts hosts innovative, dynamic artists whose work inspires and educates the entire UArts community. Spring 2019’s roster features Catherine Bebout, Mark Campbell, Mary Mattingly and Carrie Moyer.

    Learn more about this semester’s visiting artists.  

    View a list of past Fine Arts visiting artists. 


    How to Apply

    UArts offers recommended priority deadlines; students who apply and submit all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis. 

    International students requiring an F-1 visa for study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international student who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.

    Spring 2024 priority deadline: Oct. 15, 2023

    Fall 2024 priority deadline: Feb. 15, 2024

    We cannot accept spring 2024 applications after Jan. 8, 2024, and cannot accept fall 2024 applications after Aug. 16, 2024.

    We encourage students to complete the FAFSA by March 15, if possible.

    Many students and families have encountered technical challenges while trying to complete the FAFSA this year. If this is the case for you, continue to utilize the FAFSA support resources until your issue is resolved. UArts will ensure that all admitted students who file the FAFSA are eligible for the same institutional funding to support your costs.

    The following materials are required for your application.

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    A completed application for admission

    Start or resume your application. 

    • The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?

    A nonrefundable $60 application fee
    • If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.

    Official high school transcript

    • Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

    • International transcript requirements 

    • Transfer student transcript requirements

      • High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 18 academic, non-studio credits.

      • Official college transcript(s)

        • Official transcripts must be sent directly from all the colleges you have attended by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

        • If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to have an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework sent to UArts. Additional guidelines for international transcripts are available

    Your portfolio

    A portfolio is required for all Art, Design, Film and Writing programs. Your portfolio may be uploaded during the application process or via your applicant status portal after submission. You must confirm when your submission is complete via the linked electronic form before your portfolio can be reviewed for admission.

    Learn more about portfolio requirements. 

    International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency
    Optional letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service. 

    About the School of Art


    The School of Art at University of the Arts deeply values and celebrates creative curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration of numerous media and practices. You will be professionally prepared for a creative practice that emphasizes critical thinking and technical skill. You can create your own education through interdisciplinary learning and mixed media, or focus on a chosen discipline. No matter your path, you’ll learn to express your personal vision and innovate your chosen artforms.

    Learn more about the School of Art.

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