Art

Crafting Careers

Central’s art program is close-knit and supportive because professors truly get to know students when they work one-on-one. Students may collaborate with an advisor to customize their major to fit artistic and career goals. The art major is structured to complement a second major, minor or a concentration of coursework in a different program. Students’ artistic and visual communication skills will greatly increase career options in fields like education, business, and communication.

Production Focus

Classes are small and personalized. Art students create in spacious studios within the Lubbers Center for the Visual Arts, using tools both old and new — from traditional paintbrushes and a printing press to state-of-the-art glassblowing equipment and laser engravers.

And get this: Central is the only four-year institution in Iowa with glassblowing as a regular course offering! Students’ creative energies are simultaneously challenged and supported, and lead to the development of strong and diverse portfolios.

Beyond the Studio

Central’s philosophy of art is inclusive and opens minds. Faculty engage students in the critical theory and practice of the contemporary art world emphasizing the connective strands of art across cultures throughout history.

Art on Campus

Internationally and nationally known artists and exhibitions visit campus annually through the Allison B. Allen Visiting Artist program. Students can interact with the college’s visiting artists and have opportunities to complete internships related to their interests.

Recent visiting artists include:

• Bharat Ajari, Visual Artist/Photographer, St. Louis, Missouri
• Ryan Bredlau ’05, Ceramicist and Sculptor, St. Charles, Missouri
• Molly Wood, Photographer, Des Moines, Iowa
• Russ Nordman, Media Artist, Omaha, Nebraska

Mills Gallery

The Lubbers Center is home to the Mills Gallery, which serves as a resource for the art department, the campus and the general community. The gallery offers a dynamic schedule of exhibitions featuring art from around the world and hosts visiting artists’ lectures by regionally, nationally and internationally known artists.

Students also have the opportunity to display exhibitions in this space during senior year for the annual Senior Art Exhibit, which includes a reception for students to share their work with the community.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.