Artists are visual communicators who add beauty to daily life. They are able to take raw materials, ranging from pieces of marble and unshaped clay to blank canvases and empty web pages, and create memorable images and experiences. Many creatives have built an artistic foundation in the visual arts program at Pensacola Christian College. The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in studio art and graphic design. These degrees prepare students with the foundational skills they need to harness their creativity and convey ideas beautifully, whether as illustrators, photographers, interactive designers, or fine artists. Above all, the program gives students a biblical appreciation of order and beauty within art, encouraging them to create visual art that honors and reflects God, the Master Creator. “We believe the purpose of all visual art is to glorify God and edify man. Our courses focus on developing exceptional technical, conceptual, and communication skills for students to fulfill those purposes as effectively as possible,” said Mr. Greg Hewitt, the chair of visual arts.
Steven Hileman (Commercial Art ’99) uses skills he learned in his art classes to portray the beauty of creation. His hundreds of oil paintings take inspiration from nature. If he cannot be found in his studio, he has likely ventured outdoors. “Much of my work is drawn from my surroundings here in Maine,” Steven said. “I am primarily a landscape painter, but I do venture into other genres on occasion,” he added. “I orchestrate my paintings in response to the light, colors, textures, and moods presented by the varying environmental conditions and seasonal extremes.”
Students Express Creativity
The graphic design and studio art concentrations develop students’ technical skills so they can express their creativity with excellence. While at college, visual arts students challenge themselves in interactive classes and workshops. They also display their paintings, drawings, and designs in the College’s art gallery. During senior year, they create a magnificent art portfolio that represents their artistic achievement. “We have a curriculum that builds a strong foundation on the time-honored traditions of our craft first,” said faculty member Mr. Joe Digangi. “We have a well-balanced approach by equally pursuing technical excellence and creativity.”
Students also experience opportunities to connect with professionals through competitions. Both studio artists and graphic designers compete in the American Advertising Awards (ADDY), a nationwide creative competition where they have an opportunity to receive recognition from advertising professionals. For additional development, they may also join the student-led Art Club, which is sponsored by faculty member and award-winning fine artist Mr. Mark Baral. Involvement in the club enhances classroom learning and encourages long-term artistic development. “Through art club, we invite specialists—comic book artists, freelance logo designers, exhibit designers—who reinforce class lessons while showing students how their training applies to specific careers,” Mr. Baral said.
“My art has substantially improved over the last three years, and I’ve loved getting to learn new mediums and techniques . . .”
By the time they reach their senior year, visual arts students see significant artistic growth. Emma Stewart (WA) is a senior studying studio art, and she has enjoyed expanding her abilities by experimenting with different mediums like charcoal and oil. “I have learned so much from my classes here,” Emma said. “My art has substantially improved over the last three years, and I’ve loved getting to learn new mediums and techniques to draw and paint with every semester,” Emma said. “The art teachers are absolutely amazing; all of them want you to succeed in your career and they push your art farther than you thought was capable.”
Matt Allen (Sr., WA), who chose to study studio art to pursue his love for sculpting, has also refined his skills at PCC. He enjoyed broadening his expertise by exploring additional mediums like charcoal and watercolor. “By God’s grace, I have seriously grown in my abilities with art,” Matt said. “I would like my art to highlight the beauty of God’s creation and how He is the Master Artist.”
The visual arts program teaches students to convey ideas creatively while also glorifying God through their craft. Graphic design student Olivia Torales (Sr., FL) plans to use her skills as a social media specialist at Hope Children’s Home, a Christian ministry providing refuge to vulnerable children. She already has crafted attractive designs for the ministry, including a gospel tract for visitors. “I will be using my skills for designing graphics, filming and editing video content, managing their platforms, and whatever fun creative projects come my way!” Olivia said.
Alumni Decorate the World
Alumni of the visual arts program have been able to use what they learned at PCC to decorate the world with beautiful and practical creative work. Although she only graduated in 2023, Kathy Sumardi (Graphic Design) is already an award-winning designer who is quickly distinguishing herself with her advertising creations. She currently works as a packaging designer at Home Depot and a part-time junior art director and content creator at an advertising agency, ButterCo. At Home Depot, Kathy is responsible for creating attractive, practical packaging that appeals to customers visually while also meeting company expectations for efficiency. “I work on designing and redesigning packaging, finding better solutions while staying within brand guidelines, and considering the perspectives of both customers and store associates,” Kathy said.
Kathy enjoys having creative freedom to realize ideas through attractive designs. In 2025, she collaborated with colleagues to design a perfume line—the branding received ADDY recognition. Kathy won other ADDYs for attractive and creative designs while in her senior year at PCC. With her creative prowess, she excels in freelance design work in her job at ButterCo., where she works with outside clients that present unique advertising needs. “I’m grateful that I’ve been able to work on exciting projects with different companies. This has helped me build connections, expand my portfolio, and really enjoy the process,” Kathy said. “I love the freedom to be creative.”
Another graphic design alumnus has found his creative calling in Christian service. After graduating with a bachelor’s and a master’s, Stephen Kozel (B.S.’14, M.A.’16) began his career as a visual arts faculty member at the College. Now he is using his creative expertise as a senior graphic designer at The Daily Grace Co., a faith-based business providing Bible studies used by Christians worldwide. According to the ministry’s website, its purpose is “equipping disciples in the Word.” Stephen finds it deeply satisfying that his designs play a part in helping fellow believers grow in faith. “I believe that as Christians all we do should point people to Christ, and as a husband, father, and employee that is my goal,” Stephen said. “Working for a Christian company, I’m able to work on products and resources that help people grow in their Christian walk.”
“Knowing that my work is adding beauty to the world and joy to people’s lives brings much satisfaction.”
Like Kozel, Steven Hileman has found ways to glorify God creatively, specifically through fine art recognized for excellence. His breathtaking paintings of Maine have received awards at art competitions, and he has sold hundreds of paintings over a career spanning two decades. Steven desires to honor God with only the most outstanding fine art. “I seek to do the best work I possibly can to the glory of God, and hopefully that will bring opportunities to interact with people in such a way that points them to the ultimate Artist and Creator,” Steven said. “In the end, my art should not be self-serving, but a reflection of His beauty and goodness.”
These students and alumni are just a few out of many creatives who have grown as artists through PCC’s visual arts program. Students may study both masters and undergraduate degrees in studio art and graphic design, and soon an associate’s degree in graphic design will be launched to provide creative foundations within a two-year commitment. Graduates take their next steps with a biblical appreciation of order and beauty inherent to art, encouraging them to create visual art that honors and reflects God, the Master Creator. They gain the technical tools they need to employ their creativity, convey ideas, and decorate life with their art. “Knowing that my work is adding beauty to the world and joy to people’s lives brings much satisfaction,” said Steven Hileman.