Department of Fine Arts
Based on the experience and expertise of renowned professors and instructors who have exhibited their work across the globe, students of Fine Arts at AUM learn traditional and contemporary principles, methods and techniques for building specialized roles in the field, emphasizing personal expression and specialization in a variety of art careers including graphic design, drawing and painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and art history.
Through a combination of coursework, focused studio time and collaboration with fellow students and faculty members, you can earn the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with a choice of five concentrations or a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts with a choice of two concentrations.
Fine Arts at AUM
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers students a traditional liberal arts education to meet the needs of the 21st century, allowing them to compete for a variety of careers in an increasingly complex and evolving world.
Office Information
Degree Programs
The Department of Fine Arts offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts with two concentrations, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, with five concentrations.
Tell me about the BFA program at AUM
Graphic Design
Prepare for a career in design using print, digital, video and presentation media.
Photography
Learn the latest digital technology, and explore the potential of photography as a medium for creating fine art.
Painting and Drawing
Express yourself in one of the world’s oldest artistic traditions. Learn how to use paints of many kinds, including watercolors.
Sculpture
Explore the many possibilities for constructing three-dimensional art. Traditional media include wood, metal and stone, but the materials you use are limited only by your imagination.
Visual Arts
Undertake a wide-ranging investigation of art and art history, and explore the world of ideas in a broad, liberal arts degree plan.
Art History
Explore the visual culture of all times and places.
Meet the Faculty
William Fenn
Department Chair; Associate Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
William Fenn has worked at Auburn University at Montgomery since 2011. He received his MFA in Studio Art from the University of California at Santa Barbara and his BA in Art from California State University, Fresno. He is a photographer whose work includes use of artificial intelligence, digital practices, and analog processes such as black and white film, color film, and 19th century alternative techniques like wet-plate, cyanotype, and platinum printing.
Breuna Baine
Associate Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Breuna Baine is a Professor of Graphic Design in the Fine Arts Department. Prior to her academic role, she worked in publishing and created packaging and branding at Landor Associates for Fortune 100 and 500 brands. In her faculty position, she teaches Typography, History of Graphic Design, and other advanced courses for graphic design majors. Breuna’s scholarly activity centers around publication, print design, and teaching pedagogy. Outside of academia, she enjoys volunteering with civil rights and justice system projects in her community.
Nikhil Ghodke
Associate Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Nikhil Ghodke is currently teaching as an Associate Professor of Graphic Design after joining AUM in 2018. His career journey has taken him across four continents, with professional engagements in New Zealand, India, and the United States (New York and Florida). Educated at Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai University, and holding an MFA in Computer Art from Savannah College of Art and Design, he has excelled in roles from motion graphics designer to senior art director, contributing to projects for major clients such as History Channel, Home ShopDr. ping Network, and Axcient. His work has garnered industry recognition, including Addys and Hermes awards. As an academic, Nikhil consistently seeks to expand into new media, integrate cross-disciplinary concentrations, and ensure his courses remain highly relevant to industry practices and community engaged.
Andrew Hairstans
Associate Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Mr. Andrew Hairstans, BA (Honors), MFA, Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing at Auburn University Montgomery is originally from Barrhead near Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain. Professor Hairstans attended portfolio preparation college in Glasgow prior to 1996 before being admitted to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Scotland. Where, between 1997 to 2001 he earned a BA Honors degree in painting and drawing. After finishing his undergraduate studies, Professor Hairstans migrated to the United States. He attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, between 2001 to 2004 where he completed his MFA in painting and drawing. Professor Hairstans has 24 years of college teaching experience in two-dimensional foundations and has successfully overseen the painting and drawing BFA degree since 2006 at AUM.
In conjunction with teaching at AUM Professor Hairstans has developed 2 research projects. A Model for Asylum and Land of Hope and Glory explore geographical, historical, sociological, and current political developments in relation to the migration of asylum seekers, immigrants, and illegal immigrants to the UK. Works created with mixed media (graphite pencil, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, oil paint, and collage) from both projects have been exhibited and published regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Chapel McCullough
Assistant Professor | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Chapel McCullough serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Auburn University at Montgomery in Montgomery, AL. His duties including directing AUM Spirit Band (pep band), Choir, and AUMcappella ensemble, as well as teaching music courses for the Department of Fine Arts. Dr. McCullough holds PhD and master’s degrees in Music Education from Auburn University in Auburn, AL and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, KY.
Tony Veronese
Assistant Professor - 2D/Digital Arts | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Tony Veronese (Assistant Professor of 2D and Digital Art) holds a Masters of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas in Painting and Drawing. Within the AUM Fine Arts Department, Tony teaches regularly teaches Drawing, 3D Printing, Digital Illustration and Digital Painting. As an exhibiting artist, he has been the recipient of a grant from the MMFA for the community togetherness project, selected as a rising star of Dallas in 2017, and most recently was awarded the Edward L. Robbins prize for his entry in the 2023 exhibition Alabama A-Z.
