Carthage College Art, Art Education & Art History, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offers a dynamic and immersive experience in the fields of Art, Art Education, and Art History, blending creativity, critical thinking, and professional preparation. Known for its personalized approach to education, Carthage College provides students with a rich curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for hands-on learning that prepare them for successful careers in the arts. Whether you aspire to be a practicing artist, an art educator, or an art historian, Carthage’s programs are designed to nurture your talents, expand your knowledge, and connect you with a vibrant artistic community.

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Art Program: Cultivating Creativity and Technical Mastery

The Art program at Carthage College is a cornerstone of the Department of Art and Art History, offering students a comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary artistic practices. The program emphasizes the development of technical skills, conceptual thinking, and creative expression across a variety of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and digital art. Students are encouraged to explore their unique artistic voices while gaining a deep understanding of art theory and history.

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The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Courses such as Figure Drawing, Advanced Painting Techniques, and Digital Art and Design provide students with the technical foundation needed to excel in their chosen medium. At the same time, classes like Contemporary Art Practices and Art and Identity challenge students to think critically about the role of art in society and its cultural significance.

One of the hallmarks of the Art program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students have access to the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art, which hosts rotating exhibitions of professional artists, as well as the campus’s numerous studios and workshops. Additionally, Carthage’s location between Milwaukee and Chicago provides students with unparalleled access to world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, offering endless opportunities for inspiration and professional development.

Art Education: Preparing the Next Generation of Art Educators

Carthage College’s Art Education program is designed for students who are passionate about both art and teaching. This program combines a strong foundation in studio art with coursework in educational theory and practice, preparing students to become effective and inspiring art educators at the K-12 level.

The Art Education curriculum aligns with state and national standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s classrooms. Students take courses in Art Methods for Elementary and Secondary Education, Curriculum Design, and Classroom Management, alongside their studio art and art history classes. This dual focus ensures that graduates are not only skilled artists but also knowledgeable and confident educators.

A key component of the Art Education program is its emphasis on hands-on teaching experience. Students complete multiple field placements in local schools, where they observe experienced teachers, develop lesson plans, and lead classroom activities. These practical experiences are complemented by Carthage’s strong network of alumni and partnerships with local school districts, which often lead to job opportunities upon graduation.

Art History: Exploring the Past to Understand the Present

For students fascinated by the historical and cultural contexts of art, Carthage College offers a robust Art History program. This program delves into the evolution of artistic styles, movements, and techniques across different periods and cultures, providing students with a deep appreciation for the role of art in human history.

Courses such as Renaissance Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, and Global Art History offer students a broad overview of the field, while specialized classes like Women in Art and Art and Politics allow for more focused study. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking and research skills, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, archives, and academia.

Carthage’s Art History program is enriched by its proximity to major cultural hubs like Chicago and Milwaukee, where students can visit renowned institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Milwaukee Art Museum. Additionally, the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art on campus provides students with opportunities to engage directly with original works of art, further enhancing their learning experience.

Facilities and Resources

Carthage College is committed to providing its art students with the tools and spaces they need to succeed. The Department of Art and Art History is housed in the H. F. Johnson Center for the Fine Arts, a state-of-the-art facility that includes spacious studios, a dedicated ceramics lab, a printmaking studio, and a digital art lab. The center also features the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art, which hosts exhibitions by professional artists as well as student shows, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work and gain exposure.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty in the Department of Art and Art History are accomplished artists, educators, and scholars who are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential. With small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and mentorship throughout their academic journey. Faculty members are actively involved in the art world, exhibiting their work, publishing research, and presenting at conferences, and they bring this real-world experience into the classroom.

Career Opportunities and Alumni Success

Graduates of Carthage College’s Art, Art Education, and Art History programs are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the arts. Alumni have gone on to become professional artists, art educators, museum curators, gallery directors, and arts administrators, among other roles. The college’s strong alumni network and career services office provide ongoing support to graduates as they navigate the job market and pursue their professional goals.

Why Study the Arts at Carthage College?

Carthage College’s Art, Art Education, and Art History programs offer students a unique blend of creative exploration, academic rigor, and professional preparation. With a curriculum that balances theory and practice, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community of faculty and peers, Carthage provides an ideal environment for students to grow as artists, educators, and scholars. Whether you’re drawn to the studio, the classroom, or the museum, Carthage College will help you turn your passion for art into a fulfilling and successful career.

For more information, visit Carthage College Art, Art Education & Art History.

Academic Programs Offered at Carthage College Art, Art Education & Art History

Carthage College offers a diverse range of academic programs in the fields of Art, Art Education, and Art History, designed to meet the needs of students with varying interests and career aspirations. Each program is structured to provide a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience. Below is a detailed outline of the programs available:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art

The Bachelor of Arts in Art is a flexible and interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques while developing a strong foundation in art theory and history. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue a broad-based education in the arts or combine their art studies with another major or minor.

• Duration: Typically completed in four years (full-time).
• Core Courses: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Ceramics, Digital Art, and Art History.
• Electives: Students can choose from specialized courses such as Figure Drawing, Advanced Painting Techniques, Photography, and Contemporary Art Practices.
• Capstone Experience: Students complete a senior thesis project, which includes creating a body of work and presenting it in a public exhibition.
• Career Paths: Graduates pursue careers as professional artists, designers, gallery assistants, or arts administrators, or continue their education in graduate programs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art is a professional degree program designed for students who are deeply committed to developing their skills as practicing artists. This intensive program emphasizes advanced studio practice, critical thinking, and the creation of a cohesive body of work.

• Duration: Typically completed in four years (full-time).
• Core Courses: Advanced Drawing, Advanced Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Ceramics, and Digital Art.
• Specializations: Students can focus on specific areas such as Painting, Sculpture, or Digital Media.
• Senior Exhibition: Students are required to mount a solo exhibition of their work in the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art or another approved venue.
• Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for careers as professional artists, studio assistants, or educators, or for further study in Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) programs.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art Education

The Bachelor of Arts in Art Education prepares students to become licensed art teachers at the K-12 level. This program combines rigorous studio art training with coursework in educational theory and practice, ensuring that graduates are both skilled artists and effective educators.

• Duration: Typically completed in four years (full-time).
• Core Courses: Art Methods for Elementary and Secondary Education, Curriculum Design, Classroom Management, and Art History.
• Studio Art Requirements: Students take foundational and advanced courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media.
• Field Placements: Students complete multiple teaching practicums in local schools, gaining hands-on experience in classroom settings.
• Licensure: Graduates are eligible for Wisconsin state teaching licensure in Art Education (K-12).
• Career Paths: Graduates become art teachers in public or private schools, community art instructors, or pursue further education in art or education.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art History

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History provides students with a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of art, from ancient times to the present. This program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and writing skills, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, and academia.

• Duration: Typically completed in four years (full-time).
• Core Courses: Survey of Western Art, Renaissance Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, and Global Art History.
• Specialized Courses: Students can take electives such as Women in Art, Art and Politics, and Museum Studies.
• Research Opportunities: Students are encouraged to conduct independent research projects and present their findings at academic conferences.
• Internships: Students have the opportunity to intern at museums, galleries, or cultural institutions in the Chicago-Milwaukee area.
• Career Paths: Graduates pursue careers as museum curators, gallery directors, archivists, or arts writers, or continue their education in graduate programs.

Minors in Art and Art History

For students who wish to complement their major with a focus on art or art history, Carthage College offers minors in both disciplines. These programs provide a solid foundation in artistic practice or art historical study without the full commitment of a major.

• Minor in Art:
  • Requirements: Includes foundational courses in drawing, painting, and sculpture, as well as electives in areas such as ceramics, printmaking, or digital art.
  • Duration: Typically completed alongside a major in another field.
  • Career Paths: Enhances careers in fields such as marketing, communications, or design.
• Minor in Art History:
  • Requirements: Includes courses in Western and non-Western art history, as well as specialized topics like modern art or museum studies.
  • Duration: Typically completed alongside a major in another field.
  • Career Paths: Complements careers in history, education, or cultural heritage.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Carthage College encourages students to combine their studies in Art, Art Education, or Art History with other disciplines to create a unique and personalized academic experience. Popular interdisciplinary pairings include:

• Art and Business: Prepares students for careers in arts management, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
• Art and Psychology: Explores the intersection of art and mental health, leading to careers in art therapy or counseling.
• Art History and History: Provides a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts, ideal for careers in museums or academia.

Study Abroad and Experiential Learning

Carthage College offers numerous opportunities for students to enhance their education through study abroad programs, internships, and community engagement.

• Study Abroad: Students can participate in programs in Italy, France, or other countries to study art and art history in a global context.
• Internships: Students gain professional experience through internships at museums, galleries, or schools.
• Community Projects: Students collaborate on public art projects or community-based art initiatives, applying their skills in real-world settings.

Carthage College’s Art, Art Education, and Art History programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a variety of creative and professional fields. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, educator, or historian, Carthage offers the resources and support to help you achieve your goals. For more information, visit Carthage College Art, Art Education & Art History.

Contact Information for Carthage College Art, Art Education & Art History

For inquiries, admissions, or general information about the Art, Art Education, and Art History programs at Carthage College, please use the following contact details:

Address

Carthage College
Department of Art and Art History
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140
USA

Phone

Main Office: (262) 551-5859
Admissions Office: (262) 551-6000

Email

General Inquiries: art@carthage.edu
Admissions: admissions@carthage.edu
Art Education Program: arted@carthage.edu
Art History Program: arthistory@carthage.edu

Website

For detailed information about programs, faculty, and resources, visit the official department website:
https://www.carthage.edu/academics/majors-minors/art/

Social Media Accounts

Stay connected with Carthage College Art, Art Education, and Art History through their social media channels:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarthageCollege
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carthagecollege/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarthageCollege
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarthageCollege