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

Visiting artists and scholars

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions promotional image

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 6:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Kyle Marshall
Artist Talk:
April 21st, 6pm
VAB E125

Performance:
May 7th, 6pm
VAB Atrium

Elizabeth Rose
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Drewelowe

Artist Talk:
May 5th, 6pm
VAB E125

Ada Friedman
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Mendieta

Artist Talk:
May 6th, 6pm
ABW 116

More info at grantwood.uiowa.edu

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions promotional image

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 6:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Kyle Marshall
Artist Talk:
April 21st, 6pm
VAB E125

Performance:
May 7th, 6pm
VAB Atrium

Elizabeth Rose
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Drewelowe

Artist Talk:
May 5th, 6pm
VAB E125

Ada Friedman
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Mendieta

Artist Talk:
May 6th, 6pm
ABW 116

More info at grantwood.uiowa.edu

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions promotional image

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 6:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Kyle Marshall
Artist Talk:
April 21st, 6pm
VAB E125

Performance:
May 7th, 6pm
VAB Atrium

Elizabeth Rose
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Drewelowe

Artist Talk:
May 5th, 6pm
VAB E125

Ada Friedman
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Mendieta

Artist Talk:
May 6th, 6pm
ABW 116

More info at grantwood.uiowa.edu

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions promotional image

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Grant Wood Artist Talks and Exhibitions

Kyle Marshall
Artist Talk:
April 21st, 6pm
VAB E125

Performance:
May 7th, 6pm
VAB Atrium

Elizabeth Rose
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Drewelowe

Artist Talk:
May 5th, 6pm
VAB E125

Ada Friedman
Exhibition:
May 4th - 16th
VAB Mendieta

Artist Talk:
May 6th, 6pm
ABW 116

More info at grantwood.uiowa.edu

News and announcements

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

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Read the University of Iowa School of Art, Art History, and Design April 2026 Newsletter.

Spotlight Exhibition & Betty Braverman Award: Celebrating 10 Years of Arts & Minds

Monday, March 30, 2026
You’re invited to join us for a special celebration of creativity and student achievement on Friday, May 15 in Art Building West.

One Day for Iowa is Wednesday, March 25

Thursday, March 12, 2026
One Day for Iowa, the University of Iowa's 24-hour online giving day, is Wednesday, March 25. Hawkeyes can show support by donating to the Art and Art History Gift Fund at 1dayforiowa.org/saahd26.