Students Discover Creative Identity Through Art Program at USU Eastern

The art program at Utah State University Eastern provides a welcoming environment for students to explore their artistic passions.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The art program at Utah State University Eastern offers students a university-level education in an environment focused on personal creativity and exploration. With small class sizes, hands-on studio courses, and close faculty mentorship, students are supported as they develop both their artistic skills and individual creative identities. The program has expanded in recent years to include an Associate of Arts degree in Art, providing a structured pathway for students to experiment across a range of disciplines including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and more.

Why it matters

The art program at USU Eastern stands out by prioritizing personal creative growth over just technical instruction. This approach helps students from diverse backgrounds discover their artistic voices and prepares them for future academic or career paths in the arts. In a region with limited access to arts education, the program provides valuable opportunities for students to explore their creativity and build a strong artistic foundation.

The details

The art program at USU Eastern has offered courses for over a decade, and in recent years has added an Associate of Arts degree in Art. The degree program combines foundational training with opportunities for personal exploration across mediums like drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and 3D design. Students enter the program at different starting points, but all are encouraged to experiment, grow, and create meaningful work. Close faculty mentorship helps students recognize their individual strengths and develop their own creative direction. Students also gain experience presenting and exhibiting their art through on-campus shows and gallery exhibitions.

  • The art program at USU Eastern has offered courses for more than a decade.
  • The Associate of Arts degree in Art has been successfully operating for over two years.

The players

Utah State University Eastern

A public university located in Price, Utah that offers a range of undergraduate degree programs, including an Associate of Arts in Art.

Jean Larsen

An art student at USU Eastern who has explored photography and ceramics, developing both technical ability and creative independence.

Taylor Stash

An art student at USU Eastern from Blanding, Utah who has blended traditional symbolism with contemporary materials to create work rooted in cultural identity and personal meaning.

Noel Carmack

A professor who has helped build and guide the art program at USU Eastern for more than a decade, emphasizing foundational skills while encouraging students to develop their own creative direction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love being able to create using my mind and my ideas. Photography is where I can express myself and my unique point of view.”

— Jean Larsen, Art Student (castlecountryradio.com)

“This vase is called shádí, which is my elder sister. This vase is literally her.”

— Taylor Stash, Art Student (castlecountryradio.com)

“We teach the fundamental principles of design and art methods. When we recognize students' individual abilities, we encourage them to find their voice.”

— Noel Carmack, Professor (castlecountryradio.com)

The takeaway

The art program at USU Eastern provides a supportive environment for students to explore their creativity and develop their artistic identities. By blending foundational training with opportunities for personal expression, the program helps students from diverse backgrounds discover new ways to communicate their unique perspectives through a range of artistic mediums.