Otterbein Artists-in-Residence

OAIR is one of the only post-baccalaureate artist-in-residence programs in the state. Each year graduating studio art majors compete for this rare opportunity. Up to two artists are selected for the honor, allowing them to continue working as arts professionals with Departmental support in the form of studio space, materials, and a professional exhibition in the Miller Gallery at the end of the year.

Curatorial Experience in the Student Art Gallery

The Student Art Gallery is a student-run exhibition space. Work is selected and installed by art majors. Dedicated to showing current art by art students, the Gallery directors are selected by the art students. Each year students running the gallery select, curate, and host a Student Juried Exhibition, created from works not selected in the first cut of the Annual Juried Student Exhibition.

Exhibition Opportunities

Juried Student Art Exhibitions

One of the highlights of our exhibition season each year, the Department of Art & Art History sponsors a Juried Student Art Exhibition, made possible through the support of the Marguerite Wetherill Eschbach Memorial Endowed Student Art Fund. Juried by an arts professional from outside Otterbein University, the exhibition provides all art students, whether they are majors or not, with an opportunity to exhibit their art in a professional space. The presentation of artwork for exhibition is discussed and demonstrated in special workshops prior to the exhibition. The juror selects work to be shown and exceptional works of art receive awards, including University Purchase Awards that result in student artwork being added to Otterbein’s permanent art collection. Otterbein faculty from around campus join in the celebration, often purchasing student work for their personal collections.

Senior Exhibitions

Part of our studio art capstone experience, students work under the guidance of art faculty and Otterbein’s Museum & Galleries Director to plan, design, and install their artwork in two- and three-person exhibitions in Otterbein’s Miller Gallery. Students have the opportunity to discuss their work at an opening reception and to engage in gallery talks for fellow classmates. Otterbein faculty from around campus often purchase student work for their personal collections.

Study Abroad

Students have the opportunity to travel the world in short and long term study aboard experiences, including a May Term trip to Europe lead by Art and Art History Faculty. Otterbein is partners with 5 Universities where students can participate in longer study abroad experiences.

Kappa PI

Kappa Pi is a national honor society for art majors. The organization offers students of Otterbein’s Department of Art & Art History, who excel, the opportunity to share, discuss, and collaborate with other members of the organization, as well as to give recognition to students who have greatly excelled or created an impact within art.

Starving Artists

This student-run organization promotes the appreciation and education of art throughout the Otterbein community and the opportunity to learn and grow artistically. Starving Artists hosts on- and off-campus art shows including the annual Reject Show, various art trips to museums and the monthly Short North Gallery Hop, and leadership opportunities including an arts workshop at a local elementary school.

Student Governance

In 1969, Otterbein University became one of the first institutions of higher education in the country to include student participation at all levels of college governance. Students are elected to the University’s Board of Trustees, the University Senate, and are voting members on University committees. In the Department of Art & Art History, student art majors are elected each year to represent students’ perspective at Department meetings. Additionally, the Department of Art & Art History elects students as representatives to the Division of Fine Arts and to the University Senate. Students elect their representatives at the beginning of each academic year.