Our nationally accredited program has a full selection of offerings in studio art, visual arts education and art history.
The Department of Art and Art History teaches students the skills, theory and practice to lead a creative life.
If living a creative life and learning about the visual culture of your world interests you, then the Department of Art and Art History has a full array of courses to pique your interest and help prepare you for a career in the arts.
Our majors experience a rigorous foundation in two- and three-dimensional studies, art history and advanced courses using materials and tools rooted in antiquity through the technologies of the 21st century.
In addition to our curricular offerings, we also have an extensive exhibition program in the De Pree Gallery. The program regularly crosses cultural and historical boundaries by hosting a range of exhibitions, from internationally recognized artists to showcasing our current student work. They continually expand the dialogue about the creative process through conversations with visiting artists, lectures, workshops and critiques that are located at points where art and culture intersect.
91自拍论坛 is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Because of our superior curriculum, facilities and faculty, Hope is the only private liberal arts college in Michigan with this distinction. Our program has been accredited since 1974.
We also engage members of the art community in Holland and beyond through local exhibitions and programming, and the Borgeson Artist in Residence Program.
We invite you to learn more about the opportunities we have to offer, and we鈥檒l be happy to assist you on your path to the richness that a life in the visual arts can provide.
Program Highlights



Stephanie Somjak 鈥24 and Natasha Marsh 鈥24
"Over the summer, I had the opportunity to assist Dan Callis through the Borgeson Artist in Residence program. It is impossible that this short paragraph will do justice to the impact it had on my life and art practice. Being able to work with such an incredible artist and person, I grew in confidence, understanding, and comfortability in art and language. Dan taught me how to problem solve in my own art practice, the beauty in collaboration, and how to trust the artistic process enough to not be afraid to just start. I am so grateful for the opportunity to assist Dan Callis; it was a blessing I never knew was possible until then.
Stephanie Somjak ’24
"My experience working with Nick Fagan was one of the most unique opportunities I’ve had as a student. Not only did I assist with pieces for the show, but I was also a part of the gallery side of prepping the space for an audience. I also developed my sewing skills and found that I enjoy working with textiles, which is now something I’ve been able to incorporate into my own practice. Overall, the experience of working as a studio assistant has given me a more holistic perspective on my experience as an art major at 91自拍论坛."
Natasha Marsh ’24

Jo Locke 鈥24

Sophia Funston 鈥25
Sophia Funston ’25 and Professor Lisa Walcott
The surface of a sculpture, as its outermost covering, is often all the viewer perceives, influencing both aesthetics and content. This project explored the potential of constructed surfaces — those altered by various treatments or materials — by examining historical precedents and contemporary trends. Through this experimentation, the artists investigated how different surface treatments, such as encaustic, silicone, metal patinas and flocking, can transform a sculpture’s appearance and meaning.

Signe Bieganski 鈥27

Saints and Syncretism in Global Christian Art
Co-curated by Mariam Tiews ’25 and Lauren Carpenter ’26. Produced by students in ART361 Special Projects in Art History. Displayed in the from January 14–May 17, 2025.
“This hands-on project furthered my vocational clarity. I researched various artworks, pulling together a thematic, unified exhibit. The project strengthened skills, such as original research, tactful consideration of belief systems, and the crucial understanding of the curatorial work that goes with framing an idea that will later be presented to a broad audience. Academic research and museum administration was a tremendous opportunity for me as I entered my senior year and worked toward graduate school applications.” —Mariam Tiews ’25
“I received training in artifact handling and care, along with gaining exposure to the world of museum and curation. This project provided the stepping stone for future research projects and became an important addition to my résumé, especially as I hope to apply for graduate school. Overall, curating the Saints and Syncretism exhibit was an invaluable opportunity, providing us with transferable skills for the future.” —Lauren Carpenter ’26

Carlee Schafer 鈥27
“My week learning traditional Korean papermaking techniques was increadible! Getting to work intimately with the material gave me a new appreciation for the surfaces we engage with. Professor Su, along with the other staff, students, residents and chickens, created a welcoming environment in which I was encouraged and challenged. My time at Ox-Bow was marked with conversations, lake sunsets and pulling lots and lots of paper. I look forward to continuing to make paper and applying that to my artmaking process back at Hope.”
Summer Office Hours
june 1鈥揂ugust 7惭辞苍诲补测鈥揟丑耻谤蝉诲补测:
9 a.m.鈥2 p.m.
workP. 616.395.7500
art@hope.eduHope by the Numbers
- 98%Satisfaction
98% of previous majors and minors in the Department of Art and Art History ranked their experience as 鈥済ood鈥 or better.
Learn about our degree programs - 91%Employed
91% of art majors who graduated in 2015 are currently employed.
See what our alums are up to - 12:1Student-Faculty Ratio
With a low student-faculty ratio, you can be sure of positive interaction with our world-class faculty.
Meet our faculty - 100%Visual Arts Education
In 2015, every single one of our visual arts education majors was placed directly into the field after they graduated.
Pursue an visual arts education major