UAA Department of Art

Have you met our new ART HISTORIAN?!

You will this fall as we welcome Christopher Richards to the UAA Department of Art Faculty.

Trained as a medievalist with a specialization in illuminated manuscripts, his research considers the history of sexuality, image theory, and especially their interaction across time, from the Middle Ages to contemporary q***r and feminist artistic practice.

Christopher will start his first year with the department teaching Art Appreciation, History of Western Art I, and History of Contemporary Art. If you’d like to learn more about these courses and how they will work within your program, make sure to check in with your Advisor!

We’re excited to have you with us!

The spring semester may be over, but at the UAA Department of Art, we’re excited to get rolling for this fall!

Please welcome Professor of Ceramics Alanna DeRocchi () and Professor of Drawing James Riordan () as they step into their Tenure-Track roles! We’re excited to see the vision that these wonderful professors have for not only their areas of study, but our department as a whole!

As the semester has come to an end, we often find ourselves saying goodbye to many students as they are heading into the world, bringing their creativity to wherever they go. However, this semester hits differently as we also say goodbye to members of our art faculty.

We as a department would like to thank Professor Steven Godfrey for the many years of knowledge and service that he has shared with the students, other faculty and staff that have lived in these halls. Your dedication to this institution, not only to the students who work diligently in the ceramics studios, but the many years you worked tirelessly as our Department Chair, are truly appreciated by all. Your ability to inspire and to share in the the growth of the studios and the Clay Body Club will be carried forward.

Due to his dedication to the department, it is also with great pride that we announce that Professor Godfrey has received the title of Professor Emeritus, an honor bestowed for such a distinguished career.

We thank you, Professor Emeritus Godfrey, for all you’ve done.

Congratulations and know you will be missed.

As the semester has come to an end, we often find ourselves saying goodbye to many students as they are heading into the world, bringing their creativity to wherever they go. However, this semester hits differently as we also say goodbye to members of our art faculty.

We, as a department, would like to thank Professor Garry Mealor for the many years of knowledge and service that he has shared with the students, other faculty, and staff that have lived in these halls. The joy, happiness, and dedication that has come from Garry has inspired so many of the students here, and we wouldn’t have so many amazing artists here without him.

Due to his dedication to the department, it is also with great pride that we announce that Professor Mealor has received the title of Professor Emeritus, an honor bestowed for such a distinguished career.

We thank you, Professor Emeritus Mealor, for all you’ve done.

Congratulations and know you will be missed.

Lots to celebrate this week, but of course we couldn’t forget one of funnest days to celebrate. This is the Way.

From the UAA Department of Art to our students,

Thank you for letting us share in your creative journey. We are so proud of the work that you’ve created these last few years, the growth you made in (and out) the classrooms and sharing with us the limitless ideas you want to develop.

We appreciate you and are looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!

Congratulations!

Thinking about checking out all of the amazing work that’ll be on display for First Friday?

Make sure to add the to your list of places to go! They have new exhibits for you to explore::

- Michaela Goade: Song of the Seasons
- Everyday Anchorage: Duke Russell & Ward Wells
- The R’s We Revolve Around
- AK Grown: Childhood in Alaska

While these exhibits are going on UAA Admissions () and Photography Professor Mike Conti () will be there, handing out goodies and talking all things art! Make sure to stop by and say hi!

See you tonight!

On Monday, the held an opening reception for our 2026 BFA student, Miriam Mockett!

Titled ‘Brushes of Color: The Unnoticed World of Influence’. An amazing watercolor show highlighting family, technique and a passion for creation.

This show will be available to view until May 1st, please take a moment to stop by and view Miriam’s Thesis Exhibition.

Congrats on an amazing exhibition, Miriam!

This past weekend, students from the UAA Department of Art Graphic Design & Illustration program had the opportunity to present their work to local graphic designers & illustrators as part of our yearly portfolio review! An optional event for students who are in their junior/senior year, may be graduating, or finishing their OEC in Graphic Design, they connect and gain feedback from some of the amazing creatives in the Anchorage design community.

Many thanks to the folks at  for helping plan and cohost with our faculty to make this event happen. And thank you to the designers, creators and illustrators who donated their time to meet our students!

We are already excited to do this again next year!

   

Have you thought about what classes you’ll be taking for the Fall 2026 semester?

Maybe there’s a class or two you’ve been excited to do and try something new. Or you’re navigating your degree plan to make sure you are taking the right classes for your career path.

We’d love to help you in your creative journey. At the UAA Department of Art, we offer a wide range of In Person and Online courses to share in our artistic knowledge.

Make an appointment with your advisor to see what classes you should take next!