Visual Arts

Two students outside during art class

Welcome to the Visual Arts Department

The West Valley College Art Department offers a comprehensive curriculum of courses in a variety of topics and media including art history, ceramics, computer arts & animation, design, drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

Art Department curriculum accommodates students with various goals and levels of experience. The faculty facilitate a supportive, creative learning environment where all students may explore their interests, whether transfer to four-year institutions and priority art schools, career options or self-exploration.

Our facilities include a bronze foundry, state-of-the art computer labs and lecture halls, ceramics, painting, and drawing studios.

Animation
Student project of jack-in-the-box

We offer a three-course curriculum in 3-D modeling and animation using Maya software and and Introduction to Computer Arts.


Sculpture and Ceramics
Female student working on ceramic project

The sculpture facilities include a bronze casting foundry and shop, ceramics studio for wheel throwing and hand-building, and 3-D printing.

Drawing and Painting
Student drawing on canvas in classroom

The Art Department at WVC offers coursework in Beginning Drawing, Expressive and Representational Drawing, Life Drawing, Watercolor and Oil/Acrylic Painting.


Art History
Leisurely Sunday afternoon

Many of our Art History classes are required courses for any degree in Fine or Applied Art and also meet GE requirements.

Photography
Black and white photo of humans on street

Photography courses are offered in commercial and fine art photographic application, using critique and discussion as a means of connecting technique to expression. Opportunities for students include learning to effectively navigate the contemporary field of photography, creating a technical foundation and building upon students’ creative perspective that will benefit them as working professionals and transfer students.

Last Updated 12/14/23