Visual Arts Program
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.

Li Wang
CBC Art Student and 2018-19 Allied Arts Scholarship Recipient
“My studies at CBC are rewarding and joyful, the professors have excellent teaching
skills and are supportive outside the classroom. I am amazed by the annual student
art show held by the Art Department, it is a great opportunity for students to professionally
exhibit their artwork. The CBC Art Department also offers scholarship opportunities
which helped me overcome financial hardship. CBC is an integral part of my journey
to become a successful scientific illustrator.”
Program Highlights

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.
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.
Those interested in the graphic design and digital photography media receive instruction in a digital lab with the most current equipment and software.
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 year (three continuous
quarters).
Any currently enrolled or potential student is eligible to apply. Most scholarships
are for full-time students (12 or more credits) maintaining a minimum grade point
average of 2.5, but a few may be awarded to part-time students. Be sure to complete
the CBC Admissions Application.
The Arts Scholarship Info video below will help guide you through the application
steps.
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1. Complete the Foundation Application:
complete the online Art Scholarship Application Form by February 21.
The application will be open on December 1 and close on February 22.
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2. Application Requirements:
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Contact information for two references
- Portfolio of 8 - 12 works of art
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3. Portfolio 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.
All the Application and Portfolio Requirements will be included in the Art Scholarship Application.
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4. Grade Requirement:
entering freshmen or continuing students with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
Esvelt 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.