Department of Art & Art History
We know what it takes to thrive as creative arts professionals. We do it every day. Through individualized mentoring, real-world experience, and a commitment to local and global engagement, you will discover your purpose and make an impact in the world.
- Art B.A.: Prepares you for competency in art and art –related careers while offering the flexibility of studying across a broad area of interests. It offers the opportunity to pursue a second major or minor to complement your artistic interests.
- Art B.F.A.: A professional degree that prepares you for graduate study and careers in art and design through in-depth studio experience and research in Visual Arts.
- Art History & Visual Culture B.A. : Focus on study of art and cultural heritage from a global perspective.
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Concentration
Ceramics
Explore the ceramic form from both sculptural and vessel perspectives to develop your personal style and hone your technical abilities.
Concentration
Drawing
Learn contemporary, innovative drawing practices and traditional genres including still-life, life drawing, and nature-based drawing.
Concentration
Graphic Design
Use typography, images, shapes, textures, colors, and words as tools to create artworks that are in service to ideas and action.
Concentration
Painting
Painting is for students with a passion for color and for working in oil paints. It is also for those with an interest in process-based art who embrace change.
Concentration
Photography
Learn how and why to make images, and understand the social, aesthetic, and historical importance of photographs.
Concentration
Video Art
Use moving image and sound to push boundaries, experiment, and tell dynamic stories from diverse perspectives.
Student, Faculty, and Alumni Spotlights

Otterbein’s museum and galleries bring the best of visual arts to Central Ohio. We feature the art of internationally renowned creatives and give public access to our permanent art collection.
Art students at Otterbein have the opportunity to work directly with visiting artists from around the globe, like Cadine Navarro (pictured center).


At The Point, students have access to a woodshop, metal shop, and maker space with 3D printers, laser etching machines, large format printers, virtual reality equipment, and more to take their art to the next level.
Our Annual Juried High School Student Art Exhibition supports young artists in Ohio, who gain experience in preparing and submitting their artwork for blind review by qualified arts professionals and may receive cash awards.

Department Features and Student Opportunities

Scholarships
We show interest in the whole person-life experiences, potential for success in academic setting, and enthusiasm for the arts-by offering up to $8,000 in talent award scholarships.

Study Abroad
Travel the world in short- and long-term study abroad experiences, including May Term trips led by Art & Art History faculty to locations such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom.

Internships
Students gain valuable professional experience through internships and short-term positions with a wide variety of businesses and organizations within the arts community.

Artist-In-Residence Program
One of the only such programs of its kind in Ohio, our artist-in-residence program lets two graduating studio art majors work as arts professionals with support in the form of studio space, materials, and a professional exhibition.

Museum Internships
Art students at Otterbein have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in preparation, installation, and striking of art exhibitions in the Frank Museum of Art and other galleries on campus.

Student organizations
Kappa Pi is a national honor society for Art & Art History majors who have greatly excelled in the arts. Starving Artists is a student-run organization that promotes the appreciation and education of art in the Otterbein community.
Art & Art History Department News

Young Alumnus Drafts his Future as Designer for Local Brewing Company
News - May 11, 2023
Kailey Mishler ’24 After graduating from Otterbein as a Graphic Design major in 2020, the pandemic made it hard for Stephen Kanicki to find a consistent job. However, in 2021, a design internship he found on LinkedIn led him to his current position as a digital designer for Columbus Brewing Company. “I applied and went through the interview process, but wasn't confident that I would get the role since I had already graduated, assuming they would be looking for current…
Journalism and Art Major Has Published Three Books of Poetry
News - March 16, 2023
By Erica Bush ’25 After two years of dedication and hard work, Otterbein sophomore Alina Baer self-published her third poetry and prose book, Water on Jupiter, in February. Alina Baer In addition to Water on Jupiter, Baer has authored and self-published The Orange Crayon and Charcoal and Diamonds. All three of Baer’s works are available for purchase on Amazon. “I really like poetry because it feels like an expression of thoughts. It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Baer said. “Life is…
Art Student Creates Game to Educate Players on Food Waste and Sustainability
News - December 16, 2022
By Kailey Mishler ’24 When the students enrolled in Art 1150: Design 3D were challenged to create a board game based on social issues and problems, Rachel Malek, a freshman art and psychology major, was immediately drawn to the environmental effects of food production. For her project, she created a game focused on food waste. “I’ve always been interested in sustainability and recycling. I was inspired to make this game because being zero waste is really hard, but I think…Programs of Study in Art
Contact Us
Department of Art & Art History
33 Collegeview Road
Westerville, OH 43081
Department Chair
Jonathan Johnson
614-823-1166
jjohnson@otterbein.edu