Art

The art program is primarily housed in three separate building on the east side of campus. In addition, courses in digital design utilize classroom space in Philip and Betsey Caldwell Hall.

Built in 1838 and later named for Dr. David Paul, president of Muskingum University from 1865-1879, Paul Hall is the oldest building on campus and a National Historic Site. Paul Hall houses classrooms, studios, and professors’ offices for the painting and drawing areas of the art department.

Constructed in 2008, the Ruth and John Neptune Art Center houses ceramics, sculpture, and other three-dimensional creative work. Adjacent to the historic Paul Hall, the 2,400 square-foot building was designed to harmonize architecturally with its neighborhood setting. The Neptune Center provides our students and faculty with spacious, state-of-the-art facilities for design and fabrication of ceramics, metals, wood and other malleable materials. The studio features two electric kilns and one gas-fired outdoor kiln, pottery wheels, plasma and mig welders and specialized equipment for three-dimensional art processes. It honors the accomplishments and generosity of a distinguished Muskingum couple, Dr. John A. Neptune ’42 and Ruth Dorsey Neptune ’40.

Constructed in 2013, the Louis O. Palmer Art Gallery is a teaching gallery designed to showcase the work of Muskingum students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists. Located between historic Paul Hall and the Ruth and John Neptune Art Center, it features a central gallery and auxiliary spaces to support events. The Palmer Gallery was built through the generosity of Muskingum alumni and named in honor and memory of Louis Orton Palmer III (1915-1997), Muskingum Professor of Art from 1956-1981.