From our impressive facilities to our small class sizes, it’s easy to see why students love the fine arts at Graceland University. Within our Visual and Performing Arts program there are three departments, art, music and theatre, to choose from. In addition to our many courses, each of these departments have specialties in exciting creative endeavors any Graceland student can participate. Take a sculpture or 3D design class, join our band, orchestra or choir or even try out for one of our major theatre productions that are put on each year.
Graceland is home to some of the finest art, music and theatre facilities in the Midwest.
Shaw Center features the state-of-the-art JR Theatre, a black box theatre equipped with lighting, sound and multi-functional qualities equal to the best such theaters in the country; the acoustically-perfect, 150-seat Carol Hall recital hall; the 500-seat Shaw Family Auditorium; and a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre.
The Helene Center for the Visual Arts is open 24 hours a day so students can create at any time day or night. The facility features two professional gallery exhibition spaces, a graphic design computer lab, a north-facing panting and drawing rooms, as well as dedicated sculpture and ceramic studios.
Employed in Field
79%
Art: Graphic Design graduates
Estimated Salary
$72,400
Music graduates
Employed in Field
40%
Theatre graduates
Estimated Salary
$66,300
Art: Graphic Design graduates
Employed in Field
35%
Music graduates
Estimated Salary
$72,700
Theatre graduates
Read the latest news from the Visual and Performing Arts department and check out our calendar for all upcoming events and performances.
Press Release
October 1, 2025
Graceland University hosts Legacy: A Celebration of the Performing...
Alumni, Press Release
September 30, 2025
Graceland University welcomes back 2011 graduate Tara Shupe as...
Faculty
August 6, 2025
With Leah Wyman, Graceland University is welcoming a new...
Faculty, Press Release
April 21, 2025
An era ended on a high note at this...
Press Release
February 12, 2025
The Constance Gallery at the Helene Art Center is...
Alumni
October 4, 2024
A very special homecoming is on display on the...
Want to learn more about the Visual and Performing Arts at Graceland?
Contact Information:
Karen Gergely, Associate Professor of Art and Art Program Coordinator
Cara Phipps, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Theatre Program Coordinator