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 2025-2026
MAY 3 – AUGUST 25, 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: Monday, August 25, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Awards Recognition 5:30 pm
Mid-Semester Holiday: Friday, October 3, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
SEPTEMBER 12 – OCTOBER 15, 2025
Artists of the Pendleton – featuring artists that call the Pendleton home
Artists: up to 25
Artists of the Pendleton will be a celebration of the wide variety of artists that call their studio home “The Pendleton.” This spectacular exhibit will feature artworks created by Greater Cincinnati regional artists. The artists of the Pendleton will submit up to five pieces of artwork to be juried. The SSG gallery will choose the artists and their work to be featured. The Pendleton houses over 200 artists and the SSG gallery is proud to present a curated collection of the work. All submitted artwork must be ready to hang – either framed or wired canvas.
Gallery Reception: Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Thanksgiving Recess: November 22 – 30, 2025 (Gallery Closed)
NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 3, 2025
Selections 2025
The 22nd biennial exhibition and awards gala spotlighting art works created by talented area high school students as selected by their art teachers. The high school students will have the opportunity to apply for four scholarships – two senior and two junior awards.
Gallery Ceremony & Reception: Sunday, November 2, 2025 Awards Ceremony at 1:00pm in Theatre with Gallery Reception from 2:00-4:00pm in the Studio San Giuseppe Gallery
Semester Break: December 11, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (Gallery Closed)
Martin Luther King Holiday: Monday, January 19, 2026 (Gallery Closed)
JANUARY 22 – MARCH 18, 2026
Cultural Tradition & Artistic Voices
Artists: Names of artists in CAS
Studio San Giuseppe Gallery is excited to present the Creative Asian Society for an extended exhibition highlighting the Asian influences in the Greater Cincinnati area. The exhibition will feature artists from a variety of regional backgrounds providing an expanded look at the artistic voices of non-western artists, geographical areas, and stylistic traditions. Artists will be providing workshops to MSJ art and design students throughout the exhibition.
Theatre Presentation and Reception: Saturday, February 7, 1:00 – 4:00 pm (tentative)
Artist Talk and Reception: Sunday, March 1, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Mid-Semester Holiday: February 13 - 15, 2026 (Gallery Closed)
Spring Break, March 7 – March 15, 2026: (Gallery Closed)
Easter Holiday: April 3 – 6, 2026 (Gallery Closed)
MARCH 23– MARCH 31, 2026
Art Guild Egg Auction Show
Luncheon and Auction: Wednesday, March 25, time is TBD
APRIL 13 – APRIL 28, 2026
2026 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 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
MAY 8 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
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 4, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Awards Recognition 5:30 pm
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.