Painting, sculpture, digital and film photography and graphic design are just some of the exciting things you can learn and do as a Simpson art major. Students majoring in visual arts have an opportunity to develop their creativity through classroom work, studio time, exhibitions, visiting artists and internships. Specializations are offered in drawing, painting, pottery, photography, art education and graphic design. These are capped by a personalized senior project and art show prior to graduation. Contemporary ideas in art are explored through an extensive gallery and visiting artist program.

 

• Scholarships are available to those students who submit an art portfolio and receive recommendation by the art faculty.

• Simpson is affiliated with Lorenzo di Medici Escuola di Arts, located in Florence, Italy.  While there, students may study fashion merchandising, design, sculpture, art history, painting, printmaking and cinematography in a semester or year of study abroad.

• Recent graduate schools: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Wisconsin, Northern Illinois University and University of Nevada.

Recent jobs and internships
Lessing-Flynn Advertising, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, The Des Moines Register, Runners World magazine, Museum of Modern Art (NYC), Meredith Corporation, Art Institute of Chicago and the Des Moines Art Center.

“The art department has helped me hone my drawing skills, giving me more freedom in my creativity. The program has sparked my interest in illustration, showing me it's possible to turn something I love to do into a career.”

Lydia Johnson—Class of 2011
Story City, IA.

Learn more about the Art Department.