Welcome to the Department of Art and Design
The Cal Poly Department of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with major concentrations in graphic design, photography, and studio art. We are accredited by NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, as a professional degree program. With its emphasis on solid foundations and the development of studio practice tied to a focus on conceptual abilities, Cal Poly Art and Design has built a national reputation for producing graduates with an ability to contribute and innovate in their chosen field. The quality of our students is exceptional.
Visiting Campus?
When planning a campus visit, we suggest that you plan ahead, to make sure you'll be able to meet with select faculty. To view faculty office hours please click here. When arriving on campus, enter via Grand Ave and stop at the visitor's booth for a campus map and parking information. Art and Design is located in Dexter Bldg 34 next to the Kennedy Library. You may download a self-guided walking tour (PDF) for your convenience. We look forward to meeting you!
Parking and visitor center
Map to the Department
Art & Design Student Honored at National Industry Conference
Art and Design senior Andrew Santos-Johnson was honored as the Advertising Designer of the Year on March 27 at the College Newspapers Business and Advertising Managers (CNBAM) annual convention in Los Angeles. Read More
Art and Design Student Wins Cal Poly Arts Award
Clayton Beltran (‘10) received the Cal Poly Arts Achievement in Art Award. These awards recognize current Cal Poly students who have either maintained high levels of involvement in the arts, or who have executed superb specific art projects during his or her enrollment at the University.
Headlines
Department Gets New Computer Lab
Wow. Thanks to some great alumni connections, Art and Design has refreshed its graphic design and photography labs with new 27- inch iMacs.
Design Student Wins CSU Research Competition
Elise Bartley (‘10) a graphic design student from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was awarded first place in the creative arts and design category in the 24th Annual California State University Student Research Competition. Her development of an identity, branding, and marketing program for a women’s outdoor equipment company in Colorado was choosen from more than 205 students representing 21 campuses.
more
Spotlight on Student Work
Students send posters about food to Michelle Obama at the White House
Graphic Design professor Charmaine Martinez's students are sending a message to the White House.
Students in her Type III class have offered their support for Michelle Obama's Healthy Food Initiative. Each student designed a poster that promoted one of Michael Pollan's 7 Rules for Healthy Eating. The other side of the poster contains A Good Food Manifesto for America by food activist, farmer, and MacArthur Grant recipient Will Allen. The posters fold down to a mailer, and the students will be sending them to the White House this spring.
Calendar of Events
The Push Pin
June 3rd
4 to 6pm.