Student Resources: The Division of Art offers two special programs which students find crucial to their development as artists: the New York Colloquium (a two-week, winter inter-term program in New York) and the program at SMU's campus at Fort Burgwin in Taos, New Mexico. Through these two programs, the opportunity to study abroad, and an extensive program of visiting artists and lectures, Art students at Meadows experience contemporary artistic thinking in all its forms.

New York Colloquium: During the New York Colloquium, students visit a range of museums, galleries, artists' studios, and other venues appropriate to the development their critical and professional studies in art. Approximately 20 students participate each year, with at least half from the Division of Art, both graduate and undergraduate. The Colloquium forms the basis for contemporary art studies for our students and exposure to the international art world as represented in New York.

SMU-in-Taos: The program at Fort Burgwin in Taos, New Mexico is crucial in shaping the professional focus and development of students in the Division of Art. The curriculum offers several approaches to independent and directed study each summer, including plein-air painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking, as well as an interdisciplinary studio workshop. We incorporate these within three or four separate courses: the Open Media Workshop, Photography in Taos, Painting in Taos, and the May Term Workshop.

The Taos campus has basic studio spaces, including darkrooms and facilities for printmaking, as well as open studios and outdoor workspace for about 12 students within the "Art Barn." The beautiful and natural campus of 300 acres allows for considerable interaction with the environment, particularly though drawing, painting, and sculpture, including site-specific work. Students may pursue directed or independent curricula, depending on level, with little outside distraction from their studio investigations. The level of independence demanded, as well as the extended time available for independent investigations, has made the Taos program an important experience for our best students.

Study Abroad: A significant number of Meadows students engage in study abroad, whether through SMU-run programs or international programs offered by other universities. Programs of particular note to students in art include SMU-in-Rome, which includes summer study in drawing, art history, Italian studies and film; SMU-in-Paris, which offers introductory and intermediate study in studio art; and SMU-in-London, which offers advanced art study at the Slade School of Art in London.

Visiting Artists: The division conducts an active visiting artist program, ranging from visiting artist lectures and workshops to the Meadows Distinguished Visiting Professor, an internationally significant artist who comes to campus for monthly visits during one semester of the year to teach undergraduates and conduct graduate critiques. Annually, the division holds a special Ceramic Arts Lecture series, which brings two or three prominent ceramic artists to campus each year for lecture and workshops. For a list of recent visiting artists to the Division, click here.

Arts Housing: The Office of Residential Life offers students the option of special community dormitories, including two arts dormitories adjacent to the Meadows School. Students from all areas of Meadows provide an exciting atmosphere of social interaction. Special facilities in Mary Hay Hall include a gallery and exhibition space for student-run exhibitions, as well as some studio space for student work.

Student Art Association: The Student Art Association, through funding from the SMU Student Senate and Program Council, offers students a number of activities which supplement the offerings of the Division of Art, including a student-organized program of visiting artists each year.