Breadcrumb
Department of Art + Film
Visual art and film are a potent and positive force for change in contemporary society, and Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of Art + Film is dedicated to educating the students who will shape the culture of our collective future. The hands-on techniques that you’ll learn in our small, intimate classrooms, studios, and galleries will allow you to address issues, ethics, history, and culture with a unique and personal vision in your career.
Art + Film Degree Options
Studio Art
Degree options (BA, BFA) that encourage students to explore artmaking in a variety of well-equipped studio facilities including: Ceramics, Digital Media & Animation, Drawing & Illustration, Jewelry & Small Metals, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture
Film
Steeped in the traditions of independent filmmaking, students learn the fundamentals of fiction and non-fiction film through a production-based, hands-on program. Creating impactful, cinematic stories through the craft and artistry of directing, writing, cinematography, and editing are key components of the program.
Coming Fall 2025
Media Art
Cal Poly Humboldt’s newest degree program combines Art, Film, and Music. The BFA in Media Arts provides a breadth of experience in audio, still, and moving image production combined with emphasis areas in Animation, Design, Film, and Photography.
Art Education
Art Education provides the foundation to teach art in K-12th grades successfully and prepares students to enter California's mandatory fifth-year, single-subject teaching credential program.
Art History & Museum Studies
Art History & Museum Studies students not only learn about works of art, but also about the geographies, histories, and cultural traditions that surround them. Our three on-campus galleries function as learning labs where students work with the university’s collection and special exhibitions. Local internships prepare students for work in galleries and museums.
Careers
At Cal Poly Humboldt you’ll learn the practice, language, theory, and history of the visual arts and film in preparation for careers in studio art, museums, education, filmmaking, business, and daily life. Our graduates work in galleries and museums around the globe, teach at elementary schools and universities, and enjoy successful careers as artists in an array of mediums.
Get Hands-On Experience
Our extensive facilities include a foundry, ceramics lab, print studio, photography lab, film production studios, galleries, and much more. As an undergraduate, you’ll get hands-on experience in graphic design, painting and drawing, sculpture and metal work, ceramics, photography, filmmaking and other disciplines of your choosing.
Personal Attention
Our small class sizes mean getting to know your professors and fellow students through your education. This community will help you grow as a creative practitioner and intellectual, supporting you throughout your undergraduate career and beyond.
An Artistic Community
The local area is well-known as an arts haven. The small-but-thriving arts community is intimate but inclusive, and you’ll be able to interact with professional artists and filmmakers, engage in the local gallery scene, and participate in film screenings and festivals.
Featured Alumni - Art
Featured Alumni - Film
Achievements
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
Eliseo Casiano
Art + Film
Paintings by Assistant Professor Eliseo Casiano are now on view at the Morris Graves Museum Museum of Art in Eureka. The exhibition - How to Draw Fire - will be open until December 15th. The Morris Graves is open Wednesday- Sunday 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm.
Gina Tuzzi and Eliseo Casiano
Art + Film
Paintings by Art + Film Lecturer Gina Tuzzi and Assistant Professor Eliseo Casiano are now on view at Lake Tahoe Community College's Haldan Gallery. The exhibition "Troubadours" will be open through December 7th. Go check out these amazing works if you happen to be in the South Lake Tahoe area!
Eliseo Casiano
Art + Film
Paintings by Assistant Professor Eliseo Casiano are now on view at the Morris Graves Museum Museum of Art in Eureka. Casiano's exhibition "How to Draw Fire" will be on display until December 15th. The Morris Graves is open Wednesday- Sunday 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm.