Art Department

About the Department

Since 1972 the Art Department has been a recognized leader in Christian visual arts education. Its graduates are serving around the world as educators, artists and designers, working in a variety of professional, service and missions organizations.

The art program has grown from its early beginnings in the late 1950’s when it was established by Dorothy Kindell, a kindergarten teacher who had a passion for art and Christian education. The first Biola art majors graduated in 1972 – with 25 students enrolled in the department. During the 1980’s, under the leadership of Professors Barry Krammes (department chair from 1987-2001), Dan Callis and Roger Feldman, the department grew and was transformed into the nationally recognized program that it is today. In 1995, the art department became accredited with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In 2003, the art program took a major step forward when it developed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (B.F.A.) and moved from a liberal arts education to a professional curriculum that is the choice for students wanting professional careers in the visual arts.

Today, Biola art majors engage in a rigorous program that integrates Christian thought and artistic practice while responding to contemporary visual arts culture. Art students are trained to communicate and influence the world in which they live while studying in one of the most cosmopolitan and influential international, arts centers in world. The BFA studio art degree program equips students to meet the increasing challenges of living in the 21st century

Art Department in 1964

Art Department in 1967

Art Department in 1968

Art Department in 1970