History
Architect's sketch of FAPACWhile WCU's School of Art and Design (formerly the Department of Art) and the former Belk Gallery have maintained a strong academic and contemporary art exhibition program over the years, the new Fine Art Museum continues the tradition while strengthening its role as a cultural catalyst to celebrate and preserve the artistic legacy of the western North Carolina region with a developing focus to collect, interpret and showcase innovation in contemporary art.

The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center houses the School of Art and Design which includes state of the art academic classrooms and studios for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students in visual arts to accommodate painting and drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, printmaking and book arts, graphic design, interior design, new media, art history, and art teacher education.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program in studio arts began in 2004 offers advanced professional training and career development for students seeking a comprehensive studio and academic learning experience. Noted guest artists offer critical response to student creative research while School of Art and Design graduate teaching faculty members teach several comprehensive studio courses to advanced level graduate students. In addition, the entire WCU campus and community members have the opportunity to attend lectures and forums on a variety of special art topics and contemporary art issues offered by guest artists, critics, and historians.


THE FINE ART MUSEUM