The Major
The art and the history of art major is organized into two distinct programs: The History of Art and The Practice of Art.
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We offer introductory to advanced courses in art history and studio practice that enable our students to develop artistic awareness, historical understanding, critical faculties and practice in the visual arts.
Department Highlights
Eli Marsh Gallery
Our gallery displays a variety of student and visiting artist exhibitions throughout the academic year.
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Artist Studios
Our students share large, light-filled studio spaces for painting, printmaking, sculpting, photography, video and design.
Sculpture
After Amherst
Amherst art majors have gone on to careers as artists, scholars, architects, educators, conservators, preservationists, curators and more.
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Arts at Amherst
Together, Amherst’s arts programs host more than 300 events in the performing, literary and visual arts each year.
Learn MoreArt & the History of Art Courses
Current Courses
ARHA 151
Visual Culture of the Islamic World
Description
explores the architecture, manuscripts, painting, textiles, decorative arts, material culture, and popular art of the Islamic world, from the late seventh century C.E., touching on the present.
ARHA 254
Art’s World Since 1989
Description
Examine art produced since 1989, paying particular attention to the international network comprising artists, curators, institutions and the art market.
ARHA 385
Witches, Vampires and Other Monsters
Description
Explore construction of the monstrous over cultures, centuries and disciplines. Investigate various monstrous creatures and the qualities they share, through the art of Goya, Munch, Picasso, Dalí, Cindy Sherman and others.
Art & Art History Prizes
The department sponsors three prizes: The Athanasios Demetrios Skouras Prize, The Hasse Prize and The Anna Baker Heap Prize.
Featured Article
Curated by Thieves
In an interview with Assistant Professor of Art and the History of Art Niko Vicario, artist Kota Ezawa talks about how an FBI database sparked his interest in the still unsolved Gardner Museum art heist of 1990 and led him to recreate 13 lost artworks.
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