Studio Art

Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts, Studio Art Concentration

Studio Art: Communicating Truth and Beauty

Artists translate ideas, words, and emotions into visual works that accurately reflect God’s incredible design.

The studio art concentration from Pensacola Christian College will hone your creativity and equip you to create accurate and expressive work. You’ll develop a solid foundation of drawing and painting skills with art courses that will gradually expand to include media like watercolor, acrylic, oil, clay. Beyond traditional media, you’ll also complete real-world digital painting and illustration projects using Wacom digital graphics tablets.

Your understanding of the artistic process will include all stages—from conception to implementation and presentation. As you master each technique, your skills and creativity will build, allowing for true artistic growth. You’ll build an impressive portfolio of artwork, preparing for a future as an accomplished, God-honoring artist.


Faith-Based Studio Art

Christian artists have the unique opportunity to point others to Christ through their excellent and beautiful work. When you graduate with a studio art concentration, you’ll not only exemplify a high standard in art but will be prepared to tackle everyday visual art issues with a biblical perspective and superior creative problem-solving skills.

3D Design Class

Studio Art Concentration Learning Outcomes

As a studio art graduate, you will be able to

  • articulate a distinctly Christian-traditional philosophy of art.
  • recognize historical trends in artistic theory and practice.
  • demonstrate technical proficiency in the use of appropriate media.
  • develop visual compositions using traditional design principles.
  • create visual works that communicate a clear message.
  • use professional research and development processes to solve visual problems.
  • exhibit professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in your chosen field of art and design.
  • develop a body of work demonstrating strength in representational drawing and painting and visual storytelling in a variety of media sufficient for pursuing professional opportunities in studio art and illustration.

Program Highlight

Senior Studio Art Portfolio Exhibit

The Senior Studio Art Portfolio Exhibit (AR 499) is your chance to display your best work, showcasing your contributions to the studio art field. You’ll complete a variety of projects that will culminate in a portfolio (AR 440) of exhibition-level work. Your vision will come alive as you compile pieces that demonstrate your unique abilities in a public exhibit open to friends, family, and guests.

Your Studio Art Future

What can you do with a studio art concentration?

The studio art concentration from PCC will allow you to apply your passion in a ministry, company, or any industry needing art or illustration to accomplish their goals. Or strike out on your own as a freelance artist producing work for private clients or galleries. If you’d like to stretch your talents even further, you’ll be equipped to pursue a master’s degree in studio art. Whatever you choose, you’ll be ready for success.

Here are a few of the countless career opportunities available to you.

  • Art Director
  • Art Teacher
  • Fine Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Portrait Painter

Here are a few of the many places that our studio art alumni have worked.

  • Answers in Genesis
  • Awana
  • DaySpring Cards, Inc.
  • IBM
  • Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
  • LifeWay Christian Resources
  • Ramsey Solutions
  • Sight & Sound Theatres

Faculty Highlight

Joe Digangi

Mr. Joe Digangi

B.A., Western Illinois University
M.F.A., Northern Illinois University


“As visual art communicators, it is my heart and goal that the studio art students would use their talents and abilities to honor and glorify God and bear fruit. They can do this by communicating the ‘Blessed Hope’ that is within them. Every time we create something, somehow that gets communicated—I am not sure exactly how—but it does. I tell my students that if their vertical relationship is correct, their horizontal relationship will cause others to ‘look up,’ which shifts the attention unto God instead of themselves.”

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Alumni Spotlight

Rebecca Lemoine
Rebecca Lemoine ’21

Freelance Illustrator


“The thing I enjoyed the most about the studio art program was the sense of community and healthy competition. We were in it together! Now that I graduated, I still maintain contact with my people, and we still critique each other's art and inspire each other to be the very best artists we can be.

PCC prepared me for my career first and foremost by giving me a wide set of skills that I can take with me into literally any job. I would strongly encourage someone to do the studio art program because it will teach you the artistic skills that are becoming more and more a lost art. Techniques like oil paint portraiture, sculpting, and realistic drawing are not easily mastered, [but] PCC will make sure you leave school with a rare set of skills.”

Meet more alumni

About the Studio Art Concentration

The purpose of the studio art concentration is to produce Christian artists who are able to effectively communicate in the areas of studio art and illustration.

Seniors must present a studio art portfolio exhibit.

Students enrolled in 300- or 400-level art courses are required to own a personal laptop for use in class. An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription is also required. Laptop specifications must meet minimum Adobe Creative Cloud system requirements.

Students can apply for scholarships to receive financial aid.

See Scholarships
Career Fair

Visual Arts Career Support

With Career Services and Career Link, students can start making connections with employers while on campus during Career Fair events. These services provide tools and resources designed to empower you for your career in studio art.

Need help? Career Services staff are ready to assist you in researching employment opportunities, exploring job qualifications, and providing mock interviews and résumé support.