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 the many industries that use images is an in-depth study of art and design.

What can I do with this degree?

An arts degree 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
• Assistants in art galleries/museums
• Creative marketers at large corporations
• Set designers in 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 all traditional mediums, as well as in contemporary media such as video and digital
• 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 artwork

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Learn from professional artists

Not only will you be exposed to studio visits, conversations and critique from regional and national artists who present in our galleries and courses—you will learn from professional artists daily. All of Bethel's art instructors are exemplary educators and experienced artists who actively pursue their craft.

Some of their latest accolades include:

• Lex Thompson received a Minnesota State Arts board photography grant in 2016. The work produced under the grant has been and will continue to be exhibited. 
• Michelle Westmark Wingard received a significant grant and art show for her work, titled "The Shape of Memory" (2016–2017).

Receive personal mentoring

Bethel affords all the advantages of a small department nestled within a booming metropolis. The world-class museums and large arts community of the Twin Cities combined with the personal mentoring and individualized attention given to each student in our department means increased chances for learning, growth, and success.

Access two galleries

Our well-equipped studios are available seven days a week to students, but even more rare is the opportunity to benefit from the two art galleries run by our program. These allow us to showcase more student and professional work, and give students the opportunity to learn about curatorial work and/or work as an intern with Bethel's permanent art collection, which includes:

• Researching the permanent art collection
• Organizing shows to be brought to Bethel's galleries

There are also many opportunities for students to work as teaching assistants in our galleries and studios.

Display and sell your artwork

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
• Two senior exhibitions: one on campus, and one in the Minneapolis Art-a-Whirl

Earn awards, grants, and scholarships

The Art Department Performance Scholarship is a $2,000 yearly renewable award given to incoming freshmen and transfer students who exhibit high potential. 

As you progress through Bethel's program, you'll also have other opportunities to earn recognition and receive monetary awards. For example, at the annual Raspberry Monday spring student art exhibition, the art 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 the Purchase Award for artwork chosen by faculty to add to Bethel's permanent collection.

Study art abroad, in countries such as

• Italy
• Germany
• England
• Ireland

Craft an individualized major

For students interested in art history as a field, there is an individualized major approach combining all art history courses and aesthetics with an in-depth set of courses in another field such as history, literature, or philosophy—plus basic reading knowledge in two languages.

Recent News

Why We Teach

September 06, 2018 | 2 p.m.

Professor of Art Honored with Seventh University Professor Title

July 23, 2018 | Noon

Student-made Sculpture The Archenteron Installed at Silverwood Park

June 22, 2018 | 10 a.m.

Art Alum Receives $55,000 Guggenheim Fellowship

May 02, 2018 | Noon

Upcoming Events

OCT 2 2018

Alumni Artist Talk: Kyle Bellucci Johanson

11:15 a.m. Academic Center (AC) 246

Strange "reading room" and "blueprints" in the BC explained!

OCT 4 2018

Artist-Designed Cardboard Mini Golf in the BC

2 p.m. Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2

Free, fun mini golf for the whole family

OCT 8 2018

Time, Space, and Process

Olson Gallery

Professor Kenneth Steinbach officially releases his book, "Creative Practices for Visual Artists," with an exhibition showcasing various artists' work.

NOV 8 2018

Artist Talk and Reception: Jessica Henderson

6 p.m. Eastlund Room

Assistant Professor of Design Jessica Henderson will discuss her body of work, "uhhh, u there?" developed during her spring 2018 sabbatical.

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 '12
Current job: Artist, Coordinator at Minnesota Center for Book Arts

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 '08
Current job: Curator, First Things Gallery, New York City

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 '16
Current job: Behavior Health Specialist at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

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 '91
Associate Professor of Sculpture, University of Minnesota

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 '10
Current job: Pre-K Through Grade 12 Art Teacher, Legacy Christian Academy