Department of Art & Design

See what Design students say about art and faith at Northwestern

 
Why Study Art at Northwestern?

It is crucial for modern Christian artists to rise to the challenge and become strong voices within the visual and fine arts.

As an art or design student at Northwestern College, you'll learn to speak the language of art and refine your artistic edge while becoming a culture-maker who can influence the world of art—and make a living—by developing your God-given creativity and faith.

What you can expect at Northwestern...

• Small class sizes – means personalized attention
• Accessibility – you can see and approach faculty anytime
• Great location for artists – Minneapolis/St. Paul is one of the best locations for art and design!
• Active in the community – our faculty are respected artists in the Twin Cities and beyond
• Customize your major to fit your interests – we'll work with you to help you articulate and achieve your goals
• A community of artists – we want everyone to connect with each other and to the world around them, not to retreat within themselves

 Take Your Art Out of the classroom

Show your work at the Denler Gallery  The Denler Art Gallery features student exhibitions as well as traveling exhibits by professional artists from around the world. As an art or design student, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the art shows and feature your creative work!

	Annual Juried Student Exhibition This highlight event showcases work made by Northwestern art and design students. The exhibition is juried by an acclaimed artist and the top student artwork is honored with awards.
	Study Art Around the World Every year the department embarks on a study-abroad travel experience. Past trips have included London, Paris, Berlin, Egypt, Italy, Chicago, New York, Germany, Norway and Greece.

Northwestern Artists Making News

Luke Grothe '10 one of "Ten Artists to Watch in 2013"

Walker Art Center blogger Jehra Patrick highlighted Grothe as a top MN artist among "emerging talents who show promise, authenticity, and sophistication."  His 2011 piece, She Walked Into the Room Dripping Gold, is one of many installations marked by "glitz, gold, fashion, lamé, and late nights." 

Luke Aleckson installs exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Assistant Professor and Gallery Director Luke Aleckson ’02 is featured at the MIA through the end of September.

Art Prof receives $25,000 McKnight Fellowship Grant

Meet art professor and ceramics artist Heather Bren and hear what she has to say about art as worship and how she is developing new artists at Northwestern.

Art major commissions work for St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

NXC Imaging recently commissioned Jane Gulbranson’s painting for the opening night of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. A studio art major with a concentration in painting, Gulbranson spent one month finishing the 36” by 28” oil painting.

With some former ties to NXC Imaging, a provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems that service the Upper Midwest, Gulbranson saw this opportunity as a huge honor. Gulbranson’s painting was featured on the insert in the audience’s program, and her original painting was on display during one of the performances. 
 

2010 graduate commissioned to create ‘Apostles’ Table’

Studio art graduate Luke Grothe ’10 used Scripture and a rare kind of granite found only in Minnesota to design and create the The Apostles’ Table, a campus water feature for Northwestern.