Welcome to the UH Hilo Art Department

The Art Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo provides study in studio art, concentrating primarily in the areas of Drawing, Printmaking, and Painting. The curriculum supports students in the comprehension of art theory, aspects of art history, and the fundamentals of studio practice. Students continuing their education in graduate studies are offered guidance in the development of their portfolio of work which is a requirement for graduate school admission. Other areas of study in the fine arts can be arranged through consultation with the Art Department and College of Arts and Sciences.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is located on the windward side of the Island of Hawaiʻi in the bay city of Hilo. This quiet city of 50,000 is 500 miles from the state capital of Honolulu and 2,500 miles from San Francisco. The city has a major airport and harbor and provides a complete range of medical and social services.

The Island of Hawaiʻi is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. Ka Lae, the island's southernmost point, is approximately the same latitude as Mexico City. Hawaiʻi is the home of Kīlauea, the world's most active volcano. The geography of the island includes contrasting environments which change from tropical rainforests to lava deserts; lush valleys to snow-capped mountains; and rugged seaside cliffs to gentle beaches.

Mission Statement

The Art Major (B.A.) Program in the College of Arts and Sciences in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo was inaugurated in January 1986. The B.A. Program in Art is based upon the creative, experimental, and developmental aspects of art. The program provides students with an understanding of the history of art, the role of art as an expression of our cultural heritage, and of the practice of art in the studio environment with an emphasis on drawing, printmaking, and painting. The program offers opportunities for students, the university, and the community to experience attitudes and forms of visual art in regional, national, and international contexts.

The program provides four main emphases for majors and for non-majors:

1. Art as a profession or career.

In this category, students are in prepared for graduate study (M.A. and M.F.A.) following graduation from the program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The program supports the scholarship and practice of visual arts. The Art Program implements an educational philosophy based upon an integration of three primary factors. These are 1) the comprehension of aesthetic theory and art history and 2) learned applications of materials and techniques in 3) the development of archetypally unique and creative individual of work in arts. The body of work accomplished during the period of study in the program functions as a portfolio for each student.

The understanding of aesthetic theory, a cognizance of contemporary movements, perspectives of the history of art, and a working relationship of the varied aspects of art forms form a foundation for the program. These relationships in the practice of studio art provide a foundation for each student in the visual arts.

The emphases for studio majors are in the program are drawing, printmaking, and painting. Students can pursue study in design, video, photography, ceramics, and three-dimensional forms through individually organized curricula using available resources.

2. Art for purposes of a vocation.

Students are prepared in the program for to function as professionals in the graphic design, illustration, applied arts, and teaching. The study of studio media, methods, and applications, art history, and art theory form the basis for an understanding of the creative process and addresses imagination, aesthetic concepts, creative applications, and the ability to consider with equal awareness, minute details and larger perspectives.

3. The study of Art as an avocation.

For some students the study of art is used to further individual avocational interests. The program provides a sound fundamental basis from which these interests may be developed. The program promotes the concept of "lifelong learning" in the university environment.

4. Art as a basis for a liberal arts education.

The study of the visual arts is an important component of a liberal arts education. The study of art helps to develop abilities for skillful creative applications, the growth of imagination, and an insight into human cultural relationships.

Program Goals

The Art Department provides an environment supporting scholarship and practice in the visual arts. Students develop a perspective of the history of art in Eastern and Western contexts, an understanding of art movements in the contemporary mainstream, comprehension of aesthetic theory, and an understanding of the practice of art forms.

Listed individually the goals of the program support students in the following areas:

  1. The development of working relationships with materials, techniques, procedures, and training in creative exploration of individual expression and ideas.
  2. The development of creative thinking and critical analysis in the area of the visual arts. Critical thinking skills and the ability to express this process are significant aspects of studio practice.
  3. The understanding of the history of world cultures and an appreciation for developments in the contemporary mainstream. Comprehension of the role of art as an expression of cultural heritage.
  4. The experience and exposure to mainstream visual arts through national and international exhibitions to establish a broader base of comprehension for contemporary movements in art.
  5. Preparation for graduate studies in studio art. The program areas in the Art Department which can support graduate school candidates are painting, printmaking, and drawing.
  6. The development of a foundation for professional occupations in the areas of graphic design, illustration, and teaching.
  7. The development of organizational and planning skills and experiences required in the profession of art.
  8. Providing a cornerstone for liberal arts education in the University environment.

Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Art Department
University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720-4091

Phone: (808) 974-7307 or (808) 974-7479
Fax: (808) 974-7712
Email: uhhadm@hawaii.edu