Why Study Art?

    You’re creative. You’re talented. Now, take these traits and develop your own form of expression. As an Art major, you’ll learn to think critically, act creatively, and produce works of art that address the most pressing issues in contemporary culture.

    Why Study Art at MMC?

    As an Art major here, you’ll have access to all the resources of an art school as you build your artistic practice, enriched by disciplines from across the College.

    Take in everything New York City offers as the heart of the international art world. Meet leading curators, artists, photographers, and designers. Learn from faculty members who are professional artists. Take classes and intern in prominent cultural institutions like Sotheby’s, the Met, MoMA PS1, El Museo del Barrio, and art galleries across the city.

    Our new center for visual arts (opening in Fall 2022) will provide you with a unique teaching and learning environment with light-filled studios, digital labs, and a communal hub to host events, connect with friends, or just hang out.

    What You Will Learn as an Art Major

    Our core courses build your artistic foundation. Integrate solid technical skills with knowledge of art history, theory, and practice.

    Design your own program by choosing one or more of four concentrations:

    • Graphic Design
    • Illustration and Animation
    • Photography
    • Studio Art

    Through coursework, apprenticeships and internships, special lectures, and access to artists’ studios, you will develop your skills not just as an artist, but as a critic and communicator.

    Contact

    Department of Art and Art History
    (212) 517-0694
    art@mmm.edu

    Art
    Carson Hall, 700A

    Art History
    Carson Hall, 704

    Concentrations

    Graphic Design

    Blend artistry and technology in our Graphic Design concentration. You’ll learn foundational design principles and theories. Apply the skill sets you develop to print design, web design, illustration, interactive media, photography, and more. Get ready for a career or graduate school by preparing a professional portfolio in your chosen media. 

    Illustration and Animation

    In our Illustration and Animation concentration, you’ll hone your drawing skills and become fluent in time-based media and the art of visual storytelling. You’ll master the latest digital software and you’ll build a professional portfolio that’s ready to use for job and graduate school applications.

    Photography

    In our Photography concentration, you’ll take your foundational courses at MMC and advanced courses at The International Center of Photography (ICP). ICP features state-of-the-art darkroom and digital facilities, a museum, and a collection of over 20,000 books, artist files, and periodicals. You’ll study lighting, portraiture, landscape, photojournalism, medium- and large-format photography, and advanced darkroom and digital techniques. 

    Studio Art

    As a student in our Studio Art concentration, you’ll first explore a wide range of artists’ materials and tools—from charcoal and paint to the most current digital technologies. Then, you’ll hone your skills in your chosen medium—painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and installation—and produce a body of work and professional portfolio. 

    Program Highlights

    International Liquid Finger Prayer by Pipilotti Rist
    Learn what it’s really like to work in New York City’s museums, galleries, auction houses, graphic design and photography studios, advertising firms, and publishing companies. Art majors have recently interned at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and Teen Vogue, just to name a few.
    Kate Cheney '20 in Cyprus
    Study art and art history in another culture and context. This scholarship, named in honor of a longtime former faculty member, provides financial assistance to an Art or Art History student to study abroad. 
    Portfolio Prep
    Graduate with a professional quality portfolio that’s ready to send to potential employers or graduate programs. All Art majors create digital portfolios and take a senior capstone seminar course to develop a body of work for exhibition in the Hewitt Gallery of Art. 

     

     

    • Attending MMC was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. MMC has opened doors for me such as being offered a summer job at Mouse Ceramic Studio in Brooklyn, NY, teaching ceramics to children. In addition, the guidance I received from my professors also helped me get into Bank Street Graduate School of Education, my top choice graduate school. Marymount Manhattan is an amazing school with so many opportunities for their students and I’m so happy that I now get to call myself a MMC Alum!

      Adriana Kunstenaar ’19

      Class of 2019,  Art major, Studio Art concentration, minor in Communication and Media Arts

      Meet Adriana
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    Careers and Outcomes

    Art majors at MMC have gone on to succeed in graduate school and a wide array of careers in the art world and in art-related fields. Below are just a few of the roles and places alumni of this program have landed. 

    job titles

    • Artist
    • Art Therapist
    • Art Educator
    • Creative Director
    • Gallery Director
    • Graphic Designer
    • Photo Editor

    employers

    • Christie’s Auction House
    • Howard Greenberg Gallery
    • Inked Magazine
    • MoMA PS1
    • The National Association of Women Artists

    The Hewitt Gallery of Art

    Join visitors from across the NYC art community and take in exhibitions from emerging and mid-career contemporary artists. As an art major, you’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your work at the gallery.

    explore the gallery

    Start your journey today.

    Learn more about the application process, take a virtual tour, and chat with current students right from the comfort of your home.

    Visit Opportunities   Start Your Application