Fine Arts Area

The Fine Arts Area offers students extraordinary experiences in the fields of painting, drawing and music. With a faculty richly diverse in style and method, students of the visual arts are encouraged to grapple with themes both contemporary and classical. Instruction is both technical and theoretical, but the true “Master Classes” are given by the Old Masters themselves; works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Titian await all eager and aspiring artists in many of the neighboring museums and churches throughout Rome. For those more interested in music, students may choose to study the history of opera or they may engage directly the power of song by participating in the university-sponsored Amazing Grace gospel choir.

In-Studio Painting on Campus

A look inside in the AUR Art Studio

Under the auspices of the Fine Arts Area Director, Prof. Breda Ennis, beginning and advanced painters are taught techniques in acrylics and oil. Themes and ideas are explored and developed within the context of Prof. Ennis’ self-developed “Inspirational Track Methodology.” For further information on each of the painting courses, please see our catalog.

For Study Abroad students who are Junior or Senior Studio Art majors, arrangements can be made to allow independent study studio time in pursuit of their thesis project. Access to the studio varies, but in most cases access to the studio beyond the normal class times can be accommodated.

All students attending during the Fall semester are encouraged to participate in AUR’s annual Fine Arts Day.

For those considering a Minor in Fine Arts, AUR has recently made available scholarships for incoming Fine Arts Minors. For more information, please contact Professor Breda Ennis.

On-Site Drawing in Rome

Certainly one of the more spectacular aspects of studying in Rome is doing just that: studying IN Rome, on-site, in the city itself. Students electing to take Italian Sketchbook are not just taking a drawing class, but also a survey of some of the most memorable–and sometimes secret–vistas to be seen in Rome. Locations may include: The Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Venezia, Santa Maria degli Angeli, The Garden of Oranges, the Anglican Cemetery, the Capitoline museums, Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, along the Tiber river, Villa Borghese or the unforgettable view from atop the Gianicolo. The wealth of locations is as endless as the history of Rome is long. For further information, please see our catalog.

Amazing Grace Gospel Choir

Perhaps one of our more unexpected offerings, the Amazing Grace Gospel Choir, founded and directed by Prof. Timothy Martin, is an adventure not to be missed by all aspiring singers. The choir offers students an outlet for nurturing technical ability and continuing development as a performer. All students interested are encouraged to audition.

Learn more about the Amazing Grace Gospel Choir.

The Amazing Grace Gospel Choir performs.