MSJ Renaissance at Mount St. Joseph University
Broaden your understanding of the human experience to advance your skills.
The School of Arts & Sciences programs at Mount St. Joseph University allow you to broaden your understanding of the human experience, enrich your own potential, and sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills through the MSJ Renaissance Awards. Students of any major can earn a $500 per semester award through participation in the arts, including: Art Guild, MSJ Choir, MSJ Theatre Arts, MSJ University Bands, Peak Productions, or Writer's Block.
These programs also place a large emphasis on visual and performing arts. See the opportunities below for how you can get involved to unleash your creative potential.
MSJ Renaissance Awards
MSJ Renaissance: $500-$1000 per year. Planned participation in: Art Guild, MSJ Choir, MSJ Theatre Arts, MSJ University Bands, Peak Productions, or Writer's Block. Students may only receive one award, regardless of participation in multiple groups. Does not require a separate application. Visit the Scholarships page for more details.
Gallery Exhibitions 2024-2025
MAY 19 – AUGUST 26, 2024
MSJ Student Art Exhibition
Features selected art and design student works that represent the best of the Mount’s Art & Design programs.
Gallery Closing Reception: Wednesday, August 26, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Awards Recognition 5:30 pm
Mid-Semester Holiday: Friday, October 4, 2024 (Gallery Closed)
SEPTEMBER 16 – OCTOBER 20, 2024
FOTOFOCUS: 2024 Biennial: Back Stories – Curated by Emily Wiethorn
Artists: Jamie Ho, Jesse Ly, Osamu James Nakagawa, and Healim Hwoang
Self-portraiture is a document of the artist. A way to say "I'm Here." There is no greater way to dissect ourselves than through the act of looking at ourselves through our own eyes. Creative acts are often incredibly intimate experiences where we look inward and attempt to confront and converse with ourselves and our practice. These four artists provide context to histories and narratives that call the viewer to pay attention and to think inwardly to consider the role that history and cultural heritage play in our identities.
Gallery Reception: Sunday, October 13, 2:00 – 4:00 pm (FOTOFOCUS Neighborhood Spotlight for West Cincinnati)
Thanksgiving Recess: November 25 – 29, 2024 (Gallery Closed)
NOVEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 9, 2024
Journey to the Finish – Curated by Tom Tsuchiya
This exhibition will feature artists who create artwork about Cincinnati sports teams. Artists sketches, progress photos, and journal notes will be included with completed works of art. Tom Tsuchiya, whom is best known for his public art; including the sculptures of the Cincinnati Reds players at the Great American Ball Park and the plaques at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York will curate this intriguing exhibit.
Gallery Opening Reception: Sunday, November 3, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Semester Break: December 12, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
Martin Luther King Holiday: Monday, January 20, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
JANUARY 17 – FEBRUARY 12, 2025
Juried Assemblage Exhibition – Curated by Michael Thompson & Jim Tucker
Open Call to 2D and 3D Artists, Art Educators, College Students, and MSJ Alumni
Studio San Giuseppe Gallery invites submissions of assemblage or found object sculpture and/or wall mounted artworks for this juried exhibition. Cincinnati artists Michael Thompson and Jim Tucker will adjudicate and curate the exhibit from the submitted online works. All artworks must be submitted online for judging. Artists will be notified of the results by December 1. *Please note, accepted works must by sent by UPS or hand-delivered to the gallery on the specified dates.
Gallery Reception: Sunday, January 26, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Online submission date: November 4 through 18 (online – check out gallery page for link in November)
Drop off dates for accepted work: January 9 and 10 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Pick up dates for exhibited work: February 13 and 14 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Mid-Semester Holiday: Friday, February 14, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
Spring Break, March 3 – 7, 2025: (Gallery Closed)
FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 27, 2025
MSJ Celebrates Youth Art Month!
March is Youth Art Month and is the national celebration for art, art education, and quality school art programs. This spectacular exhibit will feature artworks created by Greater Cincinnati regional art teachers and two of their current art students in vibrant elementary, middle, and/or high school art programs. All public, private, and homeschool teachers and students are encouraged to participate in this celebratory show that will highlight the depth and breadth of visual arts education.
Gallery Reception: Sunday, March 16, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Drop off dates for artwork: February 21 and 22 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Pick up dates for artwork: March 28 and 29 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Easter Holiday: April 18 – 21, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
APRIL 9 – APRIL 27, 2025
2025 Senior Thesis Degree Exhibition:
Artworks and Design Projects created by Art Education, Fine Art,
and Graphic Design Candidates
Comprehensive works that reflect the culmination of studies in each student’s major area of concentration and serve as a bridge to professional careers in the visual arts and design field.
Gallery Opening Reception: Friday, April 11, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
MAY 1 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
MSJ Student Art Exhibition
Features selected art and design student works that represent the best of the Mount’s Art & Design programs.
Gallery Closing Reception: Friday, September 5, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Awards Recognition 5:30 pm
9/28 Choir Summit Park Blue Ash
10/15/24 7pm Choir Concert in Mater Dei
10/29/24 7:00pm Band Joint Concert with Jazz and Percussion Ensemble in Theatre
11/1/24 7pm Joint Senior Recital, Rachel Zucker and Seth Campbell in Theatre
November 7, 8, 9, 15th (7pm), 16th (2pm) Recital Hall Theatre Performances of The Oregon Trail
11/19/24 7pm Student Recital in Recital Hall
11/26/24 Austin Gray, Senior Recital, 7pm Recital Hall
12/5/24 7:00pm Theatre, Band and Choir Joint Ensembles Performance
12/12/24 Kenneth Rahm, Senior Recital, 7pm Recital Hall
1/7/25 7pm Faculty Recital in Recital Hall
2/25/25 7pm Choir Concert in Mater Dei
3/11/25 7:00pm Band Joint Concert with Jazz and Steel Drum in Theatre
April 3, 4,5, 11th (7pm), 12th (2pm) Theatre Performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
4/14/25 7pm, Student Recital in Recital Hall
4/22/25 7:00pm Band Concert in Theatre
4/24/25 7pm Choir Concert in Mater Dei Chapel
Climbing Higher
Art Guild
The Art Guild is a hands-on art making experience. Members of the class will be completing public art projects both on and off campus. The Art Guild provides students with the opportunity to work on individual and group projects in areas of their expertise and interest. Enrollment in the group is open to all MSJ students by instructor approval. Please contact michaelann.kelley@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Art Guild here.
MSJ Choir
MSJ Choir offers many opportunities for all students, regardless of their major, to continue singing in college and earn scholarship money! Our ensembles perform during our four on-campus concerts per year, at special Masses, University special events, and in the community during our spring concert tour.
Our main ensemble is The University Singers, a non-audition SATB choir with over 40 members and counting. This ensemble requires no audition nor prior experience in singing. One simply needs to register for the course to become a member. In addition, we offer Chamber Singers, an auditioned SATB ensemble, pop a cappella, and opportunities to perform in musical theatre productions. All are welcome to “Perform at the Mount!” Please contact Kelsey.DeMange@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ Choir here.
MSJ Theatre Arts
Theatre has a long-standing tradition at Mount St Joseph University, and MSJ Theatre Arts is proud to be a part of it. At MSJ Theatre Arts we believe theatre is for everyone. All students are welcome to participate regardless of their major. If you have a passion for theatre or would like to develop theatre skills MSJ is the place for you. Please Lauren.Carr@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ Theatre Arts here.
MSJ University Bands
MSJ University Bands is open to all MSJ Students. We perform for Concerts, Athletic Events, and University Ceremonies. Student Performers are eligible for up to $1000 a year through our Performing Arts Grant. Please contact Mark.McCafferty@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ University Bands here.
Peak Productions
Peak Productions is your opportunity to learn about video production in the field. You get real world, hands on experience which is the best way to build good production value and storytelling skills. Set yourself apart from the Instagram crowd and elevate your videos by joining today. Please contact Bevin.Blankenbuehler@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Peak Productions here.
Writer's Block
Students will collaborate with lead faculty in workshopping their creative writing. They will also showcase their writing in publications and performances and by participating in other community projects. Please contact brian.whalen@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Writer's Block here.