Visual Arts

Explore the process of designing, constructing, seeing and creating art

Explore and Create

The Visual Arts Program at CBC offers countless opportunities to explore not only the history and appreciation of the arts, but also your own potential to create something meaningful. You can capture the perfect moment through a camera, or bring it to life through painting or sculpture. Learn the in-depth technical expertise you need to develop as a professional artist, and take advantage of on-campus clubs, venues and events to showcase your creations to the world.



"I am a CBC graduate and attended various art classes in 2019 - 2020. Taking art courses helped me gain skills needed to become more confident in my artwork. I am pursuing a career in graphic design and taking art classes allowed for the development of my personal style as well as editing and design techniques in a wide range of design programs. I enjoyed taking the graphic design sequence because they provided opportunities to learn from other students, engage in art shows, receive quality help from the instructor and the chance to continue practicing and developing my design skills." 

 

 

Where do you fit in?

The visual arts program offers students many opportunities to gain experience in the different media in the art world. From our faculty to our facilities, student success is our goal.

image of student painting

You can create in a variety of artistic media like paper, canvas or wood in design, drawing, painting, illustration or life drawing. Our faculty are passionate working artists who are ready to share their knowledge with you to help open the door to your creativity.

image of student working designing on a computer

Those interested in the graphic design and digital photography media receive instruction in a digital lab with the most current equipment and software.

image of student working on a pottery wheel

You can get your hands dirty and creative juices flowing by working in the three-dimensional arts like design, sculpture or ceramics. Students get hands-on experience with state of the art kilns, woodworking and power tools.

As a student at CBC you have many options to explore in the different art media, below is a gallery of photos from some of the exciting areas to explore!

Exhibit your creations

There are several venues you can display your own work or view the work of your peers on campus. Display spaces include the Student Art Showcase in the A Building, the CBC Library and the Hawk Union Building (HUB). The Associated Students of Columbia Basin College (ASCBC) purchases student art work to be showcased throughout their spaces and in the Esvelt Gallery for the annual Student Art Show held in May of each year.

You can experience art through a variety of exhibitions, artist lectures, workshops and demonstrations as part of the gallery program.

Below is a short video from the 2019 Student Art Exhibit which featured artwork from our current students and of the drawing/painting classroom.

 

Scholarship Opportunities

The Visual Arts Program offers up to seven scholarships a year that range from $500 to $2,500 per student to be used towards tuition and fees for one academic year which is typically fall, winter and spring quarters.

Any currently enrolled or potential student is eligible to apply. Scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time students who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above.

If you are a prospective student, be sure to complete the CBC Admissions Application.

Steps to Complete Your Scholarship Application

  • 1. Complete the Foundation Application:

    Visit the Foundation Scolarship page to get started today!

    The CBC Foundation Scholarship application will be open on January 1 and close on February 28; however priority deadline for Art students is February 14.

  • 2. Initial Application Requirements:

    • Unofficial Transcripts
    • Select Visual Arts as your field of study
    • Entering freshmen or continuing students with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
  • 3. Follow-up questionnaire:

    Once you submit your CBC Foundation Scholarship Application and qualify for the Art scholarship/s you will notice that there will be a “Follow-Up” requirement noted on your scholarship system dashboard. This is where you will upload your Art Portfolio & References.

    Your application is not considered complete until the follow-up is completed. All of these items need to be submitted by the priority deadline.

  • 4. Portfolio and Reference Requirements:

    • Submit 8 to 12 examples of your best artwork.
    • Layout the portfolio as a single document saved as a PDF.
    • Artwork must be digitally photographed, and each image needs to include the title, medium, date and size.
    • Artwork included in the portfolio can be from high school or college courses or created on your own time.
    • List the names, title, phone and email addresses of two people you are not related to who are willing to serve as a personal reference. (Carefully select who will serve in this capacity as they may be contacted concerning your eligibility for the Art Scholarship.)

Esvelt Gallery

image of reception in gallery

An important part of the CBC visual arts student experience is the Esvelt Gallery.  This space is an ideal location for featuring artwork from regional and national artists, along with the CBC faculty and students.  Students can view, work or exhibiting in our gallery space. Contact the gallery%20director for information about viewing, working or exhibiting in the gallery or visit the Esvelt Gallery page on the CBC Arts Center website for additional information.

Careers in Visual Arts

Courses taught in the Visual Arts can serve as a foundation for many degrees and/or careers, such as:

  • Design

    Design is more than what is visible. Design is where idea comes from, the process for generating, the methods for evaluating, and ways for communicating them. Design is problem solving - problem solving that shapes the world. Areas include: Graphic, Interior, Industrial, Web or Architectural Design.

  • Commercial Prospects

    Commercial photographers are creative professionals with an artistic eye who know  photographic equipment to capture high-quality images used for commercial advertisements of all types. Illustrators are commissioned to produce art for a wide variety of industries like fashion, advertising and publishing.

  • Academic

    Art teachers in the K-12 and college level provide learning activities appropriate to the age of the students in order to develop an interest in and ability for creative expression. Art historians are responsible for evaluating, restoring and preserving historical artifacts and works of art. Art historians may be employed by art galleries, museums, historical societies and non-profit organizations.

  • Studio Production Artist

    Studio artists work in many disciplines like sculpture, painting, and drawing using a variety of materials. A majority of artists work independently, either commissioned by clients or on their own initiative, to create artistic works. They sell their works to museums, art galleries or directly to customers, based on talents and reputations built in the market.

 

 

Full-Time Faculty

Courses Taught: Design, Graphic Design, Professional Practices and Art Appreciation

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Courses Taught: Drawing, Illustration, Painting and Art History

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 Adjunct Faculty

Courses Taught: Art Appreciation and Photography

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 Courses Taught: Ceramics

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student working with tools in art