Art Studio
Associate of Arts in Art Studio
The Associate of Arts in Art Studio allows students to begin their creative education locally and then transfer smoothly to The University of New Mexico Albuquerque to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art Education, or Art History degree. Through coursework in drawing, design, and visual storytelling, students develop the ability to interpret what they see and communicate ideas visually - strengthening observation skills that artists recognize as careful seeing and employers recognize as problem-solving.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students learn in small studio classes where regular, individualized feedback is built into each course. The program serves both students new to art and those already building a portfolio, offering a welcoming starting point while still supporting advanced development. Faculty mentors, who are practicing artists and educators, guide students through professional creative processes: generating concepts, revising work through critique, and presenting artwork publicly. Working alongside instructors who actively create and exhibit, students gain insight into how artists refine ideas and prepare work for audiences.
Career Opportunities & Outcomes
Graduates commonly continue into bachelor’s programs and pursue paths such as studio artist or illustrator, museum or gallery assistant, art educator preparation, freelance design and creative media work, and creative business or arts management. Along the way, students practice visual communication, critique, collaboration, and project development skills that are valuable in both creative and non-creative careers.
Program Highlights & Special Features
The course sequence is designed to align with four-year art degrees, helping students transfer with confidence. Hands-on studio learning takes place in a supportive environment where creativity can be explored before committing to a specialization.
Program Details
More information on the Associate of Arts in Art Studio program may be found at:
Program Cost
Information on tuition and fees can be found here:
Textbooks are an additional cost.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Department of Fine Arts
Dr. Irina Alvestad
Associate Dean
irina@unm.edu
(505) 661-4696