PNCA students learn to better understand the work they make & how it can make an impact in the world
The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) empowers artists and designers to reimagine what art and design can do in the world. This private fine arts and design college, founded in 1909 in Portland, Oregon, offers ten Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) degrees and six graduate degrees including master of fine arts (MFA) and master of arts (MA) degrees. Dr. Donald Tuski serves as the school's president.
PNCA is home to the Center for Contemporary Art & Culture which hosts exhibitions with artists such as James Rosenquist and Cauleen Smith. The college welcomes the community in each month for First Thursday arts celebrations showcasing student work and throughout the year with free public lectures by nationally-recognized visual artists, designers, and scholars. The recently launched Make + Think + Code, a center for art and technology, hosts artists- and technologists-in-residence as well as numerous art-tech community events.
At PNCA students learn to better understand the work they make and how it can make an impact in the world. Students hone skills and are introduced to entirely new ways of making. Just as importantly, they learn to think critically about their own work and that of others.
PNCA graduates are working artists who show internationally; successful, creative, small-business owners; animators and designers working for top firms such as LAIKA, Nike, Weiden + Kennedy; professional printers working for studios like Gemini G.E.L.; freelance illustrators with high-profile commissions; and commercial photographers.
PNCA students balance studies in the humanities and sciences uniquely tailored to students in an art college with hands-on art making in studios and labs. Undergraduate students choose from ten majors within four areas of concentration and benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations throughout their fine art and design education. Student galleries and project spaces throughout the main building offer students plenty of opportunities to show their work. Farther afield, students take advantage of PNCA Global Studios in Europe, Asia, Latin America, or Africa. Our Career Services Center and BridgeLab help students prepare for life after college through workshops, internships, and career counseling.
Keywords: PNCA, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Don Tuski