Put Your Creativity to Work
Do you envision yourself working in the arts? You’ve come to the right place.
As a student in South Piedmont’s Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the arts, all while being challenged and supported to push the boundaries of your creativity.
You’ll have ample opportunities to showcase your work through in-class and off-campus projects, and you’ll interact with professional artists.
Plus, this program is intentionally designed to prepare you for university-level study.
The Program Options
Mode
In-person
Prerequisites
None
17:1
Average student-to-teacher ratio, but art classes are typically smaller. You won’t get lost in the crowd here!
2
Student art shows per year, giving students an opportunity to showcase and potentially sell their work
8+
Artistic media taught in the program, including oil, graphite, sculpture, photography, and more
Every Day Is a New Work of Art at South Piedmont
At South Piedmont, Fine Arts faculty members believe every day is a chance for students to grow. As a student in the program, you’ll receive one-on-one feedback and instruction. You’ll also learn from professional artists who regularly visit our classrooms as guest presenters.
During our twice-annual student art shows, you’ll showcase your work to the campus community, and if you join the Art Club, you’ll participate in on- and off-campus activities and projects.
This “never stop learning” approach will prepare you for whatever comes after you complete the program, whether that’s the start of your creative career path or transfer to a four-year university.
Supportive Environment
“The classes are small, which makes presenting my artwork less intimidating. It’s really easy to get feedback on your work. I like that this program is very welcoming. It’s great for artists but also just for people who want to learn about art.
Eva Holloway, Associate in Fine Arts student and a resident of Monroe
Fine Arts FAQ
An Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) is a two-year undergraduate degree focused on visual arts. It will provide you with foundational training in various art forms and techniques, preparing you for further education in the fine arts or entry-level positions in creative fields.
The Associate in Fine Arts degree emphasizes the fine arts and has a heavier focus on studio courses and art history. Studio courses will allow you to build your techniques and the skills used to create visual art. The Associate in Arts is a general liberal arts degree with broader course requirements across various disciplines, including math, science, and English.
With an AFA, you can go to work as a gallery assistant, art teacher’s aide, studio assistant, freelance artist, or photographer, as a few examples. If you continue your education to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a university, you can work as a graphic designer, illustrator, animator, art director, museum curator, art historian, art therapist, professional artist or art educator.
Get Ready for What Comes Next
Our SP | Career Connector staff members can help you prepare to turn your Fine Arts education into a career path.