Art and Art History

The Art and Art History program at Carleton College offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of visual arts, fostering both practical skills and critical understanding. This major is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for historical and contemporary art practices across diverse cultures and media. Students engage with a broad range of coursework including studio art, art history, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to develop technical proficiency alongside analytical abilities. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on studio courses, where they experiment with various mediums such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. These practical experiences are complemented by rigorous art history classes that cover major periods, movements, and geographic regions, encouraging students to contextualize artworks within broader cultural, political, and social frameworks.

In addition to classroom instruction, the program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and effective communication through seminars, exhibitions, and writing assignments. Students are encouraged to explore their individual artistic interests and develop a personal voice. The program also offers opportunities for internships, study abroad, and participation in art-related campus events, fostering engagement with professional art environments and contemporary discourse. Faculty members share their expertise from diverse backgrounds, guiding students in developing their artistic and scholarly pursuits. Graduates of the Art and Art History program at Carleton are well-prepared for careers in art-related fields, including museum work, gallery management, arts administration, or continued graduate study. They leave the program with a strong foundation in visual analysis, creative production, and art historical research, ready to contribute thoughtfully to the arts community and beyond.