Studio Art

Unleash Creativity and Explore the World of Visual Culture and Its History

Art student drawing in classroom

Program Overview

Are you ready to unleash your creativity and explore the world of visual arts? The Studio Art program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a fertile ground for budding artists like you. This Associate of Arts degree program provides a robust foundation in the techniques and materials of visual art while expanding your understanding of visual culture and its history. Whether your interests lie in art education, art therapy, museum studies, photography, design, or becoming a studio artist, this program is an ideal starting point.

You will learn from professional art faculty who are recognized locally and nationally, receiving a high degree of individual coaching and mentoring. The capstone course offers professional development opportunities typically found in the fourth year of most transfer programs, preparing you for a successful artistic career. This program also offers engagement with visiting artists, opportunities to exhibit on campus and local galleries, and optional participation in the Art Club.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Time to Complete

2 years

Close up of art student working on a 3D project in art lab

Learning Opportunities

  • Expert Mentorship: Receive guidance from professional art faculty, enhancing your artistic skills and vision.
  • Diverse Artistic Techniques: Gain a strong foundation in various visual art techniques and materials.
  • Professional Development: Engage in opportunities that prepare you for the professional art world, including portfolio development and website creation.
  • Community & Networking: Participate in the Art Club, visiting artist programs, and internships, building networks in the art community.
  • Exhibition Opportunities: Showcase your work in campus and local galleries, gaining exposure and experience.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Studio Art – Associate of Arts Degree

Artist painting in studio

Career Opportunities

  • Self-Enrichment Teachers

    Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness. Excludes “Coaches and Scouts” (27-2022) and “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” (39-9031). Flight instructors are included with “Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers” (53-2010).

    214

    Annual Openings*

    $14.81

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $30,805

    Annual Median Salary

    37.84%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Graphic Designers

    Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255).

    133

    Annual Openings*

    $18.09

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,627

    Annual Median Salary

    24.08%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Photographers

    Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject’s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. Excludes “Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film” (27-4031).

    61

    Annual Openings*

    $17.05

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $35,464

    Annual Median Salary

    38.2%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

    Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

    40

    Annual Openings*

    $11.10

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $23,088

    Annual Median Salary

    48.24%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Art Directors

    Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. Excludes “Set and Exhibit Designers” (27-1027).

    37

    Annual Openings*

    $20.61

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $42,869

    Annual Median Salary

    42.36%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Craft Artists

    Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

    26

    Annual Openings*

    $11.23

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $23,358

    Annual Median Salary

    40.43%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Special Effects Artists and Animators

    Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

    15

    Annual Openings*

    $15.31

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $31,845

    Annual Median Salary

    45.59%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

    Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems. Includes diamond polishers and gem cutters, and persons who perform precision casting and modeling of molds, casting metal in molds, or setting precious and semiprecious stones for jewelry and related products.

    14

    Annual Openings*

    $15.38

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $31,990

    Annual Median Salary

    50.91%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Artists and Related Workers, All Other

    All artists and related workers not listed separately.

    10

    Annual Openings*

    $13.08

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $27,206

    Annual Median Salary

    20.3%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Commercial and Industrial Designers

    Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children’s toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $28.68

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $59,654

    Annual Median Salary

    38.61%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Set and Exhibit Designers

    Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $15.23

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $31,678

    Annual Median Salary

    12.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Archivists

    Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $23.09

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,027

    Annual Median Salary

    -2.63%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Curators

    Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $8.56

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $17,805

    Annual Median Salary

    15.5%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Recreational Therapists

    Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. Excludes “Recreation Workers” (39-9032).

    5

    Annual Openings*

    $22.92

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,674

    Annual Median Salary

    3.92%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Etchers and Engravers

    Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers. Photoengravers are included in “Prepress Technicians and Workers” (51-5111).

    4

    Annual Openings*

    $13.44

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $27,955

    Annual Median Salary

    9.95%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Museum Technicians and Conservators

    Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $18.12

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,690

    Annual Median Salary

    26.25%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"To me, it’s all about what I can do with my artwork to help raise up an environment for students to feel creative and not pull back from creative pursuits." Read more > about Using the Power of Creativity to Inspire
Caleb Chereji
Student, Studio Art
"I think the art teachers you have at CWI are absolutely amazing! It's thanks to all of you that I am majoring in art and considering pursuing a career in art. You all have shaped my art abilities and given me confidence, and, for that, I am very grateful."
Larissa Smith
Student, Studio Art

Admissions

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  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Clubs

person painting
Art Club

Are you an artist in search of an artistic outlet? Join fellow artists in College of Western Idaho's Art Club! We are here to help and enrich and foster your interest for art and personal expression through art.

News

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, John Flores, to the campus on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Wednesday, Nov. 15 for a lecture and a workshop.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series: John Flores

Join CWI’s Visiting Artist Series in welcoming the performing group, Flamenco Idaho, on Friday, Oct. 27, for a performance and a workshop.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Flamenco Idaho

The Campus Garden provides a valuable resource to the CWI community, from educating students about agriculture best practices to helping feed those who suffer from food insecurity.

Read more about Campus Garden Supporting Students and Their Success

Join College of Western Idaho’s Visiting Artist Series in welcoming photographer, Jessie Swimeley, to campus.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jessie Swimeley

Studio Art students are getting real-world insight into what life may be like as a professional artist and the steps to get there!

Read more about Visiting Artist Series: Erin Cunningham

Congratulations to Khanh Dang who won the 2023 Connections Project’s Juried Art Exhibition!

Read more about Dang Named Best in Show

Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of College of Western Idaho’s 2023 Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, Allusions, through May 7.

Read more about Allusions: CWI Capstone Collection

College of Western Idaho's Studio Art students are getting real-world insight into what life may be like as a professional artist and the steps to get there!

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Setting Art Students Up for Success

College of Western Idaho Studio Art student, Caleb Chereji, spends his hours in between classes creating art murals on whiteboards around campus to inspire and make people smile.

Read more about Using the Power of Creativity to Inspire

Join artist, Kelly Cox, as she discusses as she discusses ceramic sculpture and facilitates a clay hand-building and botanical drawing demonstration.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Kelly Cox

Congratulations to Christy Runion and Ashley Dale, winners of College of Western Idaho’s 2022 Juried Art Exhibition.

Read more about Runion and Dale Named Best in Show
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