Department of Art and Design

Study what you love in a community where your creativity thrives. Discover how your art can impact the world.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Art and Design, you’ll learn in a welcoming community where dedicated students and professors invest in your success.

You’ll receive personalized instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty and professional artists, gaining hands-on experience through real-world projects and collaborative opportunities. By integrating faith into art and design concepts, you’ll become prepared to serve in the world.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities


In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to hone your skills:

  • Engagement with diverse mediums
  • Gallery exhibitions
  • Study abroad options
  • Collaborative projects
  • Internships and assistantships
  • Real-world projects

Real-world experience


You’ll gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for grad school and your career. 

  • Meet and connect with professional artists
  • Participate in the Portfolio Review Round-Robin Interview Event
  • Publicly exhibit your work in the Bethel galleries and the Minneapolis art scene
  • Collaborate with faculty on installations, research publications, and grants
  • Explore gallery assistantships, internships, and teaching opportunities
  • Attend our yearly alumni panel to meet recent graduates working in the field

Faith integration


You’ll study the core concepts of art and design from a Christian perspective, integrating faith into coursework.

Mentoring


You’ll receive instruction and one-on-one mentoring from professional artists every day. Our professors are all active and experienced artists and teachers who will come alongside you to encourage you in your artistic growth.

Bethel art galleries


On-campus and traveling art galleries offer you the chance to gain experience and showcase your work. Senior capstone work is commonly displayed in our galleries. Learn more about Bethel's art galleries and see what's currently on display.

Access to well-equipped studio space


You’ll have access to the department’s multiple studios for art and design students. Beyond that, during your senior year as an art or design major, you will be given your own studio space, preparing you even further for your creative practice outside the classroom.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in art and design will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education.

Skills


You’ll be equipped with a skill set that includes:

  • Technical expertise and art skills
  • Critical analysis and interpretation
  • Conceptual understanding 
  • Cultural and historical awareness
  • Creative experimentation through different mediums

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in roles like:

  • Art director
  • Art therapist
  • Artist or university educator
  • Computer graphics and digital designer
  • Creative director
  • Marketer
  • Illustrator
  • Interior designer
  • Curator and assistant at art museums and galleries
  • Product manager
  • Professional studio artist
  • User experience designer

Graduate school


You can go on to study:

  • Animation
  • Advertising
  • Architecture
  • Art education
  • Graphic design
  • Art therapy
  • Professional studio art
  • Theatre and film
  • Web design

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Micah Tweeten Alumni Spotlight

Micah Tweeten

Job: Graphic Designer at Minnesota Twins

Degree: Art with a double emphasis in graphic design and photography

At Bethel, Micah thrived with the support of invested professors who helped him apply classroom knowledge to his career. While refining his artistic abilities, he worked with clients, learned to handle feedback, and enhanced his presentation and portfolio review skills. Real-world projects and networking with working artists laid a strong foundation for his career. He also participated in forensics and worked as a teaching assistant for two art department professors. Through it all, Micah discovered a passion for collaboration, innovative thinking, and continuous growth that continues to drive him today.

Upcoming events

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See yourself at Bethel—join us for one of our in-person or virtual events!

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Contact us

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of Art & Design


Location

Clauson Center (CC) 206

Contact

Amanda Hamilton

Jeffrey Wetzig

Amanda Hamilton

Amanda Hamilton

Professor of Art

Bio >

Jeffrey Wetzig

Jeffrey Wetzig

Professor of Art

Bio >

Jessica Henderson

Jessica Henderson

Professor of Design

Bio >

Kenneth Steinbach

Kenneth Steinbach

University Professor of Art

Bio >

Lex Thompson

Lex Thompson

Professor of Art

Bio >

Michelle Westmark Wingard

Michelle Westmark Wingard

Professor of Art and Gallery Director

Bio >

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Jon Henderson

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

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Evelyn Kim

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

Bio >

Elizabeth Roddy

Elizabeth Roddy

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

Bio >

Laura Wennstrom

Laura Wennstrom

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art

Bio >

Kirk Freeman

Kirk Freeman

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

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Dale Johnson

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

George Robinson

George Robinson

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

Wayne Roosa

Wayne Roosa

University Professor of Art History Emeritus

Bio >

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

Learn more

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

Learn more

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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