The studio art program at Augustana fosters the artistic growth and maturity of its students. It engages students in the fundamental principles of visual art and design in a variety of art media. Students in the department learn to express their ideas and emotions via the formal elements of art, while at the same time gaining an understanding of art's larger social and disciplinary contexts. In their beginning courses, students increase their technical abilities and skills in art and acquire knowledge of basic media and concepts. This is accomplished through close interaction with the faculty. Beginning studio classes usually have only 15-20 students; upper level classes are generally smaller. In the more advanced courses, students work to develop personalized expressions and statements in a chosen medium, developing a body of original work for presentation. Junior and senior art majors and minors are given individual studio space for their own work and study in art. The studios are open in the evenings and on weekends, permitting students to work when their schedules allow. In addition, students gain knowledge about the history and contemporary practice of art, learning how to discuss their works with people outside the art community. This is accomplished through verbalizing about the work in class critiques, through several field trips to Chicago and Iowa City during the school year, by bringing visiting artists to campus in conjunction with classes or gallery shows, and by studying art history at Augustana.

The Augustana Art and Art History department offers both a major and a minor in art. For the major, courses are required in drawing fundamentals, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, or sculpture, and figure drawing. In addition, both majors and minors take advanced elective courses in studio art and art history. Art majors also take a senior studio course, preparing a coherent body of work in one medium or related media for the senior exhibition. The department offers many courses in a variety of areas, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, weaving, fabric design, ceramics, metal sculpture, video art, computer art, and art education. The department also offers a separate major in art education. Work-study is available within the department, as art majors and minors can provide assistance in the Augustana Art Gallery, in the art studios, and in the Augustana children's art program, Kaleidoscope. Many students also broaden their art experience through internships in areas related to art and participation in the Augustana Overseas Terms.

Prospective students can submit their work to the faculty for portfolio review. Participating students receive individual evaluations of their work by the Augustana art faculty and are eligible for talent-based art scholarships. Awards of up to $2500 are applied to tuition and are renewed annually for students who declare a major or minor in art, or complete two studio art courses each year. Portfolio reviews take place in the spring of each year. Portfolios should contain a minimum of six original works in any media. Matting or framing is not necessary.

The Augustana studio classes are housed in new facilities which opened during the 1996-1997 school year. The facilities house multi-harness tapestry looms; a well-equipped dark room for photography; gas, electric, and wood-burning kilns for ceramics; and welding, casting, carving, and modeling equipment for sculpture. Computer art classes are held in the new computer center. The Augustana Art Gallery, located in Augustana's Centennial Hall, is a professionally managed gallery, housing both a permanent art collection and changing exhibitions. For more information, visit the Augustana Art Museum web site.