Art
Art
Pursue your passion for art without leaving Southeast Texas. Â鶹Æƽâ°æ's Associate of Arts in Art prepares you with hands-on studio experience in drawing, painting, design, and other creative disciplines, building a strong foundation that transfers smoothly to four-year universities. You'll develop practical skills and a portfolio that open doors to further study and creative careers. Start your path toward a rewarding future in the visual arts, close to home.
Top Careers in Art
A degree in art can lead to fulfilling roles like Graphic Designer, Art Director, Illustrator, Fine Artist, or Museum Curator. Most professionals build toward these careers from entry-level positions that develop the skills and portfolio the field demands. Starting as a Production Artist or Design Assistant opens the door to becoming a Graphic Designer, while a role as a Studio Assistant or Gallery Associate can lead to curatorial and management work. Freelance illustrators often grow their client base into steady creative careers, and junior designers move into art direction. These first jobs give you the hands-on foundation to grow into a better-paying, rewarding career in the visual arts.
The pay outlook for fine artists — including painters, sculptors, and illustrators — gives you a sense of what's possible as you grow. In Texas, these professionals earn an average of $49,650 a year. The top 10% earn $77,380 a year. Your earnings will depend on your experience, your role, and where you work — and as you build your skills and portfolio, you can keep moving toward the higher end of that range.
Schedule a Meeting
Dr. Blas A. Canedo-Gonzalez
Chair of Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Sam and Linda Monroe Performing Arts Center Building, Office 144
Phone: 409-984-6547
Email: canedoba@lamarpa.edu
Program Information
| course | title | sch |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ENGL 1301 | English Composition I | |
| MATH 1332 | Contemporary Mathematics | |
| HIST 1301 | United States History I | |
| ARTS 1303 | Art History I | |
| ARTS 1316 | Drawing I | |
| PSYC 1100/EDUC 1100 | Learning Frameworks | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 1302 | English Composition II | |
| BCIS 1305 | Business Computer Applications | |
| HIST 1302 | United States History II | |
| ARTS 2316 | Painting I | |
| ARTS 1301 | Art Appreciation | |
| Third Semester | ||
| GOVT 2305 | Federal Government | |
| PHYS 1315 | Physical Science I Lecture | |
| PHYS 1115 | Physical Science I Lab | |
| ARTS 1317 | Drawing II | |
| XXXX X3XX | Social/Behavioral Science | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| GOVT 2306 | Texas Government | |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | |
| PHYS 1305 | Elementary Physics I Lecture | |
| PHYS 1105 | Elementary Physics I Lab | |
| ARTS 2317 | Painting II | |
| ARTS 2348 | Digital Art I | |
| Total | ||
An Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Associate of Arts in Art opens the door to a creative future in design, fine art, and the visual arts. After finishing the program, graduates can:
- Step into the workforce ready to create. Graduates often begin as Production Artists, Design Assistants, Studio Assistants, Gallery Associates, or Freelance Illustrators — creative roles found at design studios, agencies, museums, and arts organizations across Southeast Texas and beyond.
- Keep building on your credits. The Associate of Arts is designed for transfer, so your coursework moves with you toward a bachelor's degree and further study, depending on the university and degree plan. Â鶹Æƽâ°æ lets you complete your foundation close to home and at a price that fits your life.
- Continue toward a four-year degree. After earning your Associate of Arts, you can transfer to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, or a related creative field, where available.
- Grow into leadership roles. As you gain experience and build your portfolio, doors open to positions like Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Museum Curator, Studio Owner, or Creative Lead — careers that reward both creativity and ambition with strong earning potential.
With a transfer-ready foundation, you can earn your Associate of Arts in Art, move directly into creative work, and keep building your skills, portfolio, and career on a timeline that fits your goals.
What is the Associate of Arts in Art program at Â鶹Æƽâ°æ?
The Associate of Arts in Art at Â鶹Æƽâ°æ prepares you for creative work and further study in the visual arts. The curriculum builds hands-on skills in drawing, painting, design, and other studio disciplines, along with art history and the critical thinking universities expect. Grounded in practical studio experience and a strong general education foundation, it gives you the portfolio and transfer-ready knowledge that four-year programs and Southeast Texas employers value.
What credentials or skills will I build through the Associate of Arts in Art program?
You'll build a strong portfolio of original work — your most valuable asset for transfer and creative careers alike. Along the way, you'll develop hands-on skills in drawing, painting, design, and studio practice, plus the art history knowledge and critical thinking that four-year universities expect from incoming students.
What kind of creative jobs can I pursue with this degree?
This training opens doors at design studios, advertising agencies, museums, galleries, and other creative organizations throughout the region. Graduates step into roles such as Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Production Artist, Studio Assistant, Gallery Associate, or Freelance Artist.
Is this program flexible for working adults?
Absolutely. The Associate of Arts in Art offers flexible scheduling built around the demands of work and family, so commuters and working adults can pursue their studies without putting life on hold. An advisor can help you map out a schedule that fits your goals.
How long does it take to complete the program?
You can finish the Associate of Arts in Art on a timeline that suits you. Most full-time students complete the degree in about two years, while part-time scheduling lets you spread coursework over a longer span to fit work and family. With flexible class options and transfer-ready credits, you can build your portfolio at a steady pace. An advisor will help you choose the path and schedule that match your goals.
What is the salary potential for an art and design professional?
Pay in art and design reflects both your role and your experience. Based on Texas Workforce Commission wage data, art and design professionals in Southeast Texas earn an average in the range of $44,769 – $63,656 a year, while advertising and promotions managers average $106,465 – $113,411 and marketing managers reach $140,630 – $153,547 statewide. Entry-level designers and production artists typically start lower, though experienced art directors, senior designers, and creative leaders command considerably higher pay. Your earnings will depend on where you work, how much experience you bring, and the position you hold. With a strong portfolio and added credentials, you can grow into well-paid creative leadership roles down the road.
The Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Advantage
Why choose Â鶹Æƽâ°æ for your art education? Our Associate of Arts in Art links you to creative opportunities across Southeast Texas and beyond. You'll draw, paint, and design in hands-on studio spaces, strengthen your technical and creative abilities, and build what matters most for transfer and the workforce — a strong portfolio, solid art history knowledge, and confident critical thinking. Small class sizes, experienced instructors, and a transfer-ready foundation come together to launch your future in the visual arts, all at a price that won't hold you back.