Fine Arts and Communication Studies

Empowering Artistic Minds, Shaping Communicators

The mission of the department is to enhance the intellectual, ethical, cultural, and professional development of fine arts and communications students. The faculty is committed to preparing students to become competent professionals in music, art, theatre, communication studies, journalism and mass communications.

Visual Arts

The University of South Carolina Upstate Visual Arts program will be recognized for its dedication to quality and integrity in educating students in the most currently established technical and theoretical areas of the visual arts.

Christina Laurel
September 9 – October 27, 2024
Opening Reception: September 12, 4:00 – 6:00pm

Jessica Swank & Maggie Genoble
November 7 – December 13, 2024
Opening Reception: November 7, 4:00 – 6:00pm

USC Upstate Student Group Show
January 15 – February 21, 2025
Opening Reception: January 23, 4:00 – 6:00pm

Jasmine Best 
March 6- April 30, 2025
Opening Reception: March 27, 4:00 – 6:00pm

Lori Isom
August 22 – October 4, 2024
Opening Reception: September 19, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Jon Pritchard
October 17 – December 20, 2024
Opening Reception: October 17, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Liliya Zalevskaya
January 16 – February 28, 2025
Opening Reception: January 16, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Grant Mahan
March 20 – April 28, 2025
Opening Reception: March 20, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Jane Nodine
May 15 – mid August 2025
Opening Reception: May 15, 5:00 – 7:00pm 

Upstate Theatre

Founded in 1975 as The Shoestring Players, the Upstate Theatre at has grown from a student group to a dynamic entity within the Department of Fine Arts and Communication Studies. Committed to inclusiveness and social awareness, the organization stands against racism and celebrates cultural diversity in its performance facilities, including the 450-seat Proscenium Theatre and the Studio Theatre.

The Popular Music Studies program at USC Upstate equips students for careers across the modern music industry, including performance, songwriting, production, teaching, worship music, management, promotion, and more. The curriculum builds core skills in performance, theory, history, digital production, and music business. Students gain experience through private lessons, ensembles, and hands-on with industry-standard music technology. A minor in Popular Music Studies is also available.