Northwest College Art + Design

“In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing.” - Vincent Van Gogh

The Northwest College Art Department offers a sequence of foundation courses and electives designed to build strong skills for work in the two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and graphic design areas.

Studio art courses stress aesthetic knowledge and perception of our visual surroundings as vital to the complete development of a well-educated person. This awareness is the foundation for all creative endeavors and is the philosophy which guides the department as a whole.

Career Outlook in the Arts

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2019 Edition*, there are more than 50,000 craft and fine artists working in the United States. About half of these are self-employed, and display their work in museums, private collections, commercial art galleries, and corporate collections. It is difficult to support yourself solely through the sale of artwork and many fine artists also hold other positions such as curators and/or exhibit designers. Some are employed as newspaper art critics or consultants within foundations. Some teach classes in their studios.

Despite the competition, studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Talented individuals who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and marketing skills will have the best job prospects. Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 1 percent from 2018 to 2028.