Art
While tired stereotypes of the “starving artist” persist, a global revolution continues around the power of art and design to shape and sell human experiences, places, products, technologies, brands and more.By cultivating the sense and sensibilities of an artist, you develop aesthetic awareness, and with it a deep understanding of human motivation, desire and persuasion.
We offer two inter-related yet distinctive sequences of study within it: the fine art and the graphic design sequences. A graduate of the art program earns a Bachelor of Arts degree.
An Art Degree at Work
Informed and serious students recognize the dedication involved with any type of arts major, which require long hours beyond classroom instruction working solo and in collaboration on studio projects and outside commissions.
Many employers prize the transferable skills you will gain while pursuing an art degree – visual and critical awareness, problem solving and time management. As an arts major you will also hone your written and oral communication skills, be adept at analyzing and synthesizing information from a range of sources, and show an ability to meet deadlines.
A sample of career paths includes:
- Architect
- Art therapist
- Computer animator
- Curator
- Educator
- Fashion illustrator
- Filmmaker
- Gallery owner / appraiser
- Graphic designer
- Interior designer
- Jeweler
- Museum director
- TV production
The Carol and Robert Bush Art Center contains the studios, classrooms, galleries and faculty offices for the art program, including the Godschalx Gallery, dedicated to the professional exhibition of student art.
Three galleries, an exhibition series, the college art collection, guest artists, field trips to major museums and galleries, local and regional art exhibitions and competitions further enrich the visual art program. Students are highly encouraged to enter the college’s annual juried student art exhibition as well as local and regional art exhibitions.
Numerous opportunities exist for art majors to travel and study abroad and St. Norbert College endorses programs of studio and art history classes in several countries in Europe and Australia.
Additionally, an annual art scholarship is awarded to one art student at St. Norbert College.
Alumnus Perspective
“I had long dreamt of someday working in the movies and, at age 24, it seemed like the right time in my life to give it a shot. I’ve been very fortunate to work as a character designer and concept artist for some challenging and fun projects such as Men In Black II, Fantastic Four and The Santa Clause 2.”Chris Ayers ’99
Hollywood character designer and digital artist
Faculty Highlight
“I currently spend time experimenting with digital photography and electronic image manipulation focusing on color, form, texture and patterns. A main goal is to create work that is engaging and provoking. I draw my inspiration from fine art, film, nature and popular culture.”
Brian Pirman
Associate professor of art
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison
View art department faculty