Why Iowa?

Nestled in the heart of Iowa's beautiful arts campus, on the banks of the Iowa River, generations of artists and art historians have launched their careers and artistic journeys here. Join them.

Create a foundation

Advance your work

Learn from experts

You belong here

Be part of a legacy of excellence—and the birthplace of the MFA. Learn from faculty who are leading artists, designers, and scholars. Create and learn in facilities that are architectural masterpieces.

Create your story

When you make art at Iowa—or explore the ways that art shapes and reflects culture—you'll blaze a unique artistic journey. Make Iowa your artistic and academic home. Join us.

printmaking class

Birthplace of the MFA

The first university to accept creative works as graduate theses

Our program also pioneered the practice of bringing established artists to the faculty.

MFA student with work

# 7

National Ranking: Printmaking

U.S. News & World Report, 2020

student painting a large canvas

# 23

National Ranking: Best Fine Arts Programs

U.S. News & World Report, 2020

Events

Student exhibitions

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There are currently no events to display.

Visiting artists and scholars

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News and announcements

The extraordinary second life of ordinary things with Terry Conrad

Monday, November 9, 2026
Conrad’s artistic research explores humanity’s impact on the environment through experimental printing presses, found materials, and collaborations with scientists.

School of Art, Art History, and Design November 2026 Newsletter

Monday, November 2, 2026
Read the University of Iowa School of Art, Art History, and Design November 2026 Newsletter.

UI's Catlett among American Academy of Arts and Sciences legacy honorees

Thursday, October 22, 2026
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences has named Elizabeth Catlett to its 2026 class of legacy honorees, which recognizes people whose accomplishments were overlooked or undervalued due to their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Catlett, a sculptor and printmaker, was one of the first three students to receive an MFA from Iowa in 1940 and the first African American woman to earn the degree.