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Professor talks to students in studio art class

Welcome to Visual and Performing Arts at Clark

Students studying in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts develop skills as imaginative practitioners, understand art as a meaningful human endeavor, and explore creative works in dialogue with the past and our current moment.

We believe the pursuit of creativity is a human right.

Students acting on stage
The Visual and Performing Arts Department comprises six separate majors. In our classes, you will learn about the history of creative practice, from the ancient Greek architects and the plays of William Shakespeare to the music of Duke Ellington, the films of Maya Deren, and the contemporary photo-collages of Mickalene Thomas.

You will cultivate the theoretical tools to analyze works of art from the past and the present, and develop your own skills as a creative practitioner in our studios — painting, costume, recording, and more.

By studying the history, theory, and practice of the arts in a liberal arts context, you will make and explore creative works while connecting the past to the present.

Venues and Resources

trainia center

Clark Arts Venues

Throughout the academic year, our on-campus arts venues host a range of shows, exhibitions, plays, and concerts.

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wall art

Arts in Worcester and Beyond

The arts in Worcester are thriving, from niche galleries to the Worcester Art Museum’s world-class collections, small concert halls to the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

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Clark Arts Venues

Throughout the academic year, our on-campus arts venues host a range of shows, exhibitions, plays, and concerts.

Learn More
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Visual and Performing Arts

Featured Stories

A blockbuster assignment

Clark students create original movies in film noir course

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16 Clark artists featured in ArtsWorcester College Show

Works include digital art, sculpture, filmmaking, and more

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Clark’s conductor and choir make their Carnegie Hall debuts

Cailin Marcel Manson celebrates 20 years with the baton

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Featured Event

Featured Event


Pink "Sense and Sensibility" poster

"Sense & Sensibility," Directed by MaryBeth Dekara

A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters — sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne — after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. “Sense & Sensibility” examines our reactions — both reasonable and ridiculous — to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?

Directed by MaryBeth Dekara. Free with a Clark ID, $5 for the public.

Four performances:

Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m.

 

All faculty, administrative staff, and students must follow safety guidelines

Contact Information

Visual and Performing Arts

Office Location
  • Traina Center for the Arts
    92 Downing Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

  • 1-508-793-7113
  • vpa[at]clarku[dot]edu
  • 1-508-793-8844 (fax)