For many years, the Department of Art and Design was spread out among a number of buildings and never had a formal gallery. In 1969, John C. Thorns, Jr. first presented his vision to the college administration for a regional art museum with educational laboratories to house the Department of Art. With the completion of Rarick Hall in the spring of 1981, Thorns’ vision was realized.

When it first opened, the gallery was called the Visual Arts Center Gallery. It was rededicated the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on October 11, 1987, during the annual homecoming activities. The gallery was renamed for Joel C. Moss (chair of the department from 1946 to 1973) and John C. Thorns, Jr. (chair from 1973 to 1990).

Located on the first floor of Rarick Hall, the Moss-Thorns Gallery is home to various student art exhibits, faculty shows and traveling exhibits throughout the year. During the fall and spring, the gallery is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.