Visual Arts Major at Arts Academy

Art is your tool to express, question, and participate in the wider world. It's how you solve problems, inspire others, and stake out a space for yourself. At our boarding arts high school, Interlochen Arts Academy, you'll develop your creativity and prepare for your future as an artist.

What You'll Learn

As a Visual Arts major, you'll take courses on skill-building, techniques, and art history. You'll receive regular individual and group critiques. You'll experiment with different media and art forms like painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics and pottery, sculpture, metals, fiber arts, fashion design, and more.

You'll learn from practicing artists who have extensive teaching experience. They'll provide mentorship, guidance, and thoughtful feedback, along with individualized instruction to nurture your vision. They will also help you build a portfolio for your life after graduation, whether you plan to pursue a visual arts major in college or chart your own path.

As a student at our boarding school for visual arts, you will:

• Refine technical skills and use of two-dimensional media
• Apply a variety of materials and processes to creative problem-solving
• Analyze the meaning behind material, use of color, composition, space, and placement 
• Exhibit cognitive awareness of the formal or visual qualities of art and vocabulary, i.e. the elements and principles of design
• Learn how to document your body of artwork and create a digital platform to promote yourself and your work
• Take initiative for your artistic practice and be resourceful in finding appropriate materials

How to Apply

Core Curriculum

Portfolio Requirements

For information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.