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Department of Art
Enriching the human mind and spirit

»Events and Exhibitions

Experiences that Inspire

The Department of Art puts you at the center of a vibrant creative community, with events that inspire and expand your horizons. From the Visual Thinker and Bensussen Lecture Series to the Margo Pawell Design Symposium—and exhibitions in the Guggenheim Gallery—you’ll experience world-class artists, designers, and scholars, discover new ideas, and connect with the people shaping the art world.

Sara Hendren

Sarah Hendren
Writer, filmmaker, design researcher, and cultural producer

Dr. Julian Bleeker
Engineer, designer, author, artist, and researcher

Kip Thorne
Theoretical physicist

Dr. Cheryl D. Miller
Designer, writer, artist, theologian, and decolonizing historian

Catherine Opie
Fine Art photographer and educator

Debbie Millman
Writer, designer, educator, artist, host o the podcast Design Matters

Visual Thinker Lecture Series

Gardner DeFranceaux

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Sara Hendren

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Ivellisse Morales

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Karla Diaz

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

La Times American Monument

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Laura Mackey

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Meredith Hall

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Ross Ho

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Sasha Samochina

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Tanya By

The Visual Thinker Lecture Series gives you direct access to renowned artists, designers, and art historians, deepening your understanding of visual culture. These lectures inspire you to think creatively, explore the interdisciplinary nature of creativity, and see how your work connects to the wider world.

Chosen by faculty and students, every speaker is an active professional dedicated to advancing creativity in society. The series encourages you to look beyond your own work, discover fresh ideas, and explore new career paths.

Gale and Jane Bensussen Lecture in the Arts

The Bensussen Lecture in the Arts, funded by art patrons Gale and Jane Bensussen, brings internationally recognized artists, historians, and designers to Chapman to share their experiences with you. Through these lectures, you’ll connect with the passion and purpose behind creative practice, gain fresh perspectives, and be inspired to see the world in new ways.  


Gale and J ane Bensussen"During a trip to Italy, we realized how few Americans have access to such transformative cultural experiences. This lecture series aims to broaden students' perspectives, inspire curiosity, and foster lifelong appreciation for the arts." - Gale and Jane Bensussen

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

The Margo Pawell Symposium brings leading designers to Chapman to explore contemporary topics in design. Named in honor of alum Margo Pawell, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire, the symposium gives you the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with professionals, and be inspired by some of today’s most influential designers—including Debbie Millman, David Turner, Stefan Mumaw, Von Glitschka, Stephen Coles, Michael Stinson, Armin Vit, and Ed Fella.

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

The Margo Pawell Symposium brings leading designers to Chapman to explore contemporary topics in design. Named in honor of alum Margo Pawell, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire, the symposium gives you the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with professionals, and be inspired by some of today’s most influential designers—including Debbie Millman, David Turner, Stefan Mumaw, Von Glitschka, Stephen Coles, Michael Stinson, Armin Vit, and Ed Fella.

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

The Margo Pawell Symposium brings leading designers to Chapman to explore contemporary topics in design. Named in honor of alum Margo Pawell, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire, the symposium gives you the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with professionals, and be inspired by some of today’s most influential designers—including Debbie Millman, David Turner, Stefan Mumaw, Von Glitschka, Stephen Coles, Michael Stinson, Armin Vit, and Ed Fella.

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

The Margo Pawell Symposium brings leading designers to Chapman to explore contemporary topics in design. Named in honor of alum Margo Pawell, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire, the symposium gives you the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with professionals, and be inspired by some of today’s most influential designers—including Debbie Millman, David Turner, Stefan Mumaw, Von Glitschka, Stephen Coles, Michael Stinson, Armin Vit, and Ed Fella.

Margo Pawell Design Symposium

The Margo Pawell Symposium brings leading designers to Chapman to explore contemporary topics in design. Named in honor of alum Margo Pawell, whose creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire, the symposium gives you the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with professionals, and be inspired by some of today’s most influential designers—including Debbie Millman, David Turner, Stefan Mumaw, Von Glitschka, Stephen Coles, Michael Stinson, Armin Vit, and Ed Fella.

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

The Escalette is Chapman’s “museum without walls,” where modern and contemporary artwork is displayed throughout campus in hallways, public spaces, and study areas. Consider joining the Art Ambassadors, who serve as docents for the Escalette Collection of Art. Focusing on student engagement, the Art Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of the Collection through fun on-campus events, tours, and promotions.

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

The Escalette is Chapman’s “museum without walls,” where modern and contemporary artwork is displayed throughout campus in hallways, public spaces, and study areas. Consider joining the Art Ambassadors, who serve as docents for the Escalette Collection of Art. Focusing on student engagement, the Art Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of the Collection through fun on-campus events, tours, and promotions.

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

The Escalette is Chapman’s “museum without walls,” where modern and contemporary artwork is displayed throughout campus in hallways, public spaces, and study areas. Consider joining the Art Ambassadors, who serve as docents for the Escalette Collection of Art. Focusing on student engagement, the Art Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of the Collection through fun on-campus events, tours, and promotions.

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

The Escalette is Chapman’s “museum without walls,” where modern and contemporary artwork is displayed throughout campus in hallways, public spaces, and study areas. Consider joining the Art Ambassadors, who serve as docents for the Escalette Collection of Art. Focusing on student engagement, the Art Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of the Collection through fun on-campus events, tours, and promotions.

Escalette Permanent Art Collection

The Escalette is Chapman’s “museum without walls,” where modern and contemporary artwork is displayed throughout campus in hallways, public spaces, and study areas. Consider joining the Art Ambassadors, who serve as docents for the Escalette Collection of Art. Focusing on student engagement, the Art Ambassadors are responsible for raising awareness of the Collection through fun on-campus events, tours, and promotions.

Guggenheim Gallery

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

Guggenheim Gallery

The Guggenheim Gallery, made possible by a gift from Robert and Shirley Guggenheim in 1975, is a vibrant center for art and ideas. Each year, it hosts exhibitions with renowned artists, students, and community groups, giving you direct exposure to the larger art world. Through collaborations with institutions like Getty's Pacific Standard Time, you’ll be connected to influential conversations in art.

As a student, you don’t just see innovative work—you create it. You’ll present group shows and develop your own exhibitions during your sophomore, junior and senior years—an invaluable opportunity to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience in a professional gallery setting.

MEET YOUR PROFESSORS
Admin Assistant
Ethan Javonillo
Ethan Javonillo
Studio Manager
Lorena Ochoa
Lorena Ochoa
Art Department Chair
Dr. Wendy Salmond
Dr. Wendy Salmond