Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts

Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts
Name	Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts
Established	1964
Type	Public
Parent	Arizona State University
City	Tempe
State	Arizona
Country	United States
Campus	Urban

Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts is a comprehensive college within Arizona State University dedicated to the study and practice of the visual and performing arts. Founded in the mid-1960s, it has grown into a major center for artistic education, research, and performance in the Southwestern United States. The college is named for Katherine K. Herberger, a noted Arizona philanthropist and arts patron whose generosity has significantly supported its mission. It encompasses a wide array of disciplines, fostering collaboration between artists, designers, scholars, and the community.

History

The college's origins trace back to 1964 when the College of Fine Arts was formally established at Arizona State University, consolidating existing programs in art, music, and theatre. A pivotal moment in its development came with a transformative gift from Katherine K. Herberger and her husband, G. R. Herberger, leading to the naming in her honor. Throughout the late 20th century, the college expanded its curriculum and physical footprint, aligning with the growth of Arizona State University under the leadership of presidents like Lattie Coor and Michael M. Crow. Its evolution has been marked by the integration of new media and digital arts, responding to trends in contemporary practice and the vision of the New American University.

Academic programs

The college offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Master of Fine Arts, and Doctor of Musical Arts. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, with students often collaborating across units or with other colleges such as the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Specialized programs focus on areas like art history, art education, music therapy, digital culture, and theatre for youth. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional studio practice and innovative research, preparing graduates for careers in performance, education, design, and arts administration.

Departments and schools

Academic and creative work is organized into several distinct units. The School of Art houses programs in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and intermedia. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre is a comprehensive performing arts school offering training in instrumental and vocal performance, composition, dance, and theatrical production and design. Additional units include the ASU Art Museum, which functions as a laboratory for contemporary art, and the ASU Kerr Cultural Center, a venue in Scottsdale dedicated to presenting performances. These entities operate within the larger framework of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Facilities

Students and faculty utilize state-of-the-art facilities across the Tempe campus. Key venues include the ASU Gammage, a landmark auditorium designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that hosts major theatre and dance productions. The Music Building contains rehearsal halls, practice rooms, and the Katzin Concert Hall. The Grant Street Studios provide expansive workspace for graduate artists, while the Galvin Playhouse is a primary theatre performance space. The college also manages the Harry Wood Gallery and the Northlight Gallery, which exhibit student and professional work.

Notable faculty and alumni

The college has been associated with many distinguished artists and scholars. Notable faculty have included composer James DeMars, pianist Caio Pagano, and ceramicist Kurt Weiser. Its alumni have achieved significant recognition across the arts, such as Tara Ison (writer), Jodi Picoult (author), Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope of Pilobolus, Broadway performer J. Robert Spencer, and visual artist Annie Lopez. Many graduates hold prominent positions in major institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway theatre, and international galleries.

Community engagement and outreach

The college maintains a strong commitment to public engagement through numerous initiatives. The ASU Art Museum presents exhibitions and educational programs that connect university research with the public. Performance series at ASU Gammage and the Kerr Cultural Center bring world-class artists to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Community-based projects often involve partnerships with local organizations such as the Phoenix Art Museum, Valley Youth Theatre, and Arizona School for the Arts. Outreach programs in music education and arts integration serve K-12 students across the region, extending the college's impact beyond the campus.

Category:Arizona State University Category:Art schools in Arizona Category:Universities and colleges in Maricopa County, Arizona Category:Educational institutions established in 1964