Dear high school actors, artists, dancers and musicians, 
 
On behalf of my colleagues in the fine arts, I invite you to immerse yourself in the Fine Arts Focus programs that take place on the first of our Fall Visit Days. “Immerse” is exactly the right word, because that is what fine arts students at St. Olaf do.
It is no exaggeration to say that you won’t find a stronger undergraduate fine arts program at any other liberal arts college. St. Olaf has a long history of artistic excellence, complemented by recent commitments to building and maintaining outstanding facilities, and to attracting superb teaching faculty. During the course of the Fine Arts Focus program, you’ll have a chance to meet many of these faculty members, as well as current students. Ask us all about our work: you’ll find a shared passion for making art in many forms and disciplines, and to sharing our work through performances, exhibitions and concerts. The arts aren’t just something to study: they are an essential part of life.

It’s important to note that you do not need to be a fine arts major to be fully involved in studying and making art here. Students from across the college, with wide ranging academic interests, are welcomed in the arts. So, whether you intend to continue your passion for French horn, drawing or ballet, or you simply want to explore new ideas and learn about a variety of arts disciplines, we’re here to help you along the way.

Enjoy your visit to St. Olaf, and come back to join us as a student and creative colleague.

With all good wishes,
Dan Dressen
Professor of Music and Associate Dean for Fine Arts