BFA in Studio Arts

Years one and two will focus on the fundamentals of creating 2D and 3D artwork, with introductory courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based arts that emphasize the craft and aesthetics that are unique to each medium. You'll also learn how to use the language of design to give and receive feedback on artwork, leading to a deeper understanding of why a piece looks the way it does and what ideas and concepts it's expressing.  

In year three, courses become more advanced and in-depth as you begin to hone and refine your vision for who you want to be as an artist and the kind of work you want to make. You'll have the flexibility to continue shaping a creative practice that brings together a variety of different media, or to dive fully into the specific medium of your choice. You'll also expand your ideas about artmaking through special topics courses like Experiential Art, Immersive Environments, and Performance Art. 

In year four you'll focus on fully realizing your artistic vision and identity. All of your coursework will center on developing a thesis exhibition showcasing a conceptually cohesive and technically accomplished body of work. Your exhibition will be accompanied by an oral presentation and a written artist statement, both of which will demonstrate your understanding of the social, historical, and cultural contexts surrounding your work as an artist.

Throughout the program, you'll build on your studio-based coursework with learning experiences focused on art history, aesthetics, contemporary criticism, and theory. You'll also round your education out with a wide range of general education courses that will stimulate your curiosity, broaden your perspective, and inspire new creative expressions. KCAD's flexible General Education Pathways model gives you the freedom to choose courses in the liberal arts and the sciences that you find most engaging and relevant.

Whatever direction your experience in the Studio Arts program takes, you'll become proficient in the following core skills:

Technical artistic skills including observation, sketching, rendering, fabrication, and applied use of composition, color, perspective, value, light, and shadow.

Conceptual artistic skills including research, experimentation, critical analysis, idea development, and concept articulation.

Communication skills that will help you become an engaging and effective oral, written, and interpersonal communicator.

Professional skills including artistic production, project management, creative problem-solving that will help you forge a successful career.

Personalized teaching from expert faculty - The Studio Arts program is powered by faculty who are themselves established working artists, and our small class sizes will enable you to form meaningful relationships with them. You’ll come to see your faculty not just as instructors, but as mentors and professional role models as well. The result is a high degree of personalized instruction, exploration, and guidance from those who have already navigated the journey you're on.  

Supportive learning environment - Rather than competition, the Studio Arts program promotes a culture of support and collective motivation so that students inspire each other to reach their fullest creative potential. You'll learn, explore, and grow alongside other developing artists in a safe, inclusive, and close-knit setting that encourages interaction, collaboration, and conversation. 

Proximity to Grand Rapids' thriving creative community - What better place to forge your path forward as an artist than a city with creativity at its core? Take advantage of KCAD's deep connections to local arts organizations large and small to uncover a world of opportunity for artistic growth, cultural immersion, and professional networking. Location also means you’ll enjoy mid-size city living, while being only hours away from the cultural wealth of larger cities like Chicago and Detroit.