At Gustavus, the arts are for everyone. Students can participate in music, theatre, dance, and art regardless of their primary area of study. Whether it’s ensemble tours from Sweden to Singapore or the chance to engage with working artists, dancers, and theatre professionals on campus, Gustavus provides you with the opportunity to flex your creative muscle.
Whether you want to sing, play, or teach, there is a place for you in the Department of Music. You can join one of our four touring ensembles, sing in our nationally televised Christmas in Christ Chapel worship services, perform in one of our four handbell ensembles, and so much more.
Every year, our large musical ensembles tour locally, nationally, or internationally to share their love of music with others. The Gustavus Choir, the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, and the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, and the Gustavus Jazz Ensemble venture out into the world and have previously visited places such as Malaysia, Singapore, Prague, Sweden, and South Africa.
The Department of Theatre and Dance involves students in creative inquiry, embodied knowledges, inventive collaboration and skillful expression of ideas in order to prepare them for lives of leadership, service, and excellence in the arts, culture, and business of the future.
“Being able to make music, to learn, and to grow with such amazing people — those are my favorite moments during orchestra.”
Alex Chou ‘22, principal violinist of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, history major
The Department of Art and Art History are committed to high quality teaching that develops the creative spirit, intellectual potential, and aesthetic sensibilities of every student. It is our belief that every person can contribute to the vitality of the arts in contemporary society and to the betterment of our shared communities.
ART AND ART HISTORY students benefit greatly from multiple professional development opportunities. From engaging with national artists to developing their own professional portfolios, our students are prepared to enter professions in the visual arts
ARTS ADMINISTRATION minor provides students with an introduction to the skillsets required to effectively manage and promote programs and institutions with a focus on organizational behaviors, marketing strategies, communication practices, and resource management within the context of the fine arts.
Since 1973, the Gustavus Fine Arts programs have been celebrating the holidays through Christmas in Christ Chapel—an event featuring music, dance, visual art, and the spoken word. With over 5,000 attendees each year and broadcasting on National Public Television, this is a well-loved Gustavus tradition.
From traveling international exhibits to pop-up shows featuring the work of Gustavus undergrads, you can find it all in the College’s two fine art galleries. Experimental, classic, or genre-defying--the Hillstrom Museum of Art and the Schaefer Fine Arts Gallery have it covered.
The renowned Hillstrom Museum of Art located in the Jackson Campus Center features diverse art from around the region, nation, and world. The rotating exhibits highlight works from the permanent collection and outside collections, art by students and faculty, and works in traveling exhibitions from across the nation and globe. The museum is open daily during the school year.
The Schaefer Art Gallery is located on the northeast side of the Schaefer Fine Arts-Art building. Open daily during building hours, this gallery features a diverse body of work from both students and professional artists. Exhibits are accompanied by artist gallery talks and discussion-based workshops designed to engage both students and the surrounding community.
