Visit Westerville

Otterbein Women in the Arts Mural

Information Coming Soon

By Artist Zach Cardoza

Mural Location: Cowan Hall at Otterbein University | 30 S. Grove Street                                                                                                                         Located on the South wall of Cowan Hall off W. Park St.

This mural’s full story is still being finalized. Check back soon for the title and artist statement.

Zach Cardoza is a professionally trained artist with over a decade of experience, grounded in classical fine art traditions and driven by curiosity around material and process. After studying Fine Art at Northwest College in Wyoming, he built a strong foundation in drawing, painting, sculpture, and pastels; skills that continue to shape his work today.

Now based in Columbus, Zach’s practice has evolved to incorporate both traditional and nontraditional materials, ranging from graphite and pastel to thread, yarn, and wool, allowing the medium itself to guide each piece. His work bridges classical technique with contemporary experimentation and has been featured in the Ohio Arts Council Spring Juried Selection and other publications, reflecting a thoughtful balance of structure and innovation.

Learn more about Zach at zachcardozaart.com

Almost continuously from 1872 until 1893, Harriet Thompson WAS the Art Department at Otterbein University. Art was an extra-curricular activity during those years- students paid Mrs. Thompson for instruction and no credits or grades were awarded by the University. However, the number of art students steadily increased under her tutelage. Thompson painted portraits of prominent Otterbein faculty and associates, including founder Lewis Davis, and professor/president Henry Adams Thompson.

Lydia Guitner was a talented musician and Otterbein College instructor in the 1860s whose work helped reshape worship traditions in Westerville. At a time when the United Brethren church discouraged formal choirs and prohibited musical instruments in worship, Guitner encouraged students to develop their musical abilities. She played a pivotal role in introducing an organ to the college chapel—personally performing on it despite longstanding restrictions and potential criticism. While broader change came over time, her bold actions helped influence a shift in the denomination, which formally accepted instrumental music in worship by 1885, leaving a lasting impact on the community.