At a glance: Studio Arts

Did you know? Study-abroad programs in locations such as Italy, Ireland and France expose students to the exciting and wide world of culture and art.

Our studio arts program integrates a liberal arts education with traditional and contemporary methods in art and design, exposing students to a wide range of theory and media. Students engage in many enriching, outside-the-classroom learning experiences such as guest artist programs, professional internships/externships, student teaching, student exhibition opportunities, field trips, study-abroad programs and University publications. Visit the department's web site.

Degrees offered

Students majoring in studio arts earn a bachelor of fine arts or a bachelor of arts degree. A concentration in either 2D or 3D is required.

Distinctive features

Comprehensive curriculum gives students exposure to 2-D and 3-D form, theory and practices.
Professors are dedicated artists, designers, teachers, scholars and mentors.
In-house design studio offers real-world business and professional experiences.
Opportunities abound for field experience at primary and secondary schools, externships for studio art majors and internships at graphic and advertising design firms, museums and many other businesses and organizations.
Visiting artist program brings to campus accomplished artists
Students can gain hands-on experience designing University publications such as The Northern Review (student newspaper), Polar Droppings (department newsletter) and The Northern (University yearbook).
Numerous talent awards and scholarships are granted to gifted students.

Facilities

The department of art and design is located in the Wilson Art Center, a stimulating environment that offers well-equipped and updated studios, classrooms and computer labs. Located near the art center are the Elzay and Stambaugh Galleries, educational and cultural resources for the Ohio Northern community and the Northwest Ohio region. Throughout the year, the galleries feature outstanding exhibits from international and regional artists as well as ONU faculty and students. The modern three-story Heterick Memorial Library houses the fine art, design and photography book and periodical collections.

Student organizations

AIGA/The Professional Association for Design, Kappa Pi National Art Honorary, National Art Education Association, Student Art League

Program outcomes

The department of art and design is committed to teaching and learning through an intensive, structured and sequential program of visual studies and liberal arts education. Our goal is to develop students as creative, productive and intellectually curious artists and designers capable of historical and cultural insight, critical thinking and technical proficiency in an area of emphasis.

Professional placement

Art and design graduates can pursue many fulfilling career paths. Alumni who enter the teaching field are trained to be competent in all areas of visual arts taught in public schools (K-12). Other alumni have embarked on exciting careers at companies such as American Greetings and Art American in Cleveland, Ceramics Monthly magazine and the American Ceramics Society in Columbus, The New England Journal of Medicine in Massachusetts, Dr. Pepper in Texas, ABC Carpet and Home in New York City, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Walt Disney Company in Florida, Periscope (Mercury) Studio in Washington and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Graduate schools

Recent graduates have pursued graduate training in the fine arts, design, education, museum studies or art therapy at institutions such as George Washington University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, Seton Hill University and Edinboro University.

Career opportunities

Careers in studio arts: studio artists, illustrators, art therapists (with a master’s degree), museum and gallery owners/artists and photographers.

In the spotlight

The department of art and design is included in the second edition of Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers as one of the top programs in the nation for creative students. The department of art and design continues to grow its outreach efforts by engaging faculty and students in interdisciplinary, collaborative projects with the community. Recent accomplishments have included the Ada Public Library, the Allen East Community Center and the ReStore Community Center.