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 FloresStudio Art
Unleash Creativity and Explore the World of Visual Culture and Its History
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
Primary Locations
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
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)*
*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.
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Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Studio Art as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Clubs
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 the performing group, Flamenco Idaho, on Friday, Oct. 27, for a performance and a workshop.
Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Flamenco IdahoThe 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 SuccessJoin College of Western Idaho’s Visiting Artist Series in welcoming photographer, Jessie Swimeley, to campus.
Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jessie SwimeleyCWI Studio Art students and faculty judged the Nampa Festival of Arts’ Juried Arts Competition
Read more about CWI Celebrates Arts and Culture at the Nampa Festival of the ArtsStudio 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 CunninghamCongratulations to Khanh Dang who won the 2023 Connections Project’s Juried Art Exhibition!
Read more about Dang Named Best in ShowCelebrate 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 CollectionCollege 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 SuccessCollege 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 InspireJoin 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 CoxCongratulations 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 ShowRequest More Information
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