Washburn Arts Center

The Washburn Arts Center includes two fully equipped graphic design labs; two drawing/painting studios; a design studio; a large ceramics studio; a complete photography studio; film/digital media production equipment; electronically-enhanced classrooms; and a large gallery for visiting and student art exhibitions.

Lab Assistantships
There is no better way to solidify what you have learned than through sharing your knowledge with other students. Through lab assistantships, you will be able to earn money while you improve your skills and knowledge.

Internships
The Department provides multiple opportunities for students to establish professional work experience through its close association with world-renowned museums, galleries, professional settings and on-campus resources. Coordinated through the Department, the internship program selects the most accomplished students and works to place them in jobs in their field of study. Through these distinguished organizations and individuals - be it artist studio, video house, design firm, advertising agency or media group - the student catches a glimpse of the outside world and produces work that serves as a launching pad to the future.

Visual Culture in Washington, DC and the metro area
Students enjoy the lively art community and world-class resources DC has to offer. Need inspiration? Walk through the National Gallery of Art, or any one of the Smithsonian collections. Students are encouraged to visit the Phillips Collection, the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and The Library of Congress just to name a few institutions available locally.

New York and Philadelphia excursions
Within hours, Gallaudet University art students can be at the door of any one of New York's or Philadelphia's galleries, museums, design firms and media groups. In years past, graphic arts and digital media students have visited and met with representatives of Oprah's "O" Studios and the world-renowned design firm Pentagram. Meanwhile, studio artists may find themselves in the main building of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the newly redesigned Museum of Modern Art or perhaps in one of SoHo's trendy galleries.

Professional Organizations
Students are encouraged to exchange ideas and information with other students and professionals in the field through one of the many professional associations. Some of the organizations include:   

  • College Art Association
  • American Association of Museums
  • AIGA: the Professional Association for Design
  • Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington
  • Professional Photographers of American, Inc.
  • National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
  • The Potters Council
  • Women in Film and Video of Washington, DC