About | Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, home of the Wonsook Kim School of Art, School of Music, School of Theatre and Dance, Creative Technologies Program, Illinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF), University Galleries, Big Red Marching Machine, and more! Our programs support academically accomplished and talented students pursuing their studies in the arts, design, and creative industries.

In our college, students find their voices and prepare for careers as teachers, music therapists, graphic designers, game designers, composers, visual artists, set designers, historians, musicians, and actors. We have numerous alumni who have become leaders in their professions, including Jane Lynch, Sean Hayes, Wonsook Kim, Francois Battiste, and Gary Cole.

With 400 student organizations on campus and 30 student organizations in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, there are many opportunities for students to become involved with campus life and collaborate on developing projects or performing together. University Galleries is central to Illinois State University and Illinois communities, presenting guest artists and scholars from all disciplines, world-class exhibitions, and exciting events in its contemporary spaces in Uptown Normal. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival enjoys a national reputation and exists as a learning lab for students. ISF works with professional actors and faculty throughout the summer months to present 36 performances at our state-of-the-art Elizabethan-style theatre at Ewing Cultural Center.

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts offers students opportunities to study and perform in Ireland, China, Thailand, South Korea, Italy, Australia, England, and other culturally rich destinations, all led by faculty experts. The Big Red Marching Machine, with its 325+ students, along with Drumline and Pep Band, keeps spirits high at athletic events and celebrations at home and away.

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts is extraordinary! I hope you will join us in creating your legacy at Illinois State University.

Jean M. Miller, Dean
Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

Invigorated by creative discourse and diversity of opinion, the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts advances the arts within a global context. Through collaboration, applied learning, and artistic practice, the College fosters curiosity and critical thinking to illuminate the human experience. Our creative and intellectual endeavors enrich the quality of life of the University, the community, and beyond.

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts shares Illinois State University’s commitment to the pursuit of learning and scholarship, individualized attention, diversity and inclusion, respect, integrity, and civic engagement as expressed in Illinois State's strategic plan, Educate, Connect, Elevate. These core values are central to the University and the College as they influence and guide our priorities and plans.

Fine Arts Complex Project

On January 30, 2020, Gov. JB Pritzker came to the Illinois State University campus to announce the release of capital funding for the renovation of facilities in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.