Our studios, labs, and classrooms are outfitted with the latest tools and technology, offering a professional environment for all forms of artistic expression and rigorous study. Our facilities are housed in two buildings on the Durham campus: the Paul Creative Arts Center (PCAC) is home to our 2D studios, including photography, design, printmaking, drawing, and painting, as well as our art history classrooms, while the Service Building is home to our 3D studios, including the ceramics, woodworking, and sculpture workshops. Additionally, the CATLab, our digital humanities lab and makerspace, is located in the PCAC.
BFA Studios
All BFA seniors are provided with an artist's studio of their own. These studios, located on an upper floor of the Service Building, offer plenty of light and space. Having a dedicated studio during senior year allows students to focus on their art, experiment with new techniques, and develop a cohesive body of work. This experience culminates in a year-end exhibition in our Gallery of Art, where students have the opportunity to showcase their work to the public.
Service Building, 3rd floor
The CATLAB
The CATLab is a dynamic makerspace and digital scholarship lab that offers students and faculty access to cutting-edge technologies like 3D modeling, 3D printing, photogrammetry, VR/AR, vinyl cutting, laser engraving, web development, and more. The CatLAB fosters a creative and collaborative environment, enabling you to bring your artistic and academic projects to life.
PCAC, Room A-205E
Ceramics Studio
Our ceramics studio is light-filled and spacious, designed for students of all skill levels. It features potter's wheels, hand tools, a slab roller, and various kilns, providing everything you need to master ceramic techniques. Equipped with wedging tables, ample shelving space, and a fully stocked glaze area, you'll have all the resources to bring your creative visions to life in a safe and inspiring environment.
Service Building, 1st floor
Design Lab
Our recently renovated, design-focused classroom is filled with visual inspiration and design resources. It features flexible furniture for collaboration and brainstorming, offers a beautiful view into the PCAC courtyard, and most importantly, is equipped with iMac computers loaded with the Adobe Creative Suite.
PCAC, Room A203
The Darkroom
Our darkroom provides access to essential tools such as enlargers, developing tanks, and safe lights, which create the perfect conditions for photo processing. The darkroom is equipped with a variety of materials, including photographic paper, chemical trays, and the necessary chemicals for developing, stopping, and fixing your images. The darkroom is available to students enrolled in a film photography course.
PCAC, Room A-107
The Digital Photo Lab
The Digital Photo Lab is a state-of-the-art classroom and lab space designed for professional-quality digital photography. It features Mac computers equipped with the full Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Lightroom, allowing students to edit and enhance their images with industry-standard software. Additionally, the lab offers high-quality photo printers capable of producing prints in various sizes. This well-equipped environment provides all the necessary tools for students to develop their digital photography skills and create stunning, professional-grade prints.
PCAC, Room A-202
The Lighting Studio
The Lighting Studio is a specialized space designed to meet the needs of photographers of any skill level. It is equipped with a variety of lighting tools and accessories, including studio strobes, softboxes, reflectors, and backdrops, allowing for precise control over lighting conditions. This studio provides an ideal environment for students to experiment with and master different lighting techniques, enhancing their ability to create visually compelling images. The Lighting Studio supports a range of photographic projects, from portraits to still life, fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression.
PCAC, Room A-104
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT ON PHOTOGRAPHY
Printmaking Studio
The Printmaking Studio is a dedicated space equipped with all the essential tools and equipment for professional printmaking. It includes printing presses, etching tools, and ample workspace for various printmaking techniques. This studio allows students to explore and master traditional and contemporary printmaking methods, from lithography to intaglio to relief printing. The Printmaking Studio fosters creativity and technical skill, providing a supportive environment for producing high-quality prints and developing a deep understanding of the printmaking process.
PCAC, Room A-103
Sculpture Studio
Our sculpture studio features a variety of tools and equipment for working with different materials, including clay, metal, and wood. The studio includes spacious workbenches, hand tools, kilns, carving tools, and band saws. Additionally, the foundry is equipped for metal casting, featuring furnaces, molds, and safety gear to handle hot metals.
Experienced instructors are available to provide guidance, technical advice, and ensure safe operation of all tools and machinery. With ample space for ongoing projects and specialized areas for different materials, the sculpture studio is an ideal place for students to explore their artistic potential and hone their craftsmanship skills.
Service Building
The Woodshop
Our woodworking workshop is a fully-equipped space designed to support both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It features a variety of tools and equipment, including workbenches, hand tools, table saws, band saws, lathes, and sanders. The workshop also includes a finishing area with a spray booth, ample storage for lumber and tools, and a dust collection system to maintain a clean and safe environment. Safety gear and a first aid kit are available to ensure student safety.
Experienced instructors are on hand to provide guidance, technical advice, and ensure safe operation of all tools and machinery. With dedicated project spaces and resources, the woodworking workshop is an ideal place for students to explore their creativity and craftsmanship.
Service Building, 1st floor
