Art History

Why choose art history at North Central College?

You’ll be well on your way toward becoming one of the nation’s serious art scholars. This research-focused major fully prepares you for the graduate study you’ll need if you wish to pursue a career in museum curatorship, gallery management or teaching and research. You’ll focus on critical reading and interpretive skills while conducting graduate-level research—before you graduate. You’ll explore all the disciplines that inform art history, such as classical civilization and anthropology, religion and philosophy, and you’ll make the most of our proximity to the world-class art and architecture in downtown Chicago.

You can also:

Intern with local museums, studios, auction houses and galleries.
Enroll in Chicago Term to explore everything from museums to cemeteries to soup kitchens.
Apply for competitive talent scholarships in art.

North Central College students showcase talent in Senior Art Show

The 2013 Senior Art Show features the diverse body of work by North Central College art seniors, May 10-June 10, in two gallery locations.

Sculptures by George Lorio featured in Schoenherr Gallery

North Central College will showcase sculptures by artist George Lorio in the Schoenherr Gallery exhibit “Concerns” May 31 through July 28.

Christine Rabenold, assistant professor of art

Rabenold’s artwork displayed in studio at national conference

Christine Rabenold, North Central College assistant professor of art, displayed her ceramic artwork in “Redefined,” an exhibit at a national arts conference.

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Internships

Marketing intern, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Careers

Recent graduates in art history include:

Museum curators
Docents
Gallery managers
Publishers
Graphic designers
Architects
Historic preservationist
College professors
Teachers

Kristen Martzan

Art History major

Kristen recently earned an internship at the prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. It’s a plum position, especially for someone interested in contemporary and controversial art, and provides on-the-job experience, an inside look at museum operations, and plenty of professional connections. “I couldn’t have done this without my professors, who encouraged me to apply for the position,” says Kristen. “In fact, as part of my application I included two research papers I had written for class.”

Jessica Berger

Art History major

“I knew I wanted a degree with a focus in art history and to stay in the Chicago area. North Central College had a unique program and opportunities not offered anywhere else. I wanted small class sizes with professors who were passionate about what they taught. It was easy to see that at North Central.”

Several experiences have been key for Jessica. “Traveling on two D-Term trips to Rome and London gave me opportunities to see numerous works of art—a dream come true for any art history student. My travels also sparked an interest in art arrangement in public and private museums, which led to a museum studies project funded by a Richter grant. The college’s grant gave me the opportunity to...

Marcy Thomas

Art History major

A transfer student, Marcy found the perfect fit for her interests in her hometown of Naperville. “I learned there was this beautiful place practically in my backyard. The timing was just right, too. North Central’s fine arts venues were newly opened and the arts programs were booming.”

Marcy found the advanced courses in art history enriching. “You explore art works within their social, political, philosophical and historical contexts, which makes it so much more interesting and academically challenging. Studying other artists allows you to develop your own concepts and helps you write your own artist’s statement.”

Her experiences at North Central included travel to Rome for a D-...

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