Our Alumni
Union University was foundational in my development as an artist. The faculty helped me to understand and engage current conversations in the art world. I was challenged to think bigger and push my craft further. I've since gone on to earn a Master of Fine Arts at the New York Academy of Art. After graduating I established my studio in Brooklyn where I currently live. My work has been included in a number of shows in New York, as well as in Canada, Italy, and China.
Caleb Booth ('11)
Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.
I came to Union University certain that I wanted to study art but unsure what that could look like as a career path. During my four years in Union's art department I was not only given an excellent technical foundation in the art core classes and trained in my area of emphasis, but was also guided by the department faculty to think about where I fit within the art world, and how to stand as a Christian with a legitimate voice in my field.
Megan Peden ('15)
Resident at Companion Gallery & East Mitchell Clay in Humboldt, Tennessee
Union has definitely given me an opportunity to practice what I believe both in my faith and what that looks like in an everyday walk with the Lord, but also what that looks like in a profession through graphic design and photography.
Jess Newendyke Lobley ('19)
Graphic Designer in Lewiston, Maine
So much of my learning and imagination has been formed by the ways I was able to connect to other forms of art and philosophy, and that was made possible by professors who took the time to connect dots to experiences outside of their own classes. Those are often the moments that I look back on as the most inspiring and exciting for me as an artist.
Julia Hembree Smith ('14)
Photographer in Brooklyn, New York
Union's art faculty were indispensable in preparing me for my current pursuits by challenging me personally and pushing me to extensive artistic exploration. The community between students, faculty, and staff is unprecedented, with a complex and vibrant network of artists encouraging and challenging each other in their creative callings.
Betsy Marsch ('14)
Professional portrait painter
Owner of Marsch Studios in Nashville, Tennessee
Drawing was an extremely important part of my artistic education. Even if you do not major in drawing or painting, it is vital to understand and practice. It is the most basic and essential of all artistic endeavors. It would be like trying to run before you can walk. It helped me to really "see" the things that I was looking at. It helps me to understand form, mass, structure, line, texture, and movement. Simple practices like blind contour, gestural, or even mass drawings before beginning a project have helped me to understand the object I am trying to draw or paint. The same can be applied for sculpture, ceramics, even graphic design. It gives a deeper understanding to your subject before you even begin.
Ragan Williamson ('17)