Today, the UE College of Fine Arts continues to make its mark as among the premier art institutions in the country, offering students opportunities to develop into professional visual artists. With its focus on both comprehensive and fundamental art training and digital art technology, the students are kept abreast of the aesthetic and creative demands of the times.
The late National Artist Col. Antonio Buenaventura (retired) served concurrently as the Director of the School and the conservatory; known ballerina and ballet master Joji Felix Velarde headed the Ballet School while a noted music critic, pianist and educator who later became the School's AssitantDirectress, Prof. Vilma R. Santiago Felipe, was Secretary Registrar. The late Prof. Pablo J. Victoria, then a well-known artist, led the School of Fine Arts and developed it for ten intensive years, leaving a tradition and foundation for the present CFA. In 1974, after a decade of service, Prof. Victoria returned full time to the College of education, entrusting the College to Prof. Teofilo A. Montifar, a respected artist and faculty memner. Prof. Montifar acted as the Director but had to leave the country after a year. With his departure, the directorship was turned over to Prof. Florencio B. Concepcion, another faculty member who had then just earn his MFA degree in painting in Italy.
For twelve years since 1981, Director Concepcion ran the school in keeping with the tradition started by Prof. Victoria. With another change in the leadership of the University, the School was elevated to College status, and its director was named Dean. Unfortunately, Dean Concepcion in his 29th year of service, had to retire for health reasons. Associate Dean Jesus P. Rivera, an alumnus and one of the outstanding sgraduates under Prof. Victoria, held the position of Officer-In-Charge.
Mr. Roberto Marcelo A. Robles, a former faculty member who, after finishing his MFA at the University of Tsukuba, returned to UE and was appointed CFA Dean in 1995. Dean Robles headed the College until his resignation in April 1997. Prof. Angelito L. de Guzman, the College Secretary, took over as Officer-inCharge until December 1997, when Mr. Alfredo C. Rebillion Sr., an Advertising and Editorial design alumnus of the UP college of Fine Arts, took over as acting Dean. Acting Dean Rebellion became the full-fledged Dean in January 1998. Following Dean Rebellion's retirement, College Secretary De Guzman was again appointed CFA Officer-in-Charge from April 2001 until Mr. Gerardo M. Tan - amixed-media artist whose works have been exhibited here and abrooad was appointed Dean in June 2001.
The CFA aims to offer opportunities for students "to develop professionals in the visual arts" oriented to creativity and clucidation of mind together with artistic technical excellence. It adheres strongly to the noble mission of the University, with a particular disciplinary awareness of "placing the blessing of the Fine Arts within the reach of the people."
The Fine Arts curricula are centered on both liberal education and studio work linked to the principles of education, with its design subjects now enhanced by advancements in digital art technology. Designed to create a total artist, it trains and prepares the students to perform significant roles in our high-tech, globalized society, their artistic potential developed to the fullest for a future in creative professional careers.
The UE College of Fine Arts opens its doors to serious aspiring artist who want to fulfill their dreams in the world of art through specialized fields in Advertising Arts, Interior Design and Painting. These special fields of study aim to home the intellectual and technical faculties of students, developing and directing these towards thier individual preferences in art. All major disciplines are four-year courses leading to the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Major in Advertising Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Major in Interior Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Major in Painting
