Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University

SUMMARY

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta, Georgia offers an accessible, affordable and transformative education to one of the nation’s most diverse student populations. It features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art, design, art history and art education. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment.

ORIGINS AND HISTORY

The origins of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design trace back to the early 20th century. In 1918, John M. Watters, a dean at Georgia Tech, served as the director of the institution until 1925, followed by Fred B. Wenn, a professor in the school. In 1928, Dr. George M. Sparks became the director during a period when Georgia and the nation moved into a severe depression. He later served as the first president of the institution.

In the mid-20th century, the institution underwent significant transformations, including changes in leadership and curriculum. These developments were part of a broader effort to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design has been instrumental in shaping the artistic and cultural landscape of Atlanta. Through its programs and initiatives, the school has contributed to the city’s arts scene and has played a role in fostering a community of artists and scholars dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts.

Over the years, the school has expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of disciplines within the visual arts. This expansion reflects the institution’s commitment to providing students with comprehensive education and training in various artistic fields. In recent decades, the school has continued to evolve, embracing new technologies and methodologies in art and design education. This forward-thinking approach ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern art world.

Today, the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders and the ongoing dedication to excellence in art and design education. Its rich history and continued growth underscore its pivotal role in the artistic community of Atlanta and beyond.

VISION

The vision of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design is to provide an accessible, affordable, and transformative education in the visual arts. The school aims to foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment, preparing students for professional careers in art, design, art history, and art education. Under the leadership of Director Susan Richmond, the school continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in art and design education.

TOP DESIGN COURSES

One of the standout programs is the The Georgia State University Design M.F.A. program for focused, motivated, experienced designers who want to introduce a multidisciplinary perspective to their work by collaborating with graphic designers, interior designers, fine artists, art historians and those from other related disciplines. Graduate students will take pedagogy coursework, shadow other instructors and are expected to teach entry-level design courses or work in a professional capacity for the university.

The Georgia State University Master of Fine Arts in Textiles emphasizes professional skills and achievements and fosters personal direction, diversity, technical proficiency and presentation. The program emphasizes group seminars and critiques to provide a variety of settings for the development and exchange of ideas relevant to the arts in general and textiles in particular. In the final two semesters of the graduate program, the student completes a thesis exhibition and writes a supporting thesis paper. A strong component of the graduate program involves assistantships in either studio work or in teaching undergraduate-level courses. Students may teach a variety of courses during their studies, from Foundations to Intermediate Textiles.

KEY TEAM

• Director: Susan Richmond

• Undergraduate Director: Tim Flowers

• Graduate Director: Dr. Grace Harpster

JOB INTEGRATION RATE

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design boasts a strong job integration rate for its graduates. Many alumni have secured positions in reputable organizations, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers. The average salary for recent Art graduates from GSU is approximately $48,000. This figure underscores the value of a degree from the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design in the professional world. Employers such as Cartoon Network, Carter’s | Oshkosh B’Gosh, and MailChimp have hired GSU Art majors, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to graduates.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design is recognised for its contributions to the arts. Alumni have been finalists for prestigious awards, such as the Atlanta Artadia Awards, showcasing the school’s impact on the art community. Faculty members have also been acknowledged for their excellence. In 2025, Georgia State University recognized faculty excellence through Distinguished University Professorships and University Awards, honoring faculty achievements in research, scholarship, and teaching. Additionally, the school has contributed to significant cultural projects. The GSU Library launched “The Elevated City” online exhibit, highlighting the work of Joseph Perrin, who founded GSU’s School of Art and Design and helped establish Underground Atlanta.

REFERENCES

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• “97 Years Strong” (PDF). Georgia State University.