Visual Arts (VAT)

This program will provide an option for students who are interested in pursuing an associate degree in the Visual Arts with a goal of transferring to a baccalaureate institution. This program will provide a strong foundation in art while offering opportunities to pursue areas of particular interest (drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, graphic design and mixed media). Students may select courses from an area of interest (drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, graphic design, mixed media) or may elect courses in a variety of studio areas. Potential post-transfer careers include textile and fashion design, interior design, product and industrial design, museum and gallery work, art restoration, arts administration, art therapy, display design, motion graphics and animation, graphic design for print, web and other applications, photography and studio art. This degree will satisfy the state-mandated General Education requirements and emphasizes the importance of liberal arts studies in preparation for the BA or BFA degree.

Students who successfully complete the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Visual Arts (VAT) will be able to:

• Create a portfolio of work in one or more art area of choice, including graphic design, ceramics, photography, calligraphy, and mixed media at DCC for review by transfer institutions;
• Create basic drawing, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional art projects that incorporate research, visual idea development, and communication of visual concepts to synthesize structure of composition, form, and space by using tools, materials and the various elements of line, shape, volume, value, texture, and color to achieve balance and unity;
• Show proficiency in creating works of art incorporating thinking (researching, creating), doing (designing, working, building), and communication (presenting and analyzing);
• Analyze their and others’ artwork in terms of description, comparison and evaluation of design elements, principles, methods, goals, content, meaning, relevance, and perspective.