Explore Art at MSU Denver:

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Art at MSU Denver

The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver is a vibrant, diverse environment full of options for students interested in pursuing a degree in a creative field. Whether you are interested in being a professional artist, designer, educator or researcher, you will learn traditional methods of art production and research as well as innovative approaches to art and design. Read more…

Two students smiling and laughing while working on the light table in the Print Studio.

Professor Tsehai Johnson assists a student with their pottery-throwing exercise.

A student works with heavy machinery while wearing a heavy leather protective smock and gloves, along with soundproof headphones and safety goggles.

Students post finalized examples on a white board, for their project which creates advertisements for the Visiting Artist Scholar and Designer Program. In use are many bright and complementary color palettes including teal, sky blue, orange, lime green and navy, along with a dark cream and light lavender. Both students happen to have prominent tattoos showing on their arms.

Students work in the Letterpress Studio in Communication Design. You can see the many slender drawers and cubbies which hold the individual letters to use in the Press.

Two Communication Design students flip through the Metrosphere magazine, which they helped to design and create. They stand in the CDES library in front of the many books and periodicals which are available for student research and reading.

Professor Heidi Cies consults with a student about their final project. Posters on display in the background show graphics of larger-than-life portraits the students created.

Professor Michael Bernhardt walks through a critique with his class in Gallery 199. By their hand gestures, they are discussing certain angles of the cardboard sculpture on a pedestal in the foreground. One student has electric pink hair.

Two students chat while standing at the front desk of the Art Deparment. Behind them is a painting of a diverse group of individuals representing the many peoples of earth. They hold a central floating orb and cube, in poses of reflection and contemplation.

A view of the multi-storied buildings of downtown Denver, taken from outside the Arts Building.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

By knowing our history, we can better understand our place within it and seek to be in right relationship with the people who were here before us and are here now.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

The MSU Denver Department of Art represents a diverse community of individuals who study, teach, create, and advocate for art and design.

Safer Spaces Resolution

For Black, Brown, and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Impacted by State and Police Violence.

Bird Talk is an MSU Denver Podcast about alumni careers and lives, hosted by Jamie Hurst. This episode features Rebecca Totman.

Listen to the Bird Talk podcast

This episode features Rebecca Totman, Department of Art class of '05, Associate Producer of Animation for “The Simpsons."

STORY
Juno Rivera, 18, records Ruth Danquah, 17, for a short film during CVA’s Art + Action Lab for teens interested in creative careers.

CVA Summer Art + Action Lab Teen Internship

What can you do with an arts degree? CVA's summer internship for high school students helps answer that question.

STORY
Phoebe Nguyen, Spring 2023 CLAS Graduate Honoree

Phoebe Nguyen, CLAS Spring 2023 Graduate Honoree

The Department of Art Congratulates Spring 2023 Honoree Phoebe Nguyen for College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (CLAS)

STORY
MSU Denver art professor and alum Carlos Fresquez looks at St. Cajetan's out of his office window.

Professor Frésquez Retires

Celebrated artist Professor Carlos Frésquez leaves the classroom and a legacy; reflects on 33-year teaching career

STORY
Alumnus Javier Flores works at his home studio.

Colorado Printmaker Inspires Students with His Story of Resilience

MSU Denver Art Alumnus Javier Flores wouldn’t be slowed in his journey to success as an artist

STORY
Alumna Molly Quinn uses TikTok videos to help propel her watercolor business to success.

Made in Denver: Molly Quinn Art

Viral TikTok videos have helped propel this MSU Denver Art Alumna & watercolorist’s business to success.

STORY
Screenshots of Shawn Meek and Lisa Abendroths International Exhibition Mobile App

Professors Meek & Abendroth Collaborate on Mobile App, Gain National Publication

Design for the Common Good Mobile App earns recognition of 2022 Denver One Club Awards and 2022 GDUSA Design Awards

STORY
Portrait of Walter Ware, 3-D Studio Manager

Meet the Department of Art Faculty & Staff

Meet 3-D Studio Manager, Walter Ware III.

Get to know our faculty and staff through this relay interview series.

STORY
MSU Denver Art Student Cyrena Rosati's work is currently featured at Meow Wolf.

Student and Alumni Works at Meow Wolf

Department of Art Students and Alumnae among innovative minds behind the scenes at Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station.

STORY
Portrait of student Kenyatta Cole

Student Focus

STUDENT STORIES
Mandala window with Faculty member's silhouette

Faculty Focus

FACULTY STORIES
Photo of Alumni Artist, with mask in studio

Alumni Focus

ALUMNI STORIES

Explore the Department of Art

Our Mission, Facilities, Career Prospects, and Student, Faculty and Alumni Stories

EXPLORE ART AT MSU DENVER

Program Options

The Department of Art offers Bachelor's degrees, minors, and a teaching licensure, as well as coursework and special programs for both art majors and non-art majors.

Majors, Minors, and More

Department of Art Student Work

Exhibitions by Bachelor of Fine Art Students in
Studio Art and Communication Design
Student Work from Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, and Fall 2020

VIEW STUDENT WORK

Connect With Us On Social Media

Accreditation

Metropolitan State University of Denver is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

The University’s offerings in Art and Industrial Design are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Learn more about NASAD.


Art Stories and Events

Let Us Know What's Happening!

MSU Denver Art students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to submit your art stories and events so we can help spread the word on this website, in social media and via other promotions.

Submit Your Stories Here!

MSU Denver Art
Office Location
Auraria Campus Arts Building
First Floor, Suite 187

Office Phone
303-615-0300

Office Email
[email protected]

Mailing Address
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Art
Campus Box 59
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362

Shipping Address
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Art
Attention: (faculty or staff member name)
1201 5th Street
Denver, CO 80204

Art Department Tours

 

Giving to the Department of Art

Help the Department of Art and the Center for Visual Art reach their campaign goals.

GIFT TO MSU DENVER ART

See More About the Department of Art

Our Mission, Facilities, Career Prospects, and Student, Faculty and Alumni Stories, & More

EXPLORE ART AT MSU DENVER

Happy graduates sit in the audience prepared to receive their diplomas at MSU Denver Spring 2023 commencement ceremony.

Discover more about MSU Denver

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Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.

Academic Programs

200+ undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree customizable paths to choose from.

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Wherever you’re heading, your road begins here. Let’s go.