The CSB/SJU art faculty includes painters, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, ceramicists, digital imagists, filmmakers, mixed media and installation artists, papermakers, letterpress printers, book artists, designers and art historians and theorists who know first hand the rigors and the rewards of professional competition as well as the desire to strive for excellence. CSB/SJU faculty members care deeply about teaching.

Department Chair:

Samuel Johnson

Faculty:

Carol Brash, Samuel Johnson, Steve Lemke, Rachel Melis, Scott Murphy, Simon-Hoa Phan OSB, Elaine Rutherford, Andrea Shaker, Derick Wycherly

The art department educates both art majors and non-majors in the theory, practice and history of art. This education involves the understanding of historical development of art in contemporary and past cultures, understanding the critical process used to assess art forms, understanding the meaning and evolution of art theories, understanding the basic concepts related to the structure of forms and understanding the technical aspects of art. This education is intended to prepare students for careers or further education in art. For the non-major, this education provides a preliminary understanding of art forms, the creative process and a beginning ability to employ critical analysis.

The department’s studios, located on both campuses, provide facilities for drawing, design, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, computer art and photography. The Benedicta Arts Center Galleries and Saint John’s Art Galleries schedule diverse exhibitions of artwork throughout the year. Special areas are available for exhibition of student work. Visiting artists, speakers, artists-in-residence, field trips and workshops supplement the students’ experience of the art world.

Carol Brash

Arts of Asia and Arts of China, Modern and Contemporary Art, Critical Theory

Sam Johnson

Ceramics, Foundations, 3D/Drawing, Senior Studio Thesis

Steven Lemke

Sculpture, Environmental Art & Architecture, 3D Design/Drawing

Rachel Melis

2D/4D,3D/Drawing, Art of the Printed Book

Scott Murphy

Photography, Papermaking, Handmade Photography, 2D/4D Design

Simon-Hoa Phan, OSB

Video, Animation, Sophomore Topics, Senior Studio Thesis

Elaine Rutherford

Painting, Drawing, Book Arts, 2D/4D, Mixed Media Installation, Senior Studio Thesis

Andrea Shaker

Computer Art, Photography, Mixed Media Installation

Joe Singewald

Technical Director

Derick Wycherly

Drawing, Printmaking

Marie Reszel

Art Department Coordinator