Art

Art is a universal language that transcends both time and culture. It can be provocative and challenging, requiring us to examine our existing norms and beliefs. Art draws us in and inspires us, reminds us of our humanity and teaches us about ourselves. Through deeply personal expression, artists invite us to think in original ways and consider the world from a different perspective.

“My (study abroad semester) was a wonderful opportunity for personal and educational growth.”

— Natalie Lange '20

Read Natalie's story

About the Art Major

Art is a way to think, act and communicate—a means of personal expression, as well as of participating in a larger conversation with both the past and contemporary culture. In Carroll University’s art program, you’ll explore the relationship between the worlds of intellect and imagination. You’ll learn to develop and nurture a creative process that moves your work and ideas into unexpected and exciting directions. Carroll's art curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and prepares its graduates for a lifelong journey of art making and art appreciation that insists on engagement with the ideas of our times and on personal growth.

What Can You Do with an Art Major?

Our program focuses on both depth and breadth of knowledge. Our students are prepared for success in a variety of fields, including teaching, museum and gallery work, art therapy, design, graduate school or working as a professional artist. At Carroll, we study skill development in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and photography and you’ll be encouraged to bring your knowledge of other disciplines into your work. Our emphasis quickly turns to content, challenging you to think more deeply about the nature of your work, ideas and influences. You’ll have the advantage of studying in small classes with faculty who are working artists.

Our spaces include several large studios, the campus gallery, student exhibition areas, an art library and three MAC computer labs. Our students gain experience outside the classroom through participating in internships and have an opportunity in their senior year to exhibit in a professional gallery in the media of their choice. You’ll leave Carroll prepared with a career-ready portfolio.

Become an Art Teacher

The art education program prepares you for K-12 art teacher licensure when paired with Carroll’s secondary education major. Art education students take a broad array of art courses: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry and photography. You’ll also focus in a medium and concept of your choice as a senior, which culminates in an exhibition of your work in Carroll’s gallery before graduation. This combination of broad exposure to many areas of art, specialization in one, as well as education classes through Carroll’s Education Program prepares you to teach K-12 art. Art education candidates spend their last semester off-campus, student-teaching full-time.

Art education students benefit from Carroll’s small size where art and education faculty work closely together to guide students successfully through both programs.

Emphases / Minor

Art majors are required to choose one of the following emphases. In addition to the major, Carroll offers a minor in art that complements many areas of study. 

Internships

We help you build real world experience, explore careers and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following companies:

  • Donna Lexa Art Centers
  • John Michael Kohler Arts Center
  • Milwaukee Art Museum 
  • Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
  • Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum

 

Careers

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.

Career Insight

LinkedIn Report Says Milwaukee Great Place to Launch Career

Milwaukee is ranked second in a new analysis by LinkedIn’s Economic Graph team of U.S. cities that are especially well-suited for new grads.

Learn More

Latest Program News

Jane Hamilton '74 with 2019 scholars

Endowed Scholarship Video 2021: Jane Hamilton '74 shares story of giving back

10/7/2021

Jane Hamilton '74 witnessed the impact of scholarships while a student at Carroll by seeing how it helped a friend fund her education. Those memories later motivated Jane to give back to current students by establishing the Hamilton Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship for students in the arts.

tuba players

VPA Overcomes COVID-19 Challenges

12/16/2020

For the Visual and Performing Arts, the Very Foundation of Artistic Expression Has Been Transformed by COVID-19.

More Resources

“My goal is to become a high school ceramics teacher.”

— Alex Olson '19

Read Alex's story

Meet the Faculty

Adjunct Faculty

  • Elaine Bohannon | Art History
  • Max Sorenson | Photo and Design
  • Amanda Crary Gallas | Painting
  • Michael Imes | Ceramics
  • Peter Loose | Ceramics
  • Kathryn McBride | Art Education
  • Charlene Nemec-Kessel | Drawing
  • Paul Moran | Design
  • Grant Gill | Photo
  • Paula Sperhert | Art Metals
  • Paul Moron
  • Grant Gill
  • Mel Russell III
  • Nicolas Umbs

The Arts Are Aliveat Carroll University

Panoramic View of campus