About the Department of Art

Innovative, Progressive, and Student Centered

Our Mission

The Department of Art is dedicated to preparing students for careers as professional artists, educators, and scholars by offering undergraduate degree programs in Art History and Studio Art, and both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Art Education. The curriculum is student-centered and progressive, guiding students from foundation through advanced classes with programs that emphasize the development of creative and technical abilities, critical thinking skills, visual literacy, and proficiency in verbal and written communication. In addition to fulfilling the educational goals of our students, the Department of Art supports CSU’s mission to meet the educational and cultural needs of the region by sponsoring lectures, exhibitions, and workshops with professional artists. By providing a strong curriculum and personal contact with faculty and visiting artists and scholars, our programs contribute significantly to our students’ knowledge of studio practice, art education, and art history. By graduating excellent students, supporting the University’s mission, and sponsoring public events, the Department of Art endeavors to make positive contributions to the cultural life of Columbus and beyond.

Our Vision

The Department of Art Seeks to:

Foster the active engagement of students in the intellectual and creative process through excellence in teaching.
Exhibit a commitment to lead by example through excellence in faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity.
Emphasize the development of leadership-oriented students who understand and are committed to high standards and integrity in their civic and professional lives.
Maintain collaborative relationships with artistic, cultural, professional and educational organizations.
Enhance the quality of the life through academic and creative culture enrichment on campus, within the community, and beyond.
Continually develop contemporary, rigorous and innovative academic curriculum and programming.
Encourage and develop student research and educational opportunities outside of the immediate academic environment.
Provide every student with the opportunity for study abroad international learning experiences.

From the Chair

Our program benefits from unique community partnerships. Support from a wide variety of sources such as our Department of Art Friends of Art, the Norman Shannon and Emmy Lou P. Ilges Foundation, and the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation among others underpin an array of scholarships, residencies, faculty development, student and faculty projects, exhibitions, and publications. New partnerships are always being formed. We continuously strive for excellence in education and forge new alliances in the arts for a stronger, better educated, and more diverse cultural community. If you are interested in learning more about partnering with our department, please contact us. Our educational mission comes first, and our partners provide the extra support and encouragement we need to continue to develop the next generation of leaders in the arts.

Joe E. Sanders, Jr.

The Alan F. Rothschild Distinguished Chair of Art Professor