Develop Your
Creative talents

For more than 125 years, the USD College of Fine Arts has encouraged students to pursue their chosen professional field in art, music or theater through their study with nationally recognized faculty who are working professionals. Our small class sizes give you the chance to work closely with professors, gain inspiration and become challenged to achieve excellence in your own unique voice in whichever artistic medium you choose. 

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Departments

Our Programs

As the only College of Fine Arts in the state, we bring together highly qualified faculty to provide each student opportunities for personal artistic growth. We offer B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in art and theatre and B.M. and M.M. degrees in music. Here you will find the fit for your interests and the career path for your success.

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alum success story

Photo of Lucas Granholm
I took courses in all aspects of theatre, in addition to my specialty in lighting design. Due to the holistic approach, I had an expanded portfolio with specialized training in my field of choice and was able to assist in all areas of theatre, from costume design to technical direction. USD's program gave me the tools I needed to be successful right away!

Lucas Granholm

MFA Design Theatre & Technology '14
Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Morris
Arden Hills, Minnesota

A USD art student showcasing her gallery to a small crowd.

Oscar Howe Institute

Students connect with faculty, create professional contacts and build life long friendships with other artists.

 

The OHSAI is open to high school students with a demonstrated interest in the visual arts and American Indian culture.


Explore the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute
An overhead shot of the Warren M Lee center for the Fine Arts.

Visit Virtually

It's almost as good as the real thing. Well... almost.

 

Enjoy a virtual version of our art, music and theatre facilities from the comfort of your phone, tablet or computer screen.


Take our Virtual Tour

CELEBRATiNG THE ARTS

The College of Fine Arts is committed to fostering the arts for our students and the state. Our partnerships allow our students to gain real-world experiences while also serving the fine arts community throughout South Dakota.

Combining creativity and
scholarship to make a difference

The College of Fine Arts prepares students for a life of amazing and rewarding experiences in art, music and theatre. Our vibrant campus is active with music concerts, theatrical performances and art gallery exhibits. The College of Fine Arts produces over 100 events every year, and as a result there is a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and a drive for artistic excellence. Our faculty invite more than 80 guest artists to appear on campus annually to enhance our fine arts offerings.
Students performing a play on theatre stage.
Students playing instruments in a band.
Students pouring metal for art.
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Inspire arts and culture in your community

Painting supplies in front of mural painted on building.


Students in performance and technical majors are employed at the highest professional levels. The arts and culture sector annually contributes $1.2 billion to the State of South Dakota’s economy, representing 2.5% of South Dakota’s GDP and more than 14,000 jobs. The entrepreneurial nature of many of these careers — some of which were unimagined 10 years ago — emphasizes the importance of the broad-based liberal arts foundation you will receive at USD.  

Student painting a mural on building.




The USD College of Fine Arts is an amazing place to be. Any student can participate in fine arts courses and activities — you do not have to be a fine arts major. We invite you to join us on our mission to combine creativity and scholarship to make a difference in this world.

Faculty/Staff

Learn from outstanding faculty that have won national teaching awards. USD is home to award-winning music, theatre and art faculty who are at the cutting edge of their fields. 
Bio Image for Faculty Member Bruce Kelley

Bruce Kelley

Dean, College of Fine Arts
Bio Image for Faculty Member John Banasiak

John Banasiak

Professor
Faculty Default

Laurie Brown

Senior Secretary
Bio Image for Faculty Member Timothy Campbell

Timothy Campbell

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Todd Cranson

Todd Cranson

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Patricia Downey

Patricia Downey Ph.D

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sabrina Egeland

Sabrina Egeland

Costume Shop Manager
Bio Image for Faculty Member Alessandra Feris

Alessandra Feris

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Lauren Freese

Lauren Freese

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ioana Galu

Ioana Galu

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Raimondo Genna

Raimondo Genna

Chair, Theater/Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tracelyn Gesteland

Tracelyn Gesteland

Professor/Buhler Distinguished Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Carol Geu

Carol Geu

Senior Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chaya Gordon-Bland

Chaya Gordon-Bland

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Susan Gray

Susan Gray

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Amber Hansen

Amber Hansen

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Liz Heeren

Liz Heeren

Senior Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael Hill

Michael Hill

Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Holdhusen

David Holdhusen

Chair, Music/Professor/Dir, Choral Activities
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael Hook

Michael Hook

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Cory Knedler

Cory Knedler

Chair, Art/Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christopher Kocher

Christopher Kocher

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sonja Kraus

Sonja Kraus

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christopher Larson

Christopher Larson

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Amy Laursen

Amy Laursen

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Paul Lombardi

Paul Lombardi

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chris Meyer

Chris Meyer

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Scott Mollman

Scott Mollman

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Moskowitz

David Moskowitz

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Matthew Nesmith

Matthew Nesmith

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Johntimothy Pizzuto

Johntimothy Pizzuto

Bio Image for Faculty Member James Quigley

James Quigley

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Sanderson

David Sanderson

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Victor Shonk

Victor Shonk

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Joe Stollenwerk

Joe Stollenwerk

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Luis Viquez

Luis Viquez

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Darin Wadley

Darin Wadley

Associate Professor
Student playing a clarinet with piano in the background.

Support the Fine Arts

Your gift, no matter the size, will provide scholarships and resources to talented and deserving students. It will provide state-of-the-art equipment and technology for classrooms and help faculty pursue research and performance, both nationally and internationally.

Give to Fine Arts
Warren M Lee Fine Arts building.

The South Dakotan Fine Arts 

Our digital publication, The South Dakotan Fine Arts, features the latest stories about our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends and the meaningful contributions they provide to their communities.

 

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Contact Us

College of Fine Arts
Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion, SD 57069

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Fine Arts Hall of Fame
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