Art Program

Art studio where people of various ages painting on canvas.

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Overview

Art classes at ECC are held in incredible art studios and facilities that offer opportunities that rival many colleges and universities in Illinois. Work with faculty who are active professionals as you master new skills and hone your visual aesthetic. Art history and appreciation courses satisfy general education fine arts requirements for your associate degree while you gain a deeper understanding of humanity's creative endeavors through the ages. Emerging student artists may pursue an associate degree or a more art-focused associate of fine arts degree before transferring to a university to complete a bachelor's degree. Whatever your career path, ECC's art program can help you create a bright new future.

Get additional information, including course listings and class descriptions.

Planning to Transfer? Learn more about earning a Bachelor's degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with a university by making an appointment with an academic advisor. 

Prepare for Immediate Employment

Being an artist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it can also be challenging. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and talent. If you are passionate about art and are willing to put in the time and effort to develop your skills and build a portfolio, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. The median annual wage was $48,220. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding related occupations and compensation.

Median Pay Rates

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the art plan of study and course descriptions.

Associate Degrees

Art Class Offerings

  • Art Appreciation
  • Art History
  • Art of Film
  • Ceramics
  • Darkroom photography
  • Design
  • Digital photography
  • Drawing
  • Glass fusing
  • Jewelry
  • Life drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Screen printing
  • Sculpture
  • Studio and location lighting

What is Visual Art?

Visual art is a broad term that refers to any art form that uses visual elements, such as color, line, shape, texture, and form, to create a composition. Visual art can be created using various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and film.

The goal of visual art is to communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences through the use of visual elements. It can be representational, meaning that it depicts people, objects, or scenes in a realistic way, or it can be abstract, meaning that it does not depict these things in a recognizable way.

Visual art has a long history and can be found in many different cultures around the world. It can be used to express personal feelings or to convey political or social messages. Many people enjoy looking at and creating visual art as a way to appreciate the beauty and stimulate their creativity.

Learn more about the Art department at ECC!

Earning an Associate Degree at Elgin Community College can set your career in motion.

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