The Art Department offers three programs:

Students completing a program of study in art will:

  • Work hard, in depth, and take risks in relation to new concepts, content, techniques, and processes
  • Produce a strong thematic body of work
  • Be able to extend investigative work on projects over a period of time
  • Display growth in the understanding of the visual language, issues, and concepts
  • Develop competence in the manipulation of materials and media (craft)
  • Be able to discuss their own work and the work of others within the context of art discourse and visual literacy
  • Develop a critical way of seeing, understanding, and interpreting space
  • Understand the place and role of the artist in society and culture
  • Develop a level of critical thinking that will enable them to continue to develop their ideas
  • Develop a level of independence and self-motivation to continue working outside of the academic environment

The level to which students develop in these areas will be determined by the art program they complete and their individual commitment to that program of study.

Programs including study in the Liberal Arts (Visual Arts and Visual Arts MassTransfer Option) provide students with a set of experiences designed to strengthen their general education abilities.

Which program is right for you?

While the MassTransfer option (AVC) is primarily designed for transfer to UMass and other state universities, the Visual Arts degree program (AVA) is designed to transfer to any art school across the country. The Certificate in Visual Arts (VAC) satisfies the requirements of the first year/freshman foundation at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, as well as most art schools. This certificate can also be completed within the open electives of the Liberal Arts degree at GCC, for those interested in art education, art therapy or a minor concentration in visual art. Your art faculty advisor will help you figure out which program best aligns with your goals.