Welcome to the Art Department
The Art Department at Saginaw Valley State University is part of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences and features a dedicated faculty of full-time and adjunct instructors. Students work closely with professors who are accomplished practicing artists, with work exhibited regionally and nationally. The department also brings contemporary artists to campus through exhibitions in the University Art Gallery, located in the Arbury Fine Arts Center.
The Visual Arts curriculum includes art history and studio courses in ceramics, graphic design, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and two- and three-dimensional design. Students may pursue a B.A. in Art, Graphic Design, or Visual Arts Education, or a B.F.A. in Art. Graduates of the Visual Arts Education program are eligible to apply for Michigan teacher certification for K-12 visual arts education.
SVSU Art Department Graduates Stand Out
Graduates of the Art Department pursue creative careers across a wide range of industries. Alumni work as graphic designers, advertising and art directors, web and app designers, illustrators, and photographers, as well as fine artists such as painters, sculptors, printmakers, and muralists. Others apply their skills in roles including art curator, gallery director, art dealer, studio owner, arts administrator, and art educator. These pathways—and many more—allow graduates to stand out by combining creative vision with professional expertise.
73%
of employers seek candidates with strong creative and critical thinking skills
(AAC&U Employer Survey)
4.9million
Americans work in arts and cultural industries
(U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis)
87,900+
annual openings projected in arts and design occupations through 2033
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Student Spotlight
Students gain professional experience through interdisciplinary opportunities, Cardinal Solutions service projects, and active student organizations such as the Art & Design Creative League, AIGA Design Club, Cardinal Photography Students Association (CPSA), Student Art League, and Comic Strippers Club. Outside the classroom, students connect with professional artists through exhibitions and lectures at the University Art Gallery and the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. The program also offers mentorship opportunities for first-year and transfer students through peer guidance from upper-level majors.
Paige Goodall
Saginaw Valley State University Art student Paige Goodall earned national recognition for her original character design, which was selected as the number one fan-voted entry in a nationwide competition hosted by Makeship.
Paige’s imaginative plush character captured attention for its unique visual style, creativity and personality, ultimately earning the top spot among entries from across the country. As the grand prize winner, she received a cash award and a professionally produced prototype plushie based on her original design.
Alex Lorenz
Saginaw Valley State University Art student Alex Lorenz earned third place at the Midland Center for the Arts New and Emerging Artists Part 1 exhibition for his piece Renewal, an ink wash on paper work recognized for its artistic quality and creative expression.
Alex was among several SVSU Art students whose work was accepted into the competitive exhibition, showcasing the strength and talent of SVSU’s emerging artists. Awards were announced during the March 26, 2025 reception in Midland, where the exhibition was juried by artist Dacia Parker.
The recognition reflects the dedication, creativity and professional growth of SVSU Art students as they continue to share their work in regional exhibitions and artistic competitions.
University Art Gallery
Experience a dynamic showcase of creativity at the SVSU University Art Gallery, where rotating exhibitions feature contemporary artwork from international artists alongside inspiring work by SVSU Art Department students. Located in the Arbury Fine Arts Center, the gallery serves as a vibrant cultural destination for both the campus and regional community. With its spacious, well-lit environment, the gallery hosts free public exhibitions, artist lectures, and receptions throughout the year, offering visitors an engaging way to explore a wide range of artistic styles and media.
Faculty Highlights
At SVSU, the professors are dedicated to their roles as teachers, artists, and scholars, and value their place as educators to help ready students for their professions and lives after graduation. Feel free to reach out and ask them any questions you might have!
Michael Crawford
SVSU Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design Michael Crawford was named the 2023–2024 recipient of the Mary H. Anderson Adjunct Teaching Award. The award recognizes outstanding dedication to teaching, student engagement and excellence in the classroom.
J. Blake Johnson
SVSU Professor of Art J. Blake Johnson was recognized nationally with the 2024 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, honoring his leadership, innovation and impact in higher education. Johnson was recognized for his work mentoring students through Cardinal Solutions, where students gain real-world experience working with external clients across disciplines.
Learn from Dedicated Artists, Scholars and Mentors
At SVSU, the professors are dedicated to their roles as teachers, artists, and scholars, and value their place as educators to help ready students for their professions and lives after graduation. Feel free to reach out and ask them any questions you might have!
CONTACT US.
Department Chair
Blake Johnson
jbjohns1@svsu.edu
(989) 964-2255