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Offering a diverse selection of courses designed to cater to various student interests and aspirations. Whether you're pursuing art as a personal passion, aiming to transfer to a four-year institution, or preparing for a professional art school, our department has something for you.
Department Overview
Our experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an enriching environment for students to grow and excel in their artistic endeavors. Join us at Laney College's Art Department to unleash your creativity and achieve your artistic goals.
Courses Offered
- Drawing and Painting: Explore various techniques and mediums to develop your artistic skills.
- Ceramics: Learn the art of pottery and sculptural ceramics, from basic techniques to advanced projects.
- Sculpture: Engage in three-dimensional art-making using a variety of materials and methods.
- Printmaking: Discover the processes of creating prints through traditional and contemporary methods.
- Art History: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of art across different periods and regions.
Career Opportunities
An art degree can open up diverse career opportunities across various industries. The skills developed during an art education, such as creativity, critical thinking, and visual communication, are transferable and applicable to a wide range of professions. Here are some career opportunities for individuals with an art degree:
- Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas for advertisements, websites, or branding materials.
- Illustrator: Produce drawings and illustrations for books, magazines, digital media, and other publications.
- Animator: Use art and technology to create animated sequences for films, television, video games, and other multimedia projects.
- Art Director: Lead the visual style and creative direction of projects in advertising, marketing, or media production.
- Web Designer: Design visually appealing and user-friendly websites, considering both aesthetics and functionality.
- Multimedia Artist/Animator: Create visual effects, animations, and graphics for video games, movies, and interactive media.
- User Experience (UX) Designer: Focus on enhancing the user's interaction with products or services through thoughtful design, often in digital environments.
- Museum or Gallery Curator: Manage and curate art collections for museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.
- Art Educator: Teach art at various levels, from elementary schools to universities, fostering creativity and artistic skills in students.
- Art Therapist: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals explore and address emotional and psychological challenges.
- Art Conservationist/Restorer: Preserve and restore artworks to ensure their longevity and maintain their original condition.
- Freelance Artist: Work independently on commissioned projects, creating custom artwork for clients or selling original pieces.
- Photographer: Capture images for various purposes, including portraits, events, commercial projects, and fine art photography.
- Set Designer: Design and create sets for film, television, theater, or events.
- Fashion Designer: Create clothing and accessory designs, considering aesthetics, functionality, and market trends.
- Creative Director: Lead creative teams in advertising agencies, design studios, or marketing departments.
- Video Game Designer/Artist: Contribute to the visual aspects of video games, including character design, environments, and animations.
- Art Auction Specialist: Work with auction houses to evaluate, appraise, and present artworks for sale.
- Art Entrepreneur: Establish your own art-related business, such as a gallery, studio, or online platform.
- Art Critic or Historian: Analyze and critique artworks, contribute to art publications, or work in academia as an art historian.
It's important to note that networking, building a strong portfolio, and gaining practical experience through internships or freelance work can significantly enhance your chances of success in the art industry. Additionally, staying informed about current trends and continuously developing your skills will contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in the arts.
Contact Us
Dean
Elizabeth Maher
Email: emaher@peralta.edu
Learning & Career Pathway
Visual & Performing Arts
Division
Liberal Arts
Location
Art Center
Click the map image to enlarge, or view in Google My Maps
Degrees & Certificates
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A major in ceramics provides the necessary technical knowledge, skills, and aesthetic judgment to students transferring to four-year institutions or professional art schools. The major can lead to a career in industrial design, artist, or as a technician.
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This certificate was created to help students develop professional skills in computer and software driven fabrication. This program takes a multi-material approach to fabricating all kinds of parts, installations, and sculptures.
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A foundational studio arts certificate focusing on 2D and 3D visual arts practice. Courses in Painting, Drawing and Ceramics are included to complete the certificate.
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This Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status and priority admission to their local CSU campus to a program or major in Studio Arts or similar major for completion of a baccalaureate degree.
June Steingart Art Gallery
A professionally managed art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary art that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the Laney College community and the surrounding Bay Area.
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Oakland Museum of CA
Show your current semester sticker or staff badge, and enjoy complimentary access to the Oakland Museum of CA
Explore fascinating exhibits, discover new perspectives, and make the most of this incredible opportunity. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or just curious, there's something for everyone at OMCA!
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Digital Fabrication Shop
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Unlock Financial Aid for College Expenses
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Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.
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Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.
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We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.