by M. J. Joachim

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 26, 2009

Educational Opportunities in Art

Southwest Schools of Interest

To study art is to open your mind to endless possibilities. Art can be a simple pass time, or a professional career. It can be completely abstract or phenomenally technical. There are several art schools located in the southwest region.

Southwest School of Art & Craft

The Southwest School of Art & Craft in San Antonio, Texas is one of the largest art schools in the country. Classes are available for adults, teens, and even children. "The school also organizes contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, and concerts, as well as houses a history based Visitors Center Museum, a Gallery Shop, and a lunch caf." (www.swschool.org/about.php)

Classes and programs available at the Southwest School of Art & Craft include everything from digital imaging to ceramics and weaving. They also offer classes in basic art such as paper and books, drawing and painting; they even have a Young Arts Program. "Our institutional mission is to teach, preserve, and advance the visual arts." (www.swschool.org/about.php)

Arizona State University

Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona has undergraduate, graduate , and doctorate opportunities available for art students. "The ASU Herberger College School of Art welcomes students interested in all aspects of visual art including art education, art history, and the studio arts. A total of 28 degrees are offered14 undergraduate and 14 graduate programs." (www.art.asu.edu/programs/index.php)

In addition to offering general art education courses, students can study ceramics, metal, photography, as well as sculpture and wood. Degrees can be obtained in fine arts, art education, and art history. The community supports art students through partnerships with the university. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, and Arizona Commission of Arts work with ASU to benefit students in their studies.

Art Institute

Art Institute is located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Southern California. There are traditional class settings and online classes available. Programs focus on design, media, fashion, and culinary arts.

Art Institute caters to student schedules offering evening, weekend, and continuing education classes, while being flexible with individual student needs. Programs are available throughout the United States, and even in foreign countries.

According to artinstitute.com, "We offer associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs." Art Institute will allow anyone to study art according to their needs and desires. It has programs for beginning students, and also for people who simply wish to partake in continuing education.

Art Center Design College

The Art Center Design College has two campuses, one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the other in Tucson, Arizona. "A strong focus on traditional skills combined with state-of-the-art computer technology provides students the competitive edge in their field of study." (www.theartcenter.edu/VMPmenu.html)

The Art Center Design College offers programs in Landscape Architecture, Advertising and Marketing, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Photography, and Graphic Design. In addition to offering bachelor degrees, The Art Center Design College has certificate programs, minors, and even art camps during the summer for teenagers.

Art schools of the southwest are many and varied. They offer opportunities for people of all ages to begin a new study of interest, or further their education. Many of these schools are nationally and internationally recognized. Individual needs and preferences will be the deciding factors when choosing an art school.

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