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Otterbein Women in the Arts Mural

Information Coming Soon

By Artist Zach Cardoza with digital production support from Brooke 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.

Ruth “Petie” Dodrill was a visionary theater educator, director, and designer whose decades of work helped shape the performing arts landscape in Westerville. As a longtime faculty member at Otterbein University, she served as costume designer for more than 100 productions and played a foundational role in establishing Children’s Theatre in 1962—bringing accessible, youth-focused performances to both campus and community audiences. Alongside her husband, Dr. Charles Dodrill, she helped build one of the nation’s most respected collegiate theater programs. Beyond Otterbein, Dodrill spent 30 years leading the Speech and Theater Department at Gahanna Lincoln High School, mentoring generations of students through classroom instruction and stage productions.