Studio Art

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Multimedia art of female face in art gallery.
Close up of female student drawing.
Close up of painting, brushes and paints.
Studio art students in a row at a table drawing.
Tower of text books with paper people on open book at the top.
Art displayed on wall of close ups of arms, legs and torsos.
Two studio art students standing at drawing easels.
“I think the art teachers you have at CWI are absolutely amazing! Larissa Smith, art student

Embark on a career in art through foundational studies while expanding your understanding of visual culture and its history. Design, draw, paint, and sculpt your way to an exciting future in the arts. Students will have opportunities to grow as artists and will prepare to make contributions in the arts as professionals. Students can expect to gain the following:

  • a strong foundation in the techniques and materials of visual art
  • expanded knowledge and understanding of visual culture and its history
  • preparation skills to take first steps as an emerging professional artist through portfolio and website development as well as exhibition opportunities

Completion of the program is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree in Studio Art, and fulfills the general education requirements for all Idaho public universities.

Studio Art Capstone Collections

Mission

The CWI Studio Art program promotes the development of artistic skills and practice, craftsmanship, and aesthetic discernment. A degree in Studio Art will provide students with a foundational understanding of the history of visual culture, provide opportunities to grow as artists, and prepare them to contribute to their immediate community and the global society through the arts. The program also prepares students who are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in art.

Why This Program

This program prepares you to begin embarking on a career in the arts through foundational studies. It includes an introduction to technical skills and materials used in a range of artistic disciplines as well as opportunities to gain a broad-based understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the arts. Your course of study in Studio Art at CWI culminates in a public exhibition of your work and equips you to take your next steps as an emerging artist.

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in 2-D and 3-D methods and materials.
  • Synthesize art fundamentals with the understanding of historical and cultural contexts.
  • Analyze works of art formally and conceptually using discipline appropriate vocabulary
  • Integrate your knowledge, skills, and interpretations of visual culture in order to solve creative problems.
  • Create and present a comprehensive portfolio and culminating exhibition.

Clubs

person painting

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

Additional Opportunities

The CWI Art Club is one of the most active student clubs; it offers students interested in the arts a variety of social and service activities and opportunities for professional development. Created to make local and regional artists part of CWI’s academic experience, the Visiting Artist Program offers lectures and workshops free to the public each semester. Students have a unique opportunity to work in a smaller setting with professional artists.

Respectful Community

College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.  More on Title IX

News and Blogs

John Flores with cereamics

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.

Flamenco Idaho

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

Hannah Wilson leaning on mural

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.

Jessie Swimeley holding pieces of her art

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

CWI students and faculty judging art show

CWI Studio Art students and faculty judged the Nampa Festival of Arts’ Juried Arts Competition

Artwork of Erin Cunningham

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