Art Major
Bethel's B.A. in Art is for students seeking an art major with depth combined with a broad liberal arts education. This degree allows students to explore careers requiring visual thinking, creative skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
Why should I study art?
The role of visual images in our culture is enormous. Can you imagine a society with no images? Whether as artistic expressions of spiritual meaning or practical designs for business clients, images serve culture in rich and diverse ways. Who makes all these images? Creatively-trained and visually-gifted people. Your foundation for successful entrance into these industries starts with an in-depth study of art and design.
What can I do with this degree?
An B.A. in Art from Bethel is incredibly versatile—made even more so by the structure of Bethel's program, which easily allows for interested students to double major or minor in an additional field. Courses are designed to equip students with the practical knowledge to pursue careers that utilize their vast skills and fuel their passion.
In addition to becoming teachers and professional studio artists, our graduates have gone on to work as:
- Graphic designers
- Potters or jewelers
- Art therapists/counselors
- Photographers/videographers
- Community arts administrators
- Curators in art galleries/museums
- Creative marketers at large corporations
- Set designers at the Guthrie Theater
Many alumni have continued on to graduate schools, including:
- Prescott College
- Hunter College
- School of the Art Institute
- School of the Visual Arts
- Goldsmiths University of London
Our alumni teach at:
- Tulane University
- Minneapolis College of Art & Design
- Augsburg College
- University of Minnesota
- Greenville College
What skills will I develop?
- Hands-on skills in painting, drawing, screen printing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography and graphic design.
- A comprehensive understanding of the physical and conceptual aspects involved in creating two- and three-dimensional art
- The capacity to develop new ideas through conversations with artists and the study of artists and movements
- The ability to analyze, interpret, and critique art
- A personal style and vision for your own artwork
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
Learn and receive mentoring from professional artists
Bethel affords all the advantages of a small department nestled within a thriving metropolis. Not only will you be exposed to studio and gallery visits as well as conversations and critique from regional and national artists who present in our galleries and courses—you will also learn from professional artists daily. All of Bethel's art instructors are exemplary educators and experienced artists who actively pursue their craft.
Earn awards for your work
As you progress through the Department of Art & Design, you will have other opportunities to earn recognition and receive monetary awards. For example, at the annual Raspberry Monday spring student art exhibition, the department decorates students with a number of monetary awards, including the Raspberry Monday Award for the student with the best all-around performance; the Cameron Booth Painting Award for the student who is the strongest painter; the Jeff Koeningsberg Award for an exemplary art student; and Purchase Awards for artwork chosen by faculty to add to Bethel's permanent collection.
On campus, you'll have many chances to exhibit your artwork, at events including:
- The annual all-student exhibition, Raspberry Monday
- Student-curated exhibitions during J-term
- The bi-annual poster and pottery sales
- Senior exhibition
We offer both on- and off-campus opportunities for students to exhibit their work. These include:
- The annual all-student exhibition, Raspberry Monday
- Student-curated exhibitions during J-term
- Senior Thesis exhibitions
- A department-curated student-exhibition during Minneapolis' Art-a-Whirl or Art Attack!
- An annual holiday make sale for the Bethel community
Become a gallery or studio teaching assistant
There are many opportunities for students to work as teaching assistants in our galleries and studios. Gallery Assistants learn about curatorial work and can also intern with Bethel's permanent art collection, which includes:
- Researching the permanent art collection
- Organizing shows to be brought to Bethel's galleries
Study art abroad
Spend a semester abroad in Italy, Germany, England or Ireland or participate in one of our art and design focused Interim Abroad Opportunities. Spend a month in India or Guatemala getting to know the culture and working on a highly collaborative project where you will research, write, photograph and create an award-winning magazine and documentary telling the stories of the people you meet. Or visit North Africa and Europe where you will investigate the multifaceted artistic and historical legacy of the area through travel, readings, presentations, personal travelogues and guided art experiences.462
pieces in Bethel's permanent art collection
22
external exhibitions by students or recent graduates since 2014
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The Art Department at Bethel was an incredibly formative place for me. You'll find kind and genuinely caring experts who will propel you forward in your artistic, spiritual, and professional journey and provide a unique, personalized experience.
Elise Valley '10Current job: Pre-K Through Grade 12 Art Teacher, Legacy Christian Academy
Bethel University's Department of Art and Design not only set me up for success in my future career, it also acted as a catalyst to develop intentional community I can participate in the rest of my life.
Eva Sedjo '16Current job: Behavior Health Specialist at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Art professors go above and beyond for students open to challenge as they pursue their art careers. Many Bethel alums are still active in the art world and have successful careers. We've developed a growing, active national alumni network.
Allison Peller '08Current job: Curator, First Things Gallery, New York City
I transferred to Bethel and just fell in love. My professors had such a significant impact on my development as a young, budding artist. They came alongside me at the right time in my life and didn’t ease up until I got into the best graduate school in the country.
Chris Larson '91Associate Professor of Sculpture, University of Minnesota
After graduation I interned at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, which turned into a job. I also had the opportunity to show in Vienna, Austria, because of an invitation from a professor.
Sarah Lee '12Current job: Artist, Coordinator at Minnesota Center for Book Arts
