Art


Program Description


An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Graphics or Studio Art will prepare students for transfer to a university program to continue with their studies. The Graphics program provides a foundation in art and technology as it relates to graphic design, and the Studio Art program provides foundational opportunities for the study of visual art.

Graduates of the Graphics program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:

  • Identify stylistic characteristics of cultural/historical periods studied
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between purpose and form in art and architecture
  • Analyze the relationship between 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional form and space
  • Demonstrate foundational technique methods
  • Demonstrate use of the elements and principles of design
  • Demonstrate technical/conceptual skills at an appropriate level

Graduates of the Studio Art program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:

  • Describe 3-dimensional form in space utilizing 2-dimensional media
  • Demonstrate critical skills used in analyzing the relationship between form and content in the visual art movements of the past
  • Demonstrate a hands-on and conceptual understanding of the process of design
  • Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize in three-dimensional space

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Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Art - Graphics - A.A. Transfer Degree -
Art - Studio Art - A.A. Transfer Degree -

Career Outlook


Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Craft Artists
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
$32,330
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. 
$38,760
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
$40,590
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
$47,050
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.
$50,430
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. 
$59,530
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.
$80,560
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.
Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Contact Information


Department Contact(s)

Liberal Arts & Education


Hours of Operation
  • Normal Hours
  • Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
Name Title Phone Email
Rodney Abriol, DMA Professor of Music - Piano (928) 317-6019 rodney.abriol@azwestern.edu
William Blomquist, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-2D (928) 317-6060 william.blomquist@azwestern.edu
Julie Floss, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-2D, SYC (928) 314-9434 julie.floss@azwestern.edu
Deltrina Grimes, MM Professor of Music: Voice (928) 344-7574 deltrina.grimes@azwestern.edu
Michael Moghtader, PhD Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Education (928) 317-6248 Michael.Moghtader@azwestern.edu
Brad Pease, MFA Professor of Computer Graphics and Visual Arts (928) 344-7707 brad.pease@azwestern.edu
Louis Pollard III, DMA Professor of Instrumental Music (928) 344-7573 Shawn.Pollard@azwestern.edu
Rebecca Shelby, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-3D (928) 344-7756 Rebecca.Shelby@azwestern.edu
Ann Wilkinson, MFA Professor of Theatre (928) 344-7592 ann.wilkinson@azwestern.edu