As a studio art major, you will develop technical skills, aesthetic judgment, and historical understanding. Participation in both studio and art history courses will stimulate critical thinking and refine your creative potential in the visual arts.
Beyond studio and classroom experiences, there are a myriad of ways for students to engage with the field. You will have the opportunity to learn from local, regional, and nationally known artists. Yearly trips to New York City and biannual trips allow you to see and learn about art and culture. Additionally, you will thoroughly examine the unique role and responsibilities of the Christian artist in society.
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Travel Opportunities
Alternating biannual trips to Italy or Paris/London combine the excitement of foreign travel with some of the highest architectural, artistic, and cultural achievements in western history. Some of Europe’s greatest museums along with visits to the ruins at Pompeii, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Sistine Chapel, Giverny, and Stonehenge are just a few of the stops that bring art history to life.
Every other year, the studio art department invites students on a five-day trip to New York City during the fall mid-semester break. Highlights include some of the world’s premiere art museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MOMA, and the Guggenheim. Other itinerary items may include performances on Broadway and at Lincoln Center with stops at the the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square and more.
The art department also offers semi-annual trips to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center.
If you’re looking for a more immersive trip, consider Bethany’s study abroad program!
Potential careers
- Arts administrator
- Arts educator
- Cartoonist
- Gallery curator
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Photographer
- Multimedia artist
- Web designer
Alumni Stories
Taylor Friehl (’16)
Taylor Friehl, a 2016 Bethany graduate, is a graphic designer with Mortarr in Albert Lea, Minnesota. WHAT YOU DO •
Maurina (Mosley) Rondeau (’12)
Maurina, a 2012 Studio Art major graduate, is the Marketing Coordinator at the Galleria Shopping Center in Edina, Minnesota. WHAT
Charis Carmichael Braun (’04)
After graduating from Bethany in 2004, Charis went on to study at the New York Academy of Art. She currently
Michael Knepprath (’10)
Michael, a 2010 Bethany Graduate, currently works as front-end developer at Pear Tree Greetings in North Mankato, Minn. WHAT YOU
Studio Art Major Requirements
Please see the Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Mission Statement
The studio art major provides curricular opportunities for the development of technical skills, aesthetic judgment, and historical understanding. Participation in both studio and art history courses stimulates critical thinking and refines creative potential in the visual arts. The studio art major may choose to pursue a variety of interests: oil painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, multimedia, or photography.
Program Learning Outcomes
The studio art program at Bethany Lutheran College strives to produce graduates who:
- Exhibit excellent visual and verbal communication skills.
- Exhibit competence with all appropriate media and technologies.
- Exhibit the ability to approach visual problems with creativity and insight.
- Exhibit familiarity with the professional practices in their chosen field of study.
- Exhibit the ability to produce work that is consistently original and meaningful.
- Have critically examined the role of the artist in society, particularly the unique responsibilities of the Christian visual artist.
Entry into the Major
Each student is required to formally apply for entry into the Studio Art major. This typically takes place during the spring semester of the sophomore year. It is imperative that all prospective studio art students have an advisor from the Studio Art or Graphic Design departments. A major application form may be obtained from your faculty advisor or downloaded from the Studio Art section of the college website. In order to gain admittance to, and graduate with, the Studio Art major, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all studio courses and an overall GPA of 2.0.
Junior Review
At the end of the junior year, the transcript of each student will be examined by their advisor to ensure adequate progress is being made toward degree completion. At this point, admission to the major may be rescinded.
Studio Art Requirements
Foundations (10 cr.):
- ARTS102 2D Foundations 2D Foundations 3 cr.
- ARTS110 Drawing 3 cr.
- ARTS202 3D Foundations 3D Foundations 3 cr.
- ARTS290 Professional Practices Seminar 1 cr.
Historical Perspective (9 cr.):
- ARTS105 Art History I Prehistory to the Gothic Period I Prehistory to the Gothic Period 3 cr.
- ARTS106 Art History II Renaissance to Realism II Renaissance to Realism 3 cr.
- ARTS107 Art History III Modernism 3 cr.
The Student is to choose one primary area of emphasis: 2D or 3D.
Studio – 2D Emphasis (18 cr.):
- ARTS114 Painting I: Watercolor and Ink I: Watercolor and Ink 3 cr.
- ARTS211 Life Drawing I 3 cr.
- ARTS214 Painting II: Still Life II: Still Life 3 cr.
- ARTS312 Digital Illustration/Concept Art I 3 cr.
- ARTS314 Painting III: Figure Painting: Figure Painting 3 cr.
- ARTS324 Painting IV: Landscape IV: Landscape 3 cr.
Studio – 3D Emphasis (18 cr.):
- ARTS116 Sculpture I 3 cr.
- ARTS216 Sculpture II: Casting II; Casting 3 cr.
- ARTS316 Sculpture III: Carving; Carving 3 cr.
- MART325 Stop Motion Animation 3 cr.
- MART435 Digital 3D Design and Animation 3D Design and Animation 3 cr.
- THTR320 Scene Design OR THTR390 Costume Design 3 cr.
Students must also complete the following requirements:
Theoretical and Critical Analysis (6 cr.):
- ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art 3 cr.
- COMM385 Law and Ethics in Media 3 cr.
- Internship, Study Abroad, or Residency (3 cr.)
- ARTS499 Art Internship• 3 cr.
Senior Capstone Project and Exhibition:
- ARTS494 Portfolio/Senior Project / Senior Project 3 cr.
- ARTS495 Senior Exhibition 2 cr.
Optional Recommended Electives:
The minor in studio art requires:
Foundations
- ARTS102 2D Foundations 2D Foundations 3 cr.
- ARTS110 Drawing 3 cr.
- ARTS202 3D Foundations 3D Foundations 3 cr.
- ARTS290 Professional Practices Seminar 1 cr.
Advanced Studio
- Two additional studio courses from the art major (see above) 6 cr
Historical Perspective (6 cr. – choose two)
- ARTS105 Art History I Prehistory to the Gothic Period I Prehistory to the Gothic Period 3 cr.
- ARTS106 Art History II Renaissance to Realism II Renaissance to Realism 3 cr.
- ARTS107 Art History III Modernism 3 cr.
- ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art 3 cr.
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the biology major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Contact for more information
Studio Art Faculty
These faculty members teach many of the courses that comprise the Studio Art major. See also the Studio Art Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Jaspersen YFAC 212 507-344-7890 | Associate Professor, Studio Art | YFAC 212 507-344-7890 |
 | Andy Overn YFAC 207 507-344-7398 | Professor, Graphic Design | YFAC 207 507-344-7398 |
 | Denice Woller MH 306 507-344-7860 | Adjunct Faculty, Studio Art | MH 306 507-344-7860 |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.