explore the arts at aquinas

Art Degrees at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MichiganWe are dedicated to the preparation of students for the roles of artists, art historians, visual arts and administrators, and we build in non-art majors an appreciation for the value of creative problem solving and the rich interchange of images and ideas that happen between art and other areas of life.

Different Art majors can expect to gain an adequate knowledge of the history of art, ancient to the present and also learn to present their art and ideas professionally, including mounting of their B.F.A. thesis exhibit, digital portfolio preparation, resume writing, and discussion of the ideas, images, and processes in their own art.

 

 

It's your time to create

Career Preparation based on leadership

Art Majors (BA), Art History Majors (BA), and Fine Arts Majors (BFA)

  1. Students will gain a particular knowledge of and ability with the human form.
  2. Students will gain knowledge of their personal artistic antecedents.
  3. Students will learn to present their art and ideas professionally, including digital portfolio preparation, resume writing, and discussion of the ideas, images, and processes in their own art.
  4. Students will gain adequate knowledge regarding contemporary art issues.

 
Art Majors (BA)

  1. Students will gain an adequate knowledge of the history of art, ancient to the present.
  2. Students will gain knowledge and skill in the theory and practice of formal design. Studio art majors will gain an ability to draw.
  3. Students will become technically competent, including safe usage of tools and materials associated with the traditional media of drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture.
  4. Students will gain knowledge and experience in proper exhibition presentation, including the matting and framing of artworks and exhibition installation.


 Art History Majors (BA)

  1. Students will gain knowledge of the history of art, ancient through contemporary.
  2. Students will gain knowledge of formal design theory, and of critical evaluation of art objects based on formal design theory.
  3. Students will gain an understanding of the artistic and cultural context in which a given art object is created.
  4. Students will gain an ability to do scholarly writing and research.
  5. Students will gain a familiarity with museums, galleries, and exhibition centers.


General Education

  1. Exhibit competence in disciplines across the liberal arts.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in communication (writing, speaking, reading, listening, presentation skills.
Paintbrushes in Art room

Student Research

 

Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.Read More about Student Research

 

student working on art project

Internships

There are many opportunities for AQ Art majors to take internships within their own interests.

Paris Study Abroad

Study Abroad

With the many study abroad opportunities at AQ there are many chances for the Art department to plan special opportunities.

Grace Hauenstein Library Art Gallery and Study Space

Exhibitions and Events

 

Here's a look at the current and upcoming art exhibits that happen across the Aquinas campus.See the event calendar

 

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

 

Cartoonist

Ceramic artist

Digital artist

Fiber artist

Fine-art painter

Furniture maker

Glass artist

Illustrator

Jewelry artist

Medical and scientific illustrator

Public artist

Printmaker

Sculptor

Sketch artist

Tattoo artist

Video artist

Learn More: What Can I Do With This Major?

 

Quick Facts: Craft and Fine Artists

2022 Median Pay

$53,140 per year
$25.55 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education How to Become a Craft and Fine Artist
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2022 54,600
Job Outlook, 2022-32 4% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2022-32 2,400

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

someone taking photos

Graduate Outcomes

Aquinas wants to ensure every students leaves with valuable skills and knowledge about their major.

people on stage throwing flowers

Alumni Profiles

AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.