As traditional art history programs face decline, a new wave of inclusive and boundary-defying art programs is emerging, as evidenced by the diverse range of media and subject matter showcased in recent studio art capstone exhibitions.
At Ball State University, graduating seniors in the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art programs will display works spanning ceramics, drawing, glass, metals and jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video and new media. Similarly, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's School of Art, Art History & Design is hosting a Fall 2025 Studio Art Capstone Exhibition featuring a wide array of student creations.
Even at smaller institutions like Ashland University, the "Senior Art + Design Exhibition" is showcasing illustration, digital art, video work and graphic design from graduating students Nathan Langdon, Joel Steiner and Bo Haoran.
Challenging Conventions
These capstone exhibitions challenge conventional notions of what constitutes "art." Ethan Schepers, a participating student at Ball State, explains, "Our work reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences we've had as artists. It's not just about technical mastery, but using different mediums to explore complex ideas."
Carli Sorge, another Ball State student, adds, "The program has really encouraged us to push the boundaries of what art can be. It's not just about painting landscapes or sculpting figures anymore."
A Shift Towards Inclusion
The decline of traditional art history programs appears to be creating new opportunities for more inclusive and experimental approaches to art education and expression. As the art world evolves, these capstone exhibitions showcase the potential for innovative forms of artistic practice to emerge and thrive.
"The work in this exhibition represents the culmination of our undergraduate journeys, but also the beginning of our professional careers as artists," says Langdon from Ashland University. "It's an exciting time to be exploring new frontiers in the art world."
