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A person walks through gallery displays at PNCA's First Thursday event.

The Arts

Willamette University offers a diverse and vibrant arts community, spanning the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland to the performing arts, music, and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem.

At Willamette University, the arts thrive across our campuses, offering students a rich tapestry of experiences. The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland serves as a hub for artists, designers, and scholars, anchoring the city's vibrant cultural ecosystem. Students at PNCA engage in rigorous studio practice, critical inquiry, and professional development, preparing them for creative careers that connect art and design to broader social and environmental issues.

Meanwhile, at the Salem campus, students can immerse themselves in the performing arts, with opportunities in theatre, music, and more. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art provides hands-on experiences for studio art and art history majors, offering a unique space to explore the intersection of art and community. Willamette’s arts programs foster creativity and collaboration, empowering students to express themselves and make a meaningful impact through their craft.

Our Community Matters
Celebrating Creativity
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    Transformative Art Experiences

    Crimson Ravarra BFA’24 embraced internships and international study, shaping them into the artist they are today.

    Crimson Ravarra BFA’24
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    From Classroom to Global Brands

    Steven Xue BFA’19 leveraged his time at PNCA to work with top brands like Nike and Adobe, integrating diverse artistic disciplines into his design work.

    Steven Xue BFA’19
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    Blending Tradition and Innovation in Art for Google

    Angelica Trimble-Yanu BFA’19 has captivated the art world with her unique fusion of traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern technology. Recently commissioned by Google to design artwork for their flagship store, Trimble-Yanu created a stunning 107-square-foot piece that reflects her Lakota heritage and a commitment to sustainability.

    Angelica Trimble-Yanu BFA’19
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    Olivia Harwood’s Art Speaks to Feminine Strength

    Olivia Harwood BFA’21 has quickly made a name for herself with her distinctive paintings that blend trinkets, collage, and found objects to explore themes of femininity, fertility, and empowerment. Now working as an archivist and studio assistant, she continues to push boundaries in her art, earning accolades and showcasing her work in prestigious galleries.

    Olivia Harwood BFA’21
"A lot of what I learned during my thesis is super relevant to my job now. I feel like I do my thesis every week."
Nathan Galvan ‘23
Nathan Galvan ‘23
Student Opportunities
Engage, Create, and Grow in the Arts
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    Internships with Leading Arts Organizations

    Willamette students gain hands-on experience through internships with prestigious arts organizations and galleries, from Portland to the world stage.

    A PNCA student standing in a hallway with art in the background.
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    Performing Arts Clubs and Organizations

    Students can join a variety of performing arts clubs, from a cappella groups to theatre and improv, fostering creativity and community on campus.

    Students performing a musical at Willamette University.
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    Connecting You with Global Creative Leaders

    Our visiting artist lecture series offers students the chance to learn from renowned artists, designers, scholars, and critics from across the globe. The annual Symposium, a public event, unites PNCA graduate students and Portland's vibrant creative community to delve into topics like environmental justice in art, the social and political impact of DIY creativity, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of art.

    A group gathers at PNCA campus for a presentation.
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    Experience Music at Willamette

    Students can enjoy a rich variety of performances, from free concerts and the Distinguished Artists Series to captivating shows.

    Students sing at a formal concert at Willamette University's Salem campus.
The Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Study

Diverse Academic Programs in the Arts

Willamette University offers a wide array of arts programs, from the professional and experimental at PNCA in Portland to the dynamic performing arts in Salem.

Inspiring Spaces for Creativity
Explore Willamette’s Art and Design Facilities
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    PNCA’s Labs and Facilities

    PNCA’s state-of-the-art labs and studios provide students with the tools they need to create cutting-edge work.

    A PNCA student work on an animated arts project in a lab.
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    Student Gallery Spaces

    PNCA students showcase their work in galleries across campus, providing opportunities to exhibit and sell their art.

    PNCA students hang an art project in a gallery space
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    Glass Building

    Summary: MFA students receive individual studios inside the Glass Building, a 25,000 sq ft former glass factory, for the entire duration of the 2-year program including summer. Students have access to all the incredible facilities PNCA has to offer which include tools, equipment, workstations, and production areas for painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and furniture design, photography, animation, video and sound production, AR + VR, digital fabrication, game design, physical computing and interaction, illustration, textiles and fashion.

    A PNCA student works on a project in the Glass Building