About

The mission of the Department of Art, Art History and Design Department is to provide a strong foundation in the visual arts whereby students learn the concepts, skills, and vocabulary to enable them to create and understand art as a means of visual expression and communication.

The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers an Associate of Fine Art Degree (A.F.A.) and a Certificate in Graphic Design.

Our curriculum emphasizes the appreciation, understanding and practice of art and design, including:
• the principles and language of art and design
• the overall creative process
• the roles and responsibilities of the artist and designer throughout history within a multi-cultural community and within a global context
• appropriate traditional skills and advances in technology in art studio, and history courses.

Online Gallery of Student Work

a painting of Persephone charcoal drawing, self portrait by a student

News

ILLUMINEXIONS

Discover the intersection of creativity and scientific exploration at the Observation in Science & Art Mentorship Program exhibition, on view at the CCRI Flanagan Campus Art Gallery from June 11–27. This unique show features original works by CCRI Art & Design students created in collaboration with STEM faculty, inspired by anatomical studies and hands-on workshops in the Biology Department’s Anatomy Lab. Experience how close observation and interpretation connect both disciplines through a diverse collection of drawings, paintings, and mixed media. Join us for the opening reception on Wednesday, June 11, from 4–7 p.m., and celebrate this innovative fusion of art and science.

Disability, horror, and queer bodies: an introduction to Leia Fifer's Meat Creatures - Student Artist Talk

Join artist Leia Fifer for a student talk on Meat Creatures, exploring disability, horror, and queer embodiment through unsettling and provocative art.

2025 Spring Bus Trip - NYC

Embark on an artistic journey with the Art Department Bus Trip to New York City on April 11th! Dive into the vibrant world of modern and classical art as you choose between visits to the iconic MoMA or the illustrious The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in creativity, inspiration, and cultural enrichment alongside fellow art enthusiasts. Secure your spot for just $20, payable in cash or check. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the dynamic art scene of the Big Apple! Open to currently enrolled art students. Registration is now open!

Click here for registration details...

New Science & Art Mentorship Program Launches at CCRI

The RII-NEST initiative, a $8 million program funded by the National Science Foundation, introduces the "Observation in Science & Art Mentorship Program" at CCRI. This collaboration pairs Art & Design students with STEM professors to explore shared concepts of observation and interpretation. In Spring 2025, students will focus on figure drawing and human anatomy, creating art inspired by anatomical studies. Students selected to participate will be work-study participants, gaining valuable experience in both art and science. The program culminates in a public exhibition. The work-study application is now open.

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Knight Campus Student Exhibition!

The Fall 2024 Student Exhibition showcases our students' remarkable talent and creativity, reflecting their hard work and innovative ideas throughout the semester. From thought-provoking installations to stunning visual art, this exhibition demonstrates the diverse mediums and perspectives that define our artistic community.

Knight Campus Student Exhibition Fall 2024

Portfolio Review for Students! Dec. 3rd & 4th

Knight Campus: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, Room 4078 Flanagan Campus: Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, Room 1537 Faculty will be available to assist with: ▪ Guidance on transferring to other colleges ▪ Tips and advice for scholarship applications ▪ Help organizing and refining your portfolio ▪ Insight on what makes your work stand out for exhibitions ▪ Strategies for approaching galleries and curators ▪ Tips on photographing your artwork for professional presentation Come by and let’s take your work to the next level! What to Bring: ▪ Printed color images or digital files of your artwork (on a tablet, laptop, or USB drive) ▪ Artwork you haven't yet photographed ▪ Photos of class projects or exercises from your art courses ▪ Other art classmates who didn’t read this far down ▪ Your phone (for easy access to additional work or notes) ▪ There will be laptops available for use if needed for viewing digital work Get Expert Feedback on Your Artwork!

Event details

Under the Streetlight Exhibition

Our Knight Campus Fine Art Seminar Students gathered on Thursday, November 21st, to showcase their collective works in an exhibition called “Under the Streetlight.” The exhibition showcased the students' capstone projects, featuring a rich variety of artistic expressions.

Fall 2024 FSA Exhibition

Fall Bus Trip - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

**Join Us for a Creative Journey!** Bus Trip: Friday, October 25th, 2024! Embark on a vibrant adventure with the Art Department as we head to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston! Immerse yourself in a world of inspiration, exploring breathtaking exhibits and masterpieces that will ignite your creativity. This trip is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts, expand your artistic horizons, and gain fresh insights for your work. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience—reserve your spot today and let the art inspire you!

Click here for registration details...

Bridge to Ocean Exploration (B2OE) Experiential Learning Program

Applications are due Oct.17! Based out of the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, B2OE is an experiential learning program offering paid, part-time opportunities in ocean science and science communication to interested and eligible students. Program Paths include 3D Modeling & Animation and Multimedia Production. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the OECI is recruiting up to nine CCRI students to participate as a B2OE Cohort 4

Details & Application

Art Orientation & Info Sessions - Sept. 18th &19th

Are you passionate about art and considering a path in the visual arts? Whether you're interested in our Associates in Fine Arts program or just want to learn more about our art courses, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Flanagan Campus: Wednesday, Sept. 18th, 5:15 pm - 8:00 pm in FL-1537 Knight Campus: Thursday, Sept. 19th, 5:15 pm - 8:00 pm in KN-4078

Art Event Calendar

Destination GITH Exhibition

Our Knight Campus Fine Art Seminar Students gathered on Wednesday, April 17th, to showcase their collective works in an exhibition called “Destination Gith.” The exhibition displayed a diverse array of artistic expressions, from vivid paintings to intricate sculptures, each offering a unique interpretation of a glimpse into the horizon.

Spring 2024 FSA Exhibition

2024 Spring Bus Trip - NYC

Embark on an artistic journey with the Art Department Bus Trip to New York City on April 12th! Dive into the vibrant world of modern and classical art as you choose between visits to the iconic MoMA or the illustrious The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in creativity, inspiration, and cultural enrichment alongside fellow art enthusiasts. Secure your spot for just $20, payable in cash or check. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the dynamic art scene of the Big Apple! Open to currently enrolled art students. Registration is now open!

Click here for registration details...

SCA Award of Merit awarded to Jonathan Colombo

Student Jonathan Colombo received the South Coast Artist 2023 Award of Merit for demonstrating great artistic talent and expression.

Joan Hall and Mark Weil Conservation Fund Fellowship

The Hall/Weil Fellow assists the museum's objects conservator for a two-year term, supporting both the short-term and long-term care of original works. The fellow receives training to introduce them to collections care and preventive conservation activities.

Apply by February 19! Learn More

Art Club Exhibition: Call for Entries!

The Art Club will have an Exhibition in February and March 2024! We welcome submissions from club members and CCRI students interested in joining the club. Submissions should relate to one of the two Exhibition themes: 'Black & White' and 'Nature'. Artwork can be dropped off at Lincoln Gallery (FL-1527) OR Warwick Gallery (KN-3500) Jan.31st - Feb. 1st, 10am - 2pm, and Feb. 2nd 10am - 12pm. If you have Artwork that must be presented as a digital file please email the file (or a link to the file) to [email protected]. The exhibition will be on view in Lincoln Campus Gallery from February 5th - 23rd, and in the Warwick Campus Gallery from March 4th - 27th. Contact Jezze Cote ([email protected]), Jordynn Robinson ([email protected]), or Daniel O’Neill ( [email protected]) with questions!

Part-Time Summer Internship Program

Mellon summer interns gain in-depth experience working in individual museum departments while discussing museum practice as a cohort and learning about how museums live up to their missions

Apply by February 2! Learn More

Convivium: Professor Silva Publishes Chapter

Assistant Professor of Art Joseph Silva published the chapter "Securing the Mediterranean. Cosimo I de' Medici and Portoferraio" in the journal Convivium 10.1, The Architecture of Medieval Port Cities, edited by Sarah Kowzlowksi and Kristen Streahle and published by Brepols, 2023.

Motion is Art!

Today's Drawing I class has taken over the 4th-floor Art Hallway. David Hazlett's Kinetic Drawing project, inspired by Heather Hanson's Emptied Gestures helps artists use motion to create art.

Dec. 5, 6, & 7th!

CCRI Knight Campus, Second Floor Lobby, Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM, Ceramics, Prints, Stickers, Jewelry, Baked Goods, Ornaments & More!

Oct. 24, 25, 26th!

CCRI Knight Campus, Second Floor Lobby, Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM, Ceramics, Prints, Stickers, and More!

Birds in Art

Professor Vouros's artwork, titled 'Reclamation,' is currently being showcased at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum as part of the Birds in Art exhibition until November 26th. This piece has become a permanent addition to the museum's collection. For images from the opening weekend, click learn more.

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Peabody Essex Museum seeks Tiktok content creator!

Call for Summer Applicants Now Open. The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) announces the launch of a TikTok Creator-in-Residence program – the first of its kind for any U.S. art museum. Now accepting applications for the summer of 2023, the program seeks to collaborate with current or recent graduates of New England area art schools to increase engagement with PEM’s TikTok channel by producing creative videos that explore the museum's art and collections, events, and stories. Additional information about this paid part-time position and instructions on how to apply may be found at pem.org.

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Professor Silva Authors Chapter

Assistant Professor of Art, Joseph Silva wrote the chapter "To the Victor Go the Spoils: Christian Triumphalism and the Order of Santo Stefano in Pisa," published in...

ArtxHistory

CCRI professor of art history, Natalie Coletta, released her sabbatical project, www.ArtxHistory.org in January of 2021 for the spring start of Art History