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

Department
Department Chair
 
Art
 
Music
 
Theatre

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.

Learn more

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
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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

Specialty

Photography
Faculty Default

Laurie Brown

Senior Secretary
Bio Image for Faculty Member Timothy Campbell

Timothy Campbell

Associate Professor

Specialty

Choirs & Voice
Bio Image for Faculty Member Todd Cranson

Todd Cranson

Associate Professor

Specialty

Director of Athletic Bands & Low Brass Studio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Patricia Downey

Patricia Downey Ph.D

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sabrina Egeland

Sabrina Egeland

Assist Prof of Practice, Costume Techn & Mgnt

Specialty

Costume Technology, Costume Shop Management
Bio Image for Faculty Member Alessandra Feris

Alessandra Feris

Associate Professor

Specialty

Piano
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ioana Galu

Ioana Galu

Associate Professor

Specialty

Violin/Viola Studio, Rawlins Piano Trio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Raimondo Genna

Raimondo Genna

Chair, Theater/Associate Professor

Specialty

Theatre History, Critical Theory and Analysis, Performance Studies
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tracelyn Gesteland

Tracelyn Gesteland

Professor/Buhler Distinguished Professor

Specialty

Voice & Opera
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

Specialty

Piano, Collaborative Piano, Rawlins Piano Trio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Amber Hansen

Amber Hansen

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Painting
Bio Image for Faculty Member Liz Heeren

Liz Heeren

Senior Lecturer

Specialty

Art Foundations, Painting
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Holdhusen

David Holdhusen

Chair, Music/Professor/Dir, Choral Activities

Specialty

Chair, Dept. of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael Hook

Michael Hook

Professor

Specialty

Printmaking, Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media
Bio Image for Faculty Member Cory Knedler

Cory Knedler

Chair, Art/Professor

Specialty

Art Education
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christopher Kocher

Christopher Kocher

Professor

Specialty

Director of Jazz Studies & Saxophone
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sonja Kraus

Sonja Kraus

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Cello, String Bass, Rawlins Piano Trio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christopher Larson

Christopher Larson

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Amy Laursen

Amy Laursen

Associate Professor

Specialty

Horn
Bio Image for Faculty Member Paul Lombardi

Paul Lombardi

Associate Professor

Specialty

Music Theory / Composition
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chris Meyer

Chris Meyer

Associate Professor

Specialty

Sculpture
Bio Image for Faculty Member Scott Mollman

Scott Mollman

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Moskowitz

David Moskowitz

Professor

Specialty

Director of Graduate Studies, Music History
Bio Image for Faculty Member Eric Mosterd

Eric Mosterd

Assist Director CTL
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

Specialty

Graphic Design, letterpress printing
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Sanderson

David Sanderson

Associate Professor

Specialty

Music Education
Bio Image for Faculty Member Victor Shonk

Victor Shonk

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Darin Wadley

Darin Wadley

Associate Professor

Specialty

Percussion
Student playing a clarinet with piano in the background.

Support the Fine Arts

The USD College of Fine Arts is developing tomorrow's artists and creative leaders. Your support enables us to provide students with the resources, facilities and experiences they need to focus on their education and to pursue their passion for the arts.

 

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The South Dakotan Fine Arts text.

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.

 

Read News & Stories

Contact Us

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

Continue Exploring In College of Fine Arts

Black Hills Playhouse
Fine Arts Events
Fine Arts Hall of Fame
National Music Museum
South Dakotan Fine Arts
University Art Galleries