About Arts
Start Your Art Journey at Green River College
At Green River College, you’ll build a strong foundation in art. You’ll learn to balance creativity and technique while improving your problem-solving skills. You’ll also explore the meaning behind your work and develop a solid portfolio.
Degree Options
When you earn the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree, you also qualify for the Associate of Arts (AA) degree—just apply for both at graduation. The AA degree helps with transferring to a four-year college, while the AFA shows a deeper focus in art and prepares you for art school or jobs in the field.
You can choose to focus your AFA/AA degree in areas like Ceramics, Design, Photography, or Studio Art. These Concentrations help you build skills and a portfolio in your chosen medium.
Prepare to Succeed
A portfolio is a crucial part of your application to professional art schools, most university art programs and galleries. A good portfolio helps someone evaluate your achievements and potential and should include samples of your best work in your specialty.
Your portfolio may include:
- Drawings including drawings from observation only and figure drawing from a live model
- Composition skills, exploration of media, use of color
- Design—2D, 3D, and abstract work
- Complex compositions showing thoughtful execution of ideas
Program Details
Prerequisites & Fees
- Completion of a Green River College Application
- Completions of placement testing, and an art advising meeting
- Communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills
- Recommended -a GED® or high school diploma.
Fees - Many of the art courses require additional fees, ranging from $10-$50. You will also be required to purchase your own art supplies.
Visit the Previous Version of this page >
Contact Us
- Sarah Dillon Gilmartin
Art Faculty
253-833-9111, ext. 4213 - Patrick Navin
Photography Faculty
253-833-9111, ext. 4552 - Gary Oliveira
Photography Faculty
253-833-9111, ext. 4663 - Cindy Small, Art Faculty
253-833-9111, ext.4203 - Paul Metivier
Ceramics Faculty
253-833-9111, ext. 4766
Have Questions About Registration?
Associate in Arts Degree - Direct Transfer Options
Associate in Arts-DTA with Concentration in Art History
This concentration is for students interested in art history and art criticism. Students
who complete this concentration will learn the global history of art and visual culture.
This concentration gives students the skills to analyze art critically.
Length of Program: Minimum 90 Credits
Associate in Arts-DTA with Concentration in Creative Expression
The Creative Expression Concentration gives students an opportunity to explore creative practice with a multi-disciplinary
arts-centered focus. The Creative Expression Concentration complements a student’s
major area of study, creates a pathway for an undecided student who wants to explore
the arts, or for the student who already knows they have a general interest in the
arts.
Length of Program: Minimum 90 Credits
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Options
Associate in Fine Arts, AFA with Concentration in Ceramics
This concentration is for students with an interest in the Ceramic’s Arts. Students
completing the Ceramic concentration will develop a comprehensive portfolio of ceramic
artwork that demonstrates their skills working with clay. Students will develop their
knowledge of various firing processes, and the history of the ceramic arts.
Length of Program: Minimum 103 credits
Average Salary: $38,579
Associate in Fine Arts, AFA with Concentration in Design
This concentration is for students interested in Design. Students who complete this
Design concentration will learn visual problem-solving skills withing a foundation
in design. Students will create a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge of color
theory, visual storytelling, critical thinking and visual communication while using
traditional materials and learn industry standard software.
Length of Program: Minimum 103 credits
Average Salary: $79,594
Associate in Fine Arts, AFA with Concentration in Photography
This concentration is for students interested in the art and field of Photography.
Students who complete this concentration will build a portfolio of images that demonstrate
a solid foundation of photographic skills with a working knowledge of photo theory
and history.
Length of Program: Minimum 103 credits
Average Salary: $60,724
Associate in Fine Arts, AFA with Concentration in Studio Art
This concentration is for students’ intent on building out a portfolio with a strong
foundation in drawing and painting. The concentration allows students to explore
the creative process and establish comprehensive skill development in traditional
2D media.
Length of Program: Minimum 103 credits
Average Salary: $51,793
Career Outlook
Studying art can lead to many exciting careers. Artists use their creativity to share ideas, tell stories, and solve problems. With an art degree, you can work in fields like graphic design, animation, photography, illustration, fashion, or even video game design. Some artists also teach or run their own businesses.
Art careers can be found in schools, studios, design companies, and even online. Many art jobs let you work from home or on your own schedule. As you build your skills and portfolio, you’ll have more chances to find the job that’s right for you.
An art degree helps you grow as a creative thinker and problem solver—skills that are valuable in many different careers.