The Fine Arts degree provides both a strong basic foundation in the visual arts and a broad background in general education. Many students who earn this degree transfer their credits to a four-year art school, college or university. Some students have used the knowledge and skills gained in this program to launch an art career. Students may follow two plans or tracks of study while pursuing the Associate Degree in Fine Arts. Students can follow a traditional studio art track with the program core centered on drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Elective or alternative disciplines in this track include ceramics and photography. Likewise, students may follow the graphic design track, with a program core centered on drawing, graphic design, digital imaging, animation and illustration. Photography is an alternative strategy in this track. Students pursing this track are encouraged to take Three-Dimensional Design as well as Portfolio Preparation. Both program tracks share the same General Education core. A Graphic Communication Certificate is also available for those students working in several related graphic arts/graphic communications fields who want to hone their skills or learn new skills. Students are encouraged to consider the increased benefit of the associate degree in fine art/graphic design track. Students in their certificate program may apply their credits to the associate degree.

In addition to General Education Outcomes, learners who complete the Fine Arts degree will:

• Effectively utilize the fundamental elements of design, such as color, composition, line, form, texture, pattern, value, and space
• • Demonstrate skills and techniques necessary for studio art or graphic design, including dexterity with tools and equipment specific to various media and plans of study
• Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize their ideas into a visual representation
• Demonstrate the ability to follow a creative project from conception to completion
• Demonstrate the process of presenting one’s work to the public
• Demonstrate desirable work habits, creative thinking, the ability to solve problems, good artistic judgment, self-reliance, and self discipline
• Effectively critique their own work and the work of others
• Communicate clearly using specific art vocabulary
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the relationship of works of art to the diversity of human culture and experience

For more information contact Program Coordinator Mark Szantyr.