A female student in the foreground and a male student near a window both work on their charcoal drawings in drawing class at Seattle Pacific University

Create and transform

The SPU Art Department is dedicated to developing skilled artists, designers, and cultural researchers through a dynamic, versatile program that fosters collaboration and growth.

Find your path

The Art and Design program at Seattle Pacific University immerses students in the fundamental elements and principles of visual art and design while developing skills in both traditional and experimental media. Our curriculum fosters adaptability and innovation, encouraging students to engage with contemporary culture while integrating mind, body, and spirit.

Through studies in art history, global culture, critical theory, and theology, students deepen their cultural literacy and explore the spiritual nature of art and design as an expression of their faith. Whether specializing in Photography, Studio, Visual Communication, or Visual Studies, students graduate with a strong foundation in aesthetic principles and communication strategies, equipping them to navigate an ever-evolving creative landscape.



Sections:

Mission
Faculty/Staff
Contact us

Mission

The Seattle Pacific Art Center (SPAC) fosters a vibrant learning environment where art and design serve as powerful tools for inquiry, expression, and growth. Rooted in Christian faith, students engage in hands-on practice and critical dialogue to communicate ideas, bridge perspectives, and contribute to the field with wisdom, imagination, and purpose.

Vision

The Seattle Pacific Art Center (SPAC) envisions a world where art and design deepen understanding of faith, culture, and place. We cultivate visual literacy, encourage bold creative exploration, and refine aesthetic craft. Our goal is to create immersive experiences that inspire students and communities alike. Through the study and practice of art and design, we aim to spark empathy, insight, and meaningful communication across disciplines and diverse contexts.

Faculty/Staff

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Zack Bent

Assistant Professor of Art

BARCH and BS, Ball State University, 1999; MA, Ball State University, 2003; MFA, University of Washington, 2008
bentz@spu.edu
206-281-3442

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Karen Gutowsky-Zimmerman

Professor of Design; Chair of Art Department

BFA, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, 1984; MFA, University of Washington, 2000
kgz@spu.edu
206-281-2758

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Katie Kresser

Professor of Art

BA, Indiana University Bloomington, 1998; MS, Harvard University, 2001; PhD, Harvard University, 2006
kressk@spu.edu
206-281-3443 

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Kira Schuttler

Art Center and Music Department Program Coordinator

schuttlerk@spu.edu
206-281-2119

Contact

The Art Department, commonly known as the Seattle Pacific Art Center (SPAC), is located near the heart of campus. The Art Center includes dedicated spaces for Senior Studio, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Metals, and Digital Media, as well as a computer lab and lecture hall. It is also home to the SPAC Gallery, which features a dynamic series of exhibitions by professional artists and designers throughout the year and hosts annual student exhibitions each spring.

Do you have questions?

Department Chair
Karen Gutowsky-Zimmerman
kgz@spu.edu

 

 

Art Center Program Coordinator

Kira Schuyler

schuttlerk@spu.edu

Location

Address: 3 West Cremona Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: 206-281-2079
SPAC Gallery Hours: M–Th 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
*The Art Gallery closes for the summer on the last day of Spring Quarter finals

Get directions


Parking

Visitors can park for free in the Ross parking lot during evenings and weekends. It is located at the corner of Third Ave W and W Cremona St.

Free street parking is available around campus. Please note that some streets have parking time limits.

Additional visitor parking can be prearranged by calling Campus Security at 206-281-2922.



Vis Comm Alum

Meet Danielle Gamboa: Class of 2021

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Studio Art Alum

Meet Dominic Renz: Class of 2020

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