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Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts

Dedicated to fostering creative expression across diverse artistic practices, the Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts program provides students with a strong foundation in studio work and creative research. As you progress into upper-level classes, the coursework emphasizes personal ingenuity, creative expression, and the development of professional skills.

On campus, you’ll have hands-on experience in a variety of inspired spaces. You’ll be immersed in our fully equipped art studios, including a wood workshop, metal workshop, glass and ceramic kilns, a drawing/painting studio, and mixed-use studios. You’ll also have the opportunity to view and participate in gallery exhibits in our Kristin Michelle Mason Art Gallery, which features the work of guest artists, faculty members, and studio art majors.

Personalized Guidance

At Beacon College, we understand that each artistic journey is unique. That’s why, from day one, studio arts students are paired with a dedicated faculty member who serves as their advisor. This mentorship ensures a personalized approach to education, helping you construct a degree plan that best aligns with your long-term goals. Throughout the four-year journey, faculty advisors provide invaluable guidance and support.

Tailoring Your Degree

Education

Ideal if you aspire to take on instructional roles at museums or local art centers.

Business Management

Tailored for you to enter the administrative side of the arts or manage your own creative business.

CIS Web and Digital Media

Designed to bolster your creative skills and equip you with a digital toolbox for the modern artistic landscape.

Entrepreneurship

Be ready to launch your own creative ventures and turn artistic visions into successful enterprises.

Reach Your Creative Potential

The Studio Arts program goes beyond traditional education. It’s a holistic approach to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and preparing you for a dynamic career in the arts. Join us in unleashing your creative potential and shaping a future where your passion becomes your profession.

What You'll Learn

Unlocking pathways to a career in the creative arts, the professional portfolio crafted during your tenure at Beacon is your gateway to opportunities — be it as an independent artist or a valued contributor to a creative agency or cultural arts organization. Your education will seamlessly blend hands-on experience with the processes of conceptualization, design, and production, aligning with the standards expected at a professional level. The curriculum begins with a robust foundation in two- and three-dimensional studio work before exploring various mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and ceramics. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive skill set and prepares you for a dynamic and impactful presence in the world of visual arts.

Blaze Your Path

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Art is my favorite experience at the College because I get to learn different techniques of art that I have never done before.

— Zanjay Perkins

I love the variety of mediums I've been able to try that have helped me expand and explore my abilities as an artist. It's a wonderful program to be a part of.

— Camille McKoy

Studio arts makes me see the world in a different way. I’ve learned more methods and skills to create artwork by looking at my world and drawing it.

— Marcus Giglio

Sample Courses

Fundamentals of 2-D and Color

Learn about the elements and principles of two-dimensional design and color, and explore aspects of line, shape, value, color, and texture and their appropriate use in successfully unifying works of art.

3-D Fundamentals 

Study the elements and principles of three-dimensional design as they relate to composition and design processes, and explore space, line, form, light, color, texture, and time using a variety of materials and processes.

Painting

Learn about painting fundamentals, processes, and materials, and delve into painting’s history and contemporary issues.

Digital Photography

Explore photography as a digital medium of visual expression. Image capture and technical camera controls are demonstrated. Composition, lighting, color, and subject matter are examined and artistically manipulated. Adobe Photoshop instruction focuses on photography-related tasks such as cropping, sizing, sharpening, and color correction.

Drawing

Introduces basic drawing methods for the purpose of developing proficiency while working with traditional drawing materials and techniques. Build a strong foundation of drawing skills through assignments focused on direct observation, visual field, value, shape, and line.

Sculpture

Focus on creative expression through sculptural means while developing an understanding of the history of sculpture and its relationship to contemporary art. Tool safety, technical skills, and concepts will be introduced and developed while exploring a range of materials and processes.

Ceramics

Introduces the basic concepts of hand-building ceramics with emphasis on methods of construction, surface decoration, glazing, and firing techniques.

Topics in Art

Topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. Topics may include drawing, painting, sculpture, or theatre/film.

Survey of Art History

A chronological survey covering significant artworks including architecture, painting, and sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on pieces that exemplify each period’s artistic practices with accompanying readings to better understand their function within the original culture’s context as well as the impact which they have had on modern artistic ideals.

Field Experience and Internships

Nothing compares to learning on the job. You’ll be required to complete 80 hours of experiential learning and internships. The knowledge, skills, and experience you gain — both in the classroom and through internships — will boost your resume and your confidence with real-world work experience.

Internships and Experiences

Career Opportunities

Students with a B.A. in Studio Arts can immediately begin working in the field or continue to graduate school for advanced study in the arts.

  • Studio technician
  • Art director
  • Museum/Gallery staff
  • Art critic/writer
  • Fabric designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Photographer
  • Teacher
  • Web designer
  • Cabinet maker
  • Furniture designer
  • Art therapist
  • Screen printer
  • Set designer
  • Cake decorator
  • Illustrator

Meet Your Studio Arts Instructors

Russ Bellamy

Professor

352-638-9741rbellamy@beaconcollege.edu

Dustin Boise

Professor

352-638-9726dboise@beaconcollege.edu

Kimberly Watters

Assistant Professor

352-638-9765kwatters@beaconcollege.edu

Meet Your General Education Instructors

Cathy Vinton

Instructor

352-638-9823cvinton@beaconcollege.edu

Jodi Livingston

Instructor

352-787-1525jlivingston@beaconcollege.edu

Tiffany Calderara

Instructor

352-638-9743tcalderara@beaconcollege.edu

Autumn Welt

Assistant Professor

352-787-1056awelt@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Mary-Anne Primack

Assistant Professor

352-787-2912mprimack@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Patricia Konovalov

Professor

352-638-9815pkonovalov@beaconcollege.edu

Jessica Caolo

Assistant Professor

352-315-1082jcaolo@beaconcollege.edu

Angel Maldonado

Instructor

352-315-9269amaldonado@beaconcollege.edu

Studio Arts Minor

A minor in Studio Arts not only hones artistic skills but also cultivates a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in various professional fields. It can be a fulfilling and enriching complement to a primary degree.

Associate of Arts in Studio Arts 

The Associate of Arts degree in Studio Arts provides students with an educational foundation before entering the workforce or pursuing further study or professional training. The A.A. program requires the completion of a total of 61 credits, with 18 credits in the major.

Learn More About Studio Arts

To schedule a visit, please contact our admissions team at admissions@beaconcollege.edu or call 352-638-9731 or 855-220-5376 (toll-free).

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