Art & Design Department

The Art and Design Department trains students for successful, exciting careers in the creative industries of the 21st century. 

We provide an outstanding, cutting-edge education that emphasizes working together, creative problem-solving and using today’s latest technologies.

Degree Programs

We train our students to be versatile creators, thinkers, and educators with programs in: 

  • Art Teaching 
  • Graphic Design
  • I-Design
  • Studio Art 
  • History of Art

You will further develop your creative voice. Our faculty will challenge you to expand your skills and techniques, encouraging you along the way.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Students have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment in the Art and Design studios in Watkins Hall. 

The Art & Design Department will move into the Center for Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Engagement and Learning (CICEL)— a sustainable, carbon-neutral building designed to offer our students a truly world-class facility for an advanced learning experience.

You will be trained to use a broad range of creative platforms. From traditional mediums like drawing and painting, to more modern techniques like digital photography and online graphic design platforms, the Art & Design department has it all. 

The range of skills we teach makes our graduates marketable to employers.

Our students gain professional experience in live projects with real-world clients. Students also intern in a range of places both on and off campus.

A Global Perspective

It is important that the artists, educators, and designers of the future are confident working in our globalized, dynamic, and diverse creative world. 

The Art and Design Department travels with its students as often as possible. We attend conferences and exhibitions in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D. C.

We also offer yearly faculty-led travel study programs to explore the cultures and artistic heritages of countries like Italy, China, and New Zealand. Students often say these trips are some of their most memorable highlights of their time at WSU. 

Art Galleries

The Art & Design Department coordinates exhibits for our 2 on-campus art galleries. Students enjoy free admission, and community members are welcome to visit for a small entry fee. 

See Current Exhibits
Contact the Art & Design Department

If you are considering attending Winona State, we would love to hear from you! We offer department tours and information sessions for potential students.

Art & Design Department
Watkins Hall 204

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 8am-4pm

Adrian Barr (PhD)
Department Chairperson

Watkins 204E

507.457.5529

Email Adrian Barr
Candi McKeeth
Office Manager
Email Candi McKeeth