Arts at St. Thomas

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.

interior of the john p monahan gallery

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.

interior of the department of art history gallery

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.

exterior of a building designed by voorsanger architects

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.

examples of art from the st thomas art collection

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.

interior of the hoedeman gallery

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.

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.

Two students perform on acoustic guitars

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.

Recording studio at Schoenecker Center. Large console with many knobs and buttons, separated by a glass wall from a live instrument space.

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.

The orchestra performs in the new Schoenecker Center

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.

student videographer filming

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:

students during a class improv exercise

Theater, Improv and Spoken Word

Launching in fall 2024, the new Scene Setters initiative 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.

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.

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.

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.