About Visual Arts
The Department of Fine Arts was founded in 1971 to support students interested in pursuing careers and enriching their lives through the creative arts. The department was led by Robert “Bob” Owens from 1971-1997, followed by Tommye E. Scanlin from 1997-2000. From 2000-2009, Visual Arts and Music continued to operate together under the Department of Fine Arts while the program expanded across multiple disciplines and campuses. During 2008–2009, the university conducted a successful trial run separating Visual Arts and Music into distinct departments, leading to the establishment of the Department of Visual Arts (DOVA). Dr. Pamela Sachant served as department head from 2009-2020, followed by Jon Mehlferber as interim department head from 2020-2021, followed by Jennifer Graff as interim department head from 2021-2022, and now department head from 2021 to the present.
A Brief History
- 1971 – Founded as the Department of Fine Arts
- 1972-1988: only three faculty members—Bob Owens, Win Crannell, and Tommye Scanlin (McClure).
- 1989: Photography and Graphic design added with the hiring of Henry W. “Hank” Margeson as instructor in photography.
- 1989: Fine Arts Center was dedicated and named the John L. Nix Mountain Cultural Center in honor of a donor.
- 2008-2009: Successful trial run for separating Visual Arts and Music into distinct departments.
- 2009: The Visual Arts Department officially established under Dr. Pamela Sachant (2009-2020).
- It has since expanded to 40 faculty and staff members, offering 6 undergraduate degrees, 6 minors and 1 certificate. Since 2025, we currently offer 5 undergraduate degrees (A.A. Art Pathway, B.A. Studio Art, BS.Ed Art Education and B.F.A Visual Arts), 6 minors (Studio Art, Art History, Digital Arts, Digital Design & Fabrication, Games Design, and Graphic Design), and a Digital Design & Fabrication certificate.
- 2021: The Visual Arts Department celebrate 50 years.
Celebrating 50 Years of Visual Arts: A Legacy of Achievement since 1971
The 2021-2022 academic year was a momentous occasion for the Visual Arts Department with the celebration of the 50th anniversary. Over its 50-year history, the department has been recognized for academic rigor, the professional preparation of students, and for the serious integration of artistic practice and cultural heritage.
Our Mission
In accordance with the mission of the University of North Georgia, The Department of Visual Arts is committed to the advancement of education, creative research, and scholarship in the visual arts. Through collaboration, mentorship, and rigorous academic standards, we set in motion transformative educational experiences that prepare our graduates to sustain global and contemporary artistic practices.
In addition to the values outlined by the USG and ¶¶Òõ̽̽App, the following are values the Department of Visual Arts finds essential to our mission.
- Creativity
- Excellence
- Critical Thinking
- Community Engagement
- Craftsmanship
- Curiosity
- Exploration
- Work/Life Balance
- Perseverance
The Quarterly
The Quarterly is our student-run publication developed by students in our advanced graphic communication courses at the University of North Georgia. Published annually, showcases the year’s accomplishments, including gallery exhibitions and receptions, visiting artists, and profiles of faculty, students, and alumni.
Created as part of our upper-level design curriculum, this publication serves as a platform for sharing student work, ideas, and creative voices. It reflects the vibrant culture of the Department of Visual Arts, fosters collaboration, and offers students the opportunity to apply their design skills in a real-world context.
For questions or more information, contact Tiffany Prater.