Introduction to the Art Major

The art major at Earlham College is unusual because it emphasizes both contemporary craft media, such as ceramics and metalsmithing, and more traditional media, such as drawing and painting. The program also offers a range of options for work in art history and curatorial practices.


Earlham's art program is both accessible and flexible. There are no prerequisites for most courses, and both majors and non-majors are welcome. Each art major chooses an area of focus, which consists of three courses in one of the following areas: ceramics, drawing, art history, metalsmithing, painting, photography, and weaving. In addition to building competency in a focus, each student also takes art fundamentals, and another fine arts course.



Among the resources available for art students are: five studios, a kiln building with electric, gas and wood-fired kilns, a darkroom, Leeds Gallery and the Ronald Gallery, which houses the Earlham Art Collection as well as opportunities to live in Penn House (for students interested in the arts) and to participate in field trips to regional museums and sites. The art department also offers many intensive courses, both on and off campus, during May Term.