In the News
New Art & Design Department Fosters Critical and Creative Thinking
The art and design program at Muskingum University offers a personalized approach to learning, with customizable pathways through the degree, small class sizes, and close mentorship with practicing professionals. The program prepares students to work in the field, no matter their interests and intended careers.
Faculty work hard to foster individual artistic development while grounding students in practical, professional skills. Through a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern digital practices, they prepare students for the evolving landscape of the art and design world.
Assistant Professor of Art John Drubel ’09 joins Associate Professor of Digital Media Design Tom German ’93 in the creation of the new department. On Aug. 28, they hosted an open house in the Neptune Center to introduce students to the department, its majors, and the reconfigured studio spaces.
“We are rekindling the energy and excitement for the program and its spaces,” John said. “We want students to come here to be equipped with the fundamental skills they need, so they can do the art they want to do in the future.”
The art and design program at Muskingum University offers majors in Art, Art Education, and Digital Media Design as well as minors in Art and Digital Media Design. The flexible curriculum provides for specialization in two-dimensional, three-dimensional or digital art and design with interdisciplinary connections with Digital Marketing and Computer Science. Additional pathways are available in Arts Management and Art Therapy.
The program champions a holistic approach to art and design, emphasizing not just the development of technique, but also the cultivation of a broad skill set essential for navigating the modern world. The department also presents educational events, gallery programs, and a permanent collection to the University and its surrounding community.
“We want to enhance and create partnerships with the local community and school districts, so people associate Muskingum with the arts,” Tom said. “We want to be a resource for the community and known as a place that’s a destination to experience the arts. We have had a good tradition in that, but we want to expand those relationships and experiences throughout the region.”
You can learn more about the Art & Design department online at https://www.muskingum.edu/academics/art-design.
