Program Details

Are you a creative spirit?  Welcome home. We will help you develop your artistic voice.

Machias creative arts student painting on an easel, sideview

Creative Arts Students will:

  • Learn and sharpen the craft and skills necessary to explore a variety of visual media processes using the elements of art and principles of design as they develop and critically assess their work.
  • Employ the practices and acquire the techniques of creative writing to produce pieces that demonstrate contemporary conventions with an understanding of the artistic effect of craft decisions on audience.
  • Become proficient in the foundations of their work and the technological standards of their field.
  • Appreciate and explore the interconnection between visual art and creative writing.
  • Be able to interpret diverse literary texts and artwork from multiple perspectives.
  • Develop an aesthetic awareness of book design through the study of typography and illustration, the historical analysis of the book object, the craft of making small editions, and direct involvement in the University of Maine at Machias Press.
  • Use their skills in visual art and creative writing to make a contribution to community and culture.
  • Leave the program with practical workplace experience using their skills and knowledge in the advancement of their profession.

Concentrations

Visual Art

21 Credits

This concentration provides a comprehensive groundwork for visual artists through a set of studio courses in drawing, painting, book arts, printmaking, and graphic design. There is a built-in elective in an upper-level studio course, and an art history sequence provides the context in which students understand their own contribution as practicing artists. 

Creative Writing

21 Credits

This concentration is intended for creative writers in the areas of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Two workshops at the intermediate level and two at the advanced level ensure that writers have the support and valuable feedback that will enable them to advance in their craft. Student writing is workshopped extensively by peers in small class sizes often found in graduate-level writing seminars.

Internship and Research Opportunities

Internships enable students to apply their knowledge at the same time they gain real-world experience. The Creative Arts Program oversees internships in the following areas:

  • Art Installations
  • Book Repair
  • Journalism and Copyediting
  • Library Science
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Museum Management and Archiving
  • Professional Writing

In addition, all students in the Creative Arts Program graduate with professional experience working for the university press to edit, design, illustrate, and publish rare works of Maine literature. 

4+1 Pathway to a masters degree

Students in the Visual Art concentration may apply to take graduate-level courses online in their senior year through the University of Maine Intermedia program. The courses provide a pathway to transferring to UMaine in Orono and completing the master’s degree in one year.

Learn More

More ways to study The arts

  • As an art concentration in a two-year liberal studies degree or through an early college pathway for high school students
  • Earn a certificate in book arts or audio/media production
  • Complement another program of study with minors in art, creative writing, music or English

Let the Adventure Begin

Apply now