Professor Katie Ries talks with students in art studies. background

Art

Make SNC your palette

Art and design speak to us in ways that words can’t. Art helps us figure out who we are. It grounds us in community and colors our dreams. When you pursue an art degree at St. Norbert College, you’ll be well-trained in visual design principles, artistic techniques, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. You’ll learn how to network with other artists and with galleries, learning practical business skills that will help you advance your career in art. 

Academic paths within the art major

We are one of the few liberal arts colleges in the U.S. to offer distinctive sequences in both fine arts and graphic design. Graduates of these sequences earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. You’ll want to look into the annual Donald P. Taylor Scholarship, which is awarded to one or more art students at SNC.

The art discipline at SNC emphasizes technical craft as well as contemporary art and design theory and practice. In the tradition of the liberal arts, our students are creative makers and doers whose studio work complements their other classes and larger experiences. 

Elevate your art education

As an art major, you’ll build a portfolio of work during your time at SNC. We provide a full-scope approach to studying art, with no shortage of inspiration. You’ll have three galleries, an exhibition series and the college art collection at your disposal to spark new ideas and enrich your classroom instruction. The areas galleries, museums and events and arty community provide opportunities for further exploration beyond SNC.

Looking to go farther afield? Check out our study abroad opportunities — including learning how to sculpt in Florence!

Back on campus, you’ll find the studios, classrooms, galleries and art faculty offices in the Carol & Robert Bush Art Center, where students exhibit their pieces in the professional gallery space of the Godschalx Gallery. Your college professors will encourage you to enter your strongest pieces into the college’s annual juried student art exhibition as well as local and regional art exhibitions.

Each year, committed art and design students are invited to share a private studio space to complete an independent project of their choosing.

Major requirements

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Minor requirements

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Course offerings

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  • I got to illustrate a published children’s book! I was asked to illustrate the GLAD Camp book published through SNC, and it was something I’ve always wanted to do. I learned a lot working with the art director, like the best ways to draw certain elements and how to stage illustrations.

    Katie Hopkins ’19

    Portrait of student Katie Hopkins
    Portrait of student Katie Hopkins

    I got to illustrate a published children’s book! I was asked to illustrate the GLAD Camp book published through SNC, and it was something I’ve always wanted to do. I learned a lot working with the art director, like the best ways to draw certain elements and how to stage illustrations.

    Katie Hopkins ’19

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Undergraduate research

Uncover new knowledge by engaging in collaborative research projects with your professors.

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Practical internships

Explore the field through internships, and find out what it’s like to put your academic training to work.

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International reach

Experience the art world from a global standpoint through our study abroad program.

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Students paint a mural
Learn from exceptional SNC art faculty

If there’s one thing that SNC professors and instructors have in common, it’s a passion for teaching and sharing their expertise. You’ll also find them dedicated to providing personalized guidance that supports your academic and career aspirations. Discover the distinguished scholars you’ll be learning from.

Gallery of Art faculty

The mosaic grid arrangement can be modified to determine where and what size each image is. This gallery has the order of the images randomized on page load.

Laurel Laurel

Your art degree at work

While pursuing an art degree, you’ll gain valuable expertise along with abilities that employers seek: visual and critical awareness, problem solving, and time management . As an art major at SNC, you’ll also sharpen your written and oral communication skills, become adept at analyzing and synthesizing information from a range of sources, and balancing multiple deadlines. Here's just a sampling of careers you'll find our art alumni working in:

  • Art teacher
  • Brand marketer
  • Graphic designer
  • Illustrator
  • Photographer
  • Production manager
  • Web content specialist

Future studies in art

Majoring in art can prepare you for advanced study in design, art, marketing, education, or a related field. With SNC’s help in prep and placement, our art alumni have completed graduate studies at institutions like:

  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Marquette University
  • University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Shot of campus from above featuring the Fox River
Contact the St. Norbert College admission office

Campus location

Ariens Family Welcome Center
310 College Ave.
De Pere, WI 54115

Hours of operation

Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

We’re also available by appointment.

Mailing address

Office of Admission
St. Norbert College
Ariens Family Welcome Center
100 Grant St.
De Pere, WI 54115

Campus