Students studying art at Carthage study under professional artists and art historians; work in spacious, naturally lit studios; have excellent access to world-renowned galleries; and take an extensive array of studio and art history courses.

The studio art courses provide a foundation in traditional media while preparing students to explore new media and a personal vision. Students master fundamental concepts of design, materials and tools of the fine arts and acquire languages of visual communication as they work in two and three dimensions.

The art history and theory courses allow students to study visual art as an enduring cultural legacy. Courses are designed to provide the intellectual framework for understanding and interpreting visual culture, and to build in students the analytical skills necessary to discuss the complex modes of artistic expression across the ages.

Experienced Faculty

Carthage art professors are practicing professional artists and scholars of art history. Studio classes are taught by painters, sculptors and photographers who have exhibited their work nationwide, and by scenic artists who have designed film and theater sets in New York and Los Angeles. Art historians lead students through surveys of ancient and modern art; art from Africa, Asia and the Americas; and research methods in art history.

Valuable Exposure

Because the Carthage art curriculum pivots around artistic production and exhibition, museum classes, internships, visiting artist workshops, and involvement in Carthage’s own H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art are central experiences. Carthage has several student galleries on campus and opportunities for open-air exhibition of three-dimensional work. The culmination of a studio art major is the Senior Art Exhibition. The culmination of a major in art history is the public presentation of an original thesis.

Endless Inspiration

Carthage is located on the shores of the ever-changing Lake Michigan, one of the greatest lakes in North America. The 80-acre campus is an arboretum, lush with stately oaks and colorful gardens. The Pike River winds its way through campus, and has been home to a family of foxes and other wildlife. Art students can also head off campus for inspiration. Carthage is located within an hour's drive of Chicago and Milwaukee, providing excellent access to world-renowned galleries, exhibition opportunities and internships.

Preparation for the Future

Carthage offers extensive studio art courses in many different media: stained glass, printing, painting, photography, pottery and sculpture. But at Carthage, you can also prepare for employment in forensic illustration, industrial design, art conservation and restoration, visual merchandising, scenic arts for the entertainment industry, art therapy, publishing, curating, and more. Learn more about careers in the arts.

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On Display

• Learn more about the current exhibit at the H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art

Student Voices

"It does not matter how much talent you have in art, everyone is an artist. As long as you put effort and time into a piece, the message will come out in the end."

— Katherine Ramirez, '11, Darien, Ill.

Hear what students have to say about studying art and art history at Carthage.