About

Mission

The central mission of The Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt) is to develop students—both majors and non-majors—into critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, compassionate human beings, and life-long learners.

With a focus on professional practice and leadership through creative activity, the BFSDoArt provides students with innovative curricula incorporating relevant technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to educate students with the requisite technical skills and theoretical knowledge for competitive and successful careers as professional artists, art historians, and designers.

The BFSDoArt offers interactions with visiting artists and scholars, a diverse exhibition schedule in our state-of-the-art Center for Art and Theatre galleries. Scholarship, internship, and travel abroad opportunities are also available in our ongoing commitment to the development of a well-rounded future world citizen whose creative research recognizes both aesthetic issues and global awareness.

The BFSDoArt is recognized as an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). 

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Art creates empathy – it connects us viscerally to each other in unexpected and powerful ways. In the BFSDoA we value all perspectives and experiences in the Georgia Southern University community, and want to bring into the light those which have historically been left out.  We share a responsibility for creating and actively maintaining a learning environment in which uniqueness is valued, equity and justice are sought, and inclusive excellence is practiced. We strive to create a departmental climate that honors and respects all of the elements that make up our identities, including but not limited to: culture, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, (dis)ability, creed, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, and political philosophy. In the spirit of this statement, we acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional homeland of the Muscogee, Guale, and Yamassee Nations and possibly other groups. We honor and respect these people and their connection to this land on which we gather to learn and educate.

Last updated: 1/26/2023