About Us
PennWest Department of Visual & Performing Arts
Nurturing Creativity and Expression
At Pennsylvania Western University, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts stands as a beacon for artistic innovation and expression. Our department is dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of our students, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in their artistic endeavors.
Excellence in Arts Education
Ranked among the top institutions for arts education in Western Pennsylvania, our department offers a diverse array of programs in fine arts, music, theater, and digital media. Whether you're an aspiring painter, a future stage director, or an animator, you'll find a program tailored to your creative ambitions.
Highlights
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our campuses are equipped with modern studios, theaters, and galleries that facilitate a real-world experience in the arts.
Experienced Faculty: Learn from distinguished artists and educators who bring a wealth of professional experience and dedication to teaching.
Community Engagement: Participate in exhibitions, performances, and workshops that connect you with the vibrant cultural scene of Western Pennsylvania.
Practical Experience and Career Preparation
Our curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in hands-on projects and collaborations that prepare them for successful careers in the arts. Our strong network of alumni and professionals also offers students unique mentorship and career opportunities.
Embrace your creativity at PennWest, where you'll be part of a supportive community that celebrates your individuality and prepares you for a fulfilling career in the arts.
What is liberal education?
It is a broad and well-rounded course of study in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and the arts. We teach students critical thinking, reasoning, research, and we advance disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding. We emphasize civic virtue and political participation, responsibility, moral reasoning, tolerance, community, stewardship, and global citizenship.
Why is liberal education important in today's economy?
Today's employee is likely to change employers, and even careers many times over the course of their lifetime. Embedded in a liberal education is the ability to think critically, write well, separate fact from fiction, understand diverse perspectives, and arrive at creative solutions to complex problems. These are the skills that employers value.