American Museum of Asmat Art
The AMAA has one of the largest collections of Asmat art in North America with nearly 3,000 objects dating from the 1950s to the present. In addition to a physical gallery space, you can find the .
Arts at St. Thomas
Arts play a central role in education at St. Thomas, helping to bring creativity to all academic fields. Art is the glue that connects people and varying disciplines by tapping into emotions, increasing understanding, providing new perspectives, and empowering students with a sense of purpose and connection.
Visual Arts
Painting, drawing, sculpture,
architecture and more
Music
Vocal, instrumental and ensemble
Composition, performance and production
Storytelling
Creative writing, filmmaking,
drama, podcasting and more
Visual Arts at St. Thomas
The art galleries and public art throughout the University of St. Thomas campus serve as points of creative inspiration and cultural awareness.
John P. Monahan Gallery
Encouraging new paths of inquiry and intercultural understanding through an exhibition program that fosters dialogue centered around issues of contemporary and historical art and architectural topics.
Department of Art History Gallery
By providing access to contemporary art exhibitions, the gallery supports local and regional arts communities and bolsters a wider understanding of artistic engagement with societal issues.
Voorsanger Architects Archive
The archive of New York-based architectural firm Voorsanger Architects PC houses physical and digital collections which highlight the design and creative process of the firm's various projects and includes items relating to Bartholomew Voorsanger, FAIA, Principal and founder of the firm.
St. Thomas Art Collection
Our diverse collection seeks to bring the visual arts to the university, providing an enriching and engaging experience for all students, scholars, and community members while fostering critical thinking about global cultures and the material world.
Hoedeman Gallery of Sacred Art
Run by St. Thomas Campus Ministry, this gallery presents exhibitions of sacred art that reflect the religious diversity of the university community, and offers opportunities for reflection alongside learning and engagement with the arts.
Current and Recent Visual Arts Exhibitions
Dannielle Tegeder | Trance Notations
The technical, schematic style of Dannielle Tegeder constructs a utopian system of form, connection, and flow that explores the hidden relationships of both our physical lives and spiritual, from everyday emotions to ritual and the divine.
On view through Dec. 20, 2024 at the
Joshua Irwandi | Not A Blank Canvas
Not a Blank Canvas features the photographs of National Geographic Explorer, Joshua Irwandi, paired with objects from the AMAA collection. This documentary project captures the resilience of Asmat people whose lives in West Papua (Indonesia) are increasingly subjected to the influence of outsiders.
On view through May 17, 2025 at the
Change: An Arctic Journey
From the frigid Arctic to the tropical island of New Guinea, CHANGE, that considers the impact of climate crisis through an artistic lens.
This exhibition has closed.
Change: The Evolution of Asmat Art
This exhibition considers how changes in Asmat society led to new art forms and the alteration of traditional practices. It looks at the current situation in Papua and questions how visual culture from Asmat may be affected in the future.
This exhibition has closed.Music at St. Thomas
Everyone has a chance to create and experience music at St. Thomas. We offer individual and group lessons for all skill levels, a variety of ensemble opportunities, world-class rehearsal and performance spaces, a state-of-the-art recording studio, KUST Radio, and more. Join a student club — we have groups devoted to music forms from K-Pop to a capella.
Expand and Grow Your Music
Every St. Thomas student – regardless of major — can continue to grow as a musician. We offer Music Lessons for most classical and popular instruments, and performance opportunities ranging from concert band to digital music ensembles.
Learn Something New
Our Department of Music, Film & Creative Enterprise brings together students and world-class faculty to elevate individual creativity, skills, and talent. We take a holistic approach to learning about the creation, production and distribution of music and other forms of art.
Experience Live Music
The Schoenecker Center — the university's central home for STEAM education — features choral and instrumental performance spaces that bring the joy of music to all. You can experience live music in these unique spaces and others across campus.
Storytelling at St. Thomas
We celebrate diverse stories through film, video, live storytelling, improv, theater and more. At St. Thomas we make space for human connection, creating opportunities for students to expand their world-views and forge deep connections with peers, staff and faculty.
Film and Video
Students learn to create, produce and analyze film and videos that express creative ideas, share a story, capture history, educate or just make you laugh. Interested students can pursue:
- Film Studies (BA, Minor)
- Digitial Media Arts (BA, Minor)
- Film Studies and Media Production Co-major (BA, coming soon)
- Composing for the Screen (Minor, to come)
Theater, Improv and Spoken Word
Launching in fall 2024, the invites the St. Thomas community to engage in storytelling workshops, theater presentations, pop-up improvisation events and more. We believe that story is how we get to know one another and build community. Scene Setters embraces human imperfection and honors the courage to share bravely and listen deeply.
Creative Writing
Express your creativity and develop your storytelling talents by studying Creative Writing! Our undergraduate major and feature courses in writing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Each year we bring award-winning writers to campus as part of the Students can also contribute creative work to the our student-edited art and literary magazine.
Ways to Explore the Arts at St. Thomas
Participate in Music Ensembles
St. Thomas has 20+ large and small performing ensembles for instrument or voice; see which one is right for you.
Join a Student-Run Club
Students have developed a number of clubs focused on art and/or performance; find one that interests you.
Attend a Music Performance
Our puts on choral and instrumental performances, and also sponsors performances by outside artists.
Attend the Chapel Arts Series
This series provides free music performances from world-class musicians, performing in the chapels on campus.
Make Something in create[space]
The create[space] is an innovation and creativity hub on campus that hosts student activities and is open for impromptu maker sessions.
Browse the Special Collections & Archives
Find archives of photos, film/videos and architectural drawings, along with rare books, ephemera and historic maps.
Participate in the Claritas Initiative Events
This series of discussions, performances, and experiences was designed to help us explore ways that we can nurture the values of truth, beauty, and goodness.
Listen to KUST Radio
KUST Radio's dedicated team of DJs, podcasters, writers, and producers work hard to provide unique media that delves into the topics of music, art, culture, and news in the St.Thomas and Twin Cities communities.
Attend a Student Art-Related Event
Browse the many art-related events held on campus, sponsored by student clubs and campus departments.
Take an Art History Course
The Department of Art History invites you to explore the many dimensions of art through one of its academic courses.
Take a Music Lesson
For beginners, advanced and every skill level in between, you can enhance your abilities and style through music lessons at St. Thomas.
Produce & Promote Music
The 480 Collective is a community that produces, promotes and mentors other St. Thomas students launch a music career.
Summit Avenue Review
Submit your creative work to the Summit Avenue Review, our student-edited art and literary magazine.
Under-Told Stories Project
Under-Told Stories is a journalism project focused on consequences of poverty and the work of change agents addressing them. Executive Director Fred de Sam Lazaro serves on the leadership team for the Center for the Common Good and has worked as a correspondent for the PBS NewsHour since 1985. Faculty at St. Thomas have full access to all Under-Told Stories videos for classroom use.
In The News: Arts at St. Thomas
October 11, 2024
Mechanical engineering student Hapaki Lorenzo ’26 spent the morning of Oct. 2 drawing about polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollutants with colored chalk on the sidewalk behind the John Ireland statue at the University of St. Thomas. He is one of six students who participated in the 2024 Sidewalk Symposium, illustrating their original research through chalk art on… The post St. Thomas Students Decorate Campus Sidewalks With Chalk Art to Illustrate Research appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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October 2, 2024
Dr. Matthew George, Professor of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, has stepped into a new role as conductor of the Lake Wobegon Brass Band. George is a member of the faculty in the Department of Music, Film and Creative Enterprise and is also the director of bands and orchestras at St. Thomas.… The post Music Professor to Conduct Lake Wobegon Brass Band appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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September 18, 2024
Dr. Amy Nygaard, assistant professor in the Department of Art History and director of the Museum Studies Program, was awarded a Samuel H. Kress Foundation Teaching Fellowship by the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. Nygaard will collaborate with a small cohort of national and international art historians to develop skills in provenance and art market studies for integration into… The post Art History Faculty Member Awarded Fellowship by the Smithsonian Archives of American Art appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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September 11, 2024
Jacob Benda, director of music, liturgy and sacred arts at the University of St. Thomas College of Arts and Sciences, recently spoke with The Catholic Spirit about how he is creating a special place where art and music inspire and uplift the St. Thomas community. From the story: “My goal for the gallery,” Benda explained,… The post In the News: Jacob Benda on Inspiring Spiritual Renewal Through Art and Music appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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June 20, 2024
Professor of Music Dr. Vanessa Cornett-Murtada traveled to Steinway & Sons in New York in March to select an extraordinary artisanal 9-foot concert grand piano for the new Schoenecker Center at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. She took a two-hour tour of the massive on-site factory and was able to watch piano components… The post Music to Our Ears: St. Thomas Acquires New Steinway Concert Grand Piano for Schoenecker Center appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
Upcoming Events
November 14, 2024
Gift Announcement: Elevating the Arts
Over a decades-long journey, St. Thomas has evolved to become a comprehensive, national Catholic university. And with every step, we remain rooted in our Catholic mission, liberal arts foundation and the transformational St. Thomas experience that prepares ethical leaders to positively change our world. Join President Rob Vischer for an announcement about our next significant advancement that will profoundly impact the future of the arts at St. Thomas. The entire St. Thomas community is invited, and we hope you will join us in celebrating. Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4:30-5:00 p.m. in the Schoenecker Center Grand Atrium.
November 14, 2024
Exhibiting Asmat: Pacific Perspectives with Joshua Irwandi & Dr. Maia Nuku
Join Joshua Irwandi (National Geographic Explorer) and Dr. Maia Nuku (Curator for Oceanic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art) for a presentation on documenting change in the Asmat region and reenvisioning Pacific art exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and beyond.
November 15, 2024
Coffee Hour with Joshua Irwandi & Dr. Maia Nuku
In celebration of Joshua Irwandi's exhibitions on campus, the Department of Art History invites you to a casual meet and greet.
December 8, 2024
A St. Thomas Christmas Concert: Cherishing Peace
The 37th annual St. Thomas Christmas unfurls with "Cherishing Peace." The concert honors the persistent hope and resilience of our community with over 200 student performers in Chamber Singers, Donne Unite, Liturgical Concert Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and String Orchestra. Brass Choir and Guitar Ensemble will perform a prelude. All proceeds support students' international learning and performing opportunities in the arts. Performances will be held at 4:00pm and 7:30pm in Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.
Recent Featured Events
September 24, 2024
Colum McCann, Peacemaking, Grieving, and Storytelling
Join President Vischer for a conversation with the award-winning author, Colum McCann.
September 26, 2024
Kiese Laymon, Diverse Voices Author Series
A conversation with bestselling author, social critic, and essayist Kiese Laymon.
September 27, 2024
The Tower Project: An IntermediArcade
Experience the realization and presentation of a collaborative installation featuring music performances, graphic music notation, media, and symbolic texts in a free-standing score.
October 2, 2024
Trance Notations
An artist talk and reception with Dannielle Tegeder, in celebration of the opening of the Trance Notations exhibition at the John P. Monahan Gallery in the Schoenecker Center
October 3, 2024
Dialogue with BEHIND THE SUN Artists
Theater artists from On Stage will dialogue about the drama Behind the Sun, written by Stanley Kipper and Laura Drake.
October 8, 2024
Tommie StorySlams: Masks
We all have worn masks to conceal a part of us – what stories do you have about the masks that you have worn?
October 9, 2024
The Caregiver Play Project
A preview performance of Wonderlust Productions' "The Caregiver Play Project."
October 12, 2024
In Conversation with Author Sandra Cisneros
The Luann Dummer Center for Women, the English Department, and American Culture & Difference are thrilled to host the bestselling author and essayist Sandra Cisneros.
October 13, 2024
Symphonic Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble
The Department of Music, Film and Creative Enterprise will be hosting Brazilian conductor, Dario Sotelo for a one-week residency in October. Maestro Sotelo will be working with our music students in rehearsals and lectures, culminating with a concert, leading our Symphonic Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble in Concert on October 13th at 2 pm at St. Catherine University’s O’Shaughnessy Auditorium.