Vision & Mission

To be the preeminent professional art school in New England and acknowledged for our nationally distinguished studio art and design programs, which balance strong individual disciplines with cross-disciplinary initiatives.

Preparing students to be practicing artists and designers is at the heart of our mission. The Hartford Art School reflects a dynamic balance between the traditional and the emergent arts. We aspire to provide an educational environment that supports the creative and intellectual development of individuals at all levels of the institution. We are committed to expanding diversity, to broadening connections across the university, as well as the Greater Hartford community, while enhancing our network of national and international programs.

Developing the Whole Artist

Numerous programs within the university’s other colleges provide a balanced emphasis between quality liberal arts studies and professional training to develop the whole student. Academic minors and double majors between schools and colleges on campus offer students the possibility of combining varied interests. The goal of the Hartford Art School is to provide a professional education within the context of a University that encourages a liberal arts experience for all its students. The result is to educate students to be capable, knowledgeable, and fully prepared for the professional artistic domain; to have an understanding of the visual arts in relation to other human endeavors; and to become creative and contributing members of society.

The Hartford Art School adheres to no single philosophy or style of art. Through curriculum, exhibitions, visiting artist programs, and particularly through its resident faculty, the School fosters a diversity of influences and experiences. The breadth of artistic and educational philosophies, combined with our facilities, faculty, and the close community of active art students, creates an environment that is challenging and supportive. At the University of Hartford, the study of art-related fields does not end at the doors of the Hartford Art School. A program in art history, in the College of Arts and Sciences, teaches students to look at the world through different eyes. Art history prepares students to investigate history with a detective’s precision or to philosophize about art with the broad scope of a cultural critic.