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Art

The Art Department equips students with an excellent foundation for a lifelong career in the visual arts. Former art department students have transferred to esteemed institutions, such as the Columbus College of Art and Design, Washington University School of Art, and Columbia College in Chicago, pursuing both studio and art history majors, many achieving outstanding scholarship awards.
Student in pottery class.

Program Overview

​The Art Department provides a robust foundation for students interested in pursuing lifelong careers in the visual arts. With a well-rounded curriculum and various opportunities for hands-on experience, students are well-prepared for a range of careers in the art field.

Academic Plan

The academic plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time college-ready student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs.

Course Guides

Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.

View the Art ICGs.

Career Opportunities

The Art Department regularly sponsors exhibits by recognized artists while also hosting annual student exhibitions, which are vital for student engagement. Students participate in the preparation of these exhibits, gaining invaluable experience that enriches their educational journey. Additionally, students have been selected to exhibit with a St. Louis gallery as they advance through the program, creating further opportunities for showcasing their work.

Possible careers in art encompass a wide variety of professions, including illustrator, graphic designer, painter, photographer, printmaker, art teacher, product designer, museum curator, art dealer, and calligrapher, among many other opportunities. The diverse skill set developed through the art department’s curriculum prepares students for successful careers across numerous creative fields.

High School Art Exhibition

Exhibition Dates, April 28 – June 26, 2025
Artwork Drop-off Deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025. Artwork may be picked up anytime after the close of the exhibition. Email Nick Nihira, at nnihira@jeffco.edu, to confirm a pick-up time.

This is a juried exhibit. All work entered will be considered for display on the basis of quality and presentation. Any piece may be excluded at the discretion of the Jefferson College Art Department. Please note the following regulations, entries limited to TWO per student, and 10 per instructor and combination in the following categories:

  • A — Drawing: All media; including color
  • B — Painting: oil/acrylic/watercolor
  • C — Printmaking and Photography
  • D — Jewelry/Metals
  • E — Mixed Media
  • F — Graphic Design/Digital Media

Depending on the entries received, categories may be added or deleted. Please indicate category by name on entry labels.

Exhibit is open to Juniors and Seniors.

All work should be original, having been completed within 2 years prior to the opening of the exhibition, under the supervision of an instructor. All work must be submitted ready to hang.

All stretched canvases must be framed (preferably strip or aluminum framed). All other media, such as drawings, pastels, watercolors, etc., must be properly matted and possibly protected by transparent acetate. A hanging device must be securely attached to the back and centered, allowing at least 1" clearance at top.

Each work must be submitted with enclosed EXHIBIT LABEL (page 2) securely attached to the upper right corner of the back and REGISTRATION FORM (page 2) loosely attached (easily removable) so that it hangs down from the lower right corner of the image and is viewable from the front. If more cards are needed, you may photocopy the enclosed EXHIBIT LABEL (page 2).

Dirty, scuffed or otherwise poorly presented work will not be considered.

If you have need for further information, please contact: