Art
Create, innovate, and prepare for a future in the arts.
The Art program at Kentucky Wesleyan College develops creative thinkers and skilled artists ready for graduate study, education, or careers in design, museums, and cultural organizations. With a focus on creativity, technique, and professional development, students gain the confidence to succeed in the art world.
Art Program Features
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Art major is designed to inspire creativity and prepare you for a professional future in the arts. You’ll explore drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media while developing technical mastery and your own artistic voice. Small class sizes mean you’ll receive individualized guidance from faculty artists who are active in their fields. Our program emphasizes portfolio development, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving—skills that employers and graduate schools value highly. Engaged learning opportunities, such as exhibitions, visiting artist workshops, and community art projects, bring your education to life. With real-world experience and a strong academic foundation, you’ll graduate ready to pursue advanced study or a wide range of art-related careers.
Complimentary Minors
Animation
An Animation minor complements Art by bringing your drawings and designs to life. You’ll explore movement, storytelling, and digital illustration techniques that expand your creative toolkit and open pathways to animation, gaming, and multimedia design.
Business Administration
Adding a Business Administration minor helps you transform your artistic talent into a thriving career. You’ll learn key principles of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship—valuable skills for artists interested in running a studio, freelancing, or working in creative industries.
Communication Arts
A minor in Communication Arts enhances your ability to share your artistic vision with the world. You’ll strengthen your skills in public speaking, media production, and storytelling, preparing you to connect with audiences and promote your creative work across platforms.
Graphic Design
Pairing Art with a Graphic Design minor allows students to merge traditional creativity with digital innovation. You’ll learn how to communicate visually through layout, typography, and branding, building a strong foundation for careers in creative media, marketing, and visual storytelling.
Kolok-Ralph Gallery of Fine Arts
The Kolok-Ralph Gallery of Fine Arts gives students a hands-on, professional setting to showcase creativity and gain real exhibition experience. Students learn how to plan, curate, and install shows—essential skills for careers in the arts. The gallery regularly features both student and local artist work, enriching campus life and connecting students with Owensboro’s creative community.
The annual Theophilia Oexmann Juried Student Exhibition invites all students, regardless of major, to display their work and compete for cash prizes, encouraging artistic growth and campus-wide celebration of creativity.
Career Paths
Graphic Designer – Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire and inform audiences. They work in advertising, marketing, publishing, and digital media, producing everything from logos to web designs.
Creative Director – Creative directors oversee the vision and execution of design projects in agencies, corporations, and media companies. They lead teams of artists and designers to deliver branding, advertising, and creative campaigns.
Art Educator – With teacher certification, art educators inspire the next generation of students through creative instruction in K–12 schools. Many also work in community arts programs or as teaching artists.
Museum or Gallery Professional – Professionals in galleries and museums curate exhibitions, manage collections, and develop programming that connects art with the public. Roles range from curators and registrars to education coordinators.
Art Therapist – Combining creative expression with psychology, art therapists help clients manage stress, trauma, and personal growth. This career requires graduate study but offers high demand in healthcare and counseling fields.
UX / UI Designer – User experience and interface designers apply artistic and design skills to technology, creating digital products that are visually appealing and easy to navigate. This fast-growing field blends creativity with technical expertise.
Studio Spaces
The 2D Studio is a vibrant space where imagination takes shape on paper and canvas. Students master techniques in drawing, painting, and design while exploring color, composition, and creative expression. With professional tools and plenty of inspiration, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to share your artistic vision with the world.
In the 3D Studio, art moves beyond the page and into form. You’ll work with diverse materials such as clay, metal, and wood, learning how to shape, carve, and construct original works. This hands-on environment encourages bold experimentation and creative problem-solving that push your artistry to new levels.
The Mac Lab connects technology and creativity. Equipped with industry-standard software, it’s where art and design students master digital tools used by creative professionals. From photo editing to graphic design and digital illustration, you’ll build the skills that prepare you for careers in today’s creative industries.
Art Program Requirements
Students pursuing the Art major complete a rigorous curriculum that balances studio practice with art history and theory. Foundational courses include Drawing I, Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, and Art History I & II. Advanced study areas include Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital Art, and Senior Seminar, which emphasizes portfolio development and professional preparation. The major requires a total of 39 credit hours in art coursework, ensuring depth and breadth of study. Students also participate in senior exhibitions and critiques to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts. This program prepares graduates not only for creative careers but also for advanced study in fine arts, art education, or related professional fields.
