Study Art & Design at Western Colorado
Welcome to Western’s Art & Design program, one of the standout art schools in Colorado where tradition meets innovation! Our program blends classic techniques with contemporary tools, giving you a rock-solid foundation in design and drawing. The small class environment fosters one-on-one interaction with our faculty, giving you enhanced and personalized guidance to grow as an artist or designer. Beyond the studio, you’ll dive into diverse courses that explore how art influences culture and society, equipping you with the skills to tackle modern issues through your unique artistic voice. Whether it’s design, drawing, or photography, Western offers endless opportunities to develop your personal creative vision and design your future.
I’ve always excelled in smaller environments, and Western fit that perfectly. The school attracts high-quality professors because this community and the land around us are incredible.
– Mallory Logan, 2008
Since graduating from Western, Mallory has now run a very successful marketing and creative company, RoShamBo, right in Gunnison!
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Master the Foundation of Design & Drawing
Whether you’re into painting or digital art, the core skills of design and drawing are the basis for everything you do. With hands-on studio classes and personalized guidance, you’ll be prepped to tackle any creative field.
Quigley Art Gallery
Western’s large scale, newly renovated, on-campus art gallery showcases world-class artists and student exhibitions. Each month kicks off with exciting convos where professional artists and students share their knowledge and display their work!
Get Creative at Quigley Hall
Western’s art building features a ceramics studio, darkroom, drawing studio, graphic design studio, jewelry studio, painting studio, printing lab, printmaking studio, 3d and 2d foundation studio, and woodworking shop.
Why is Western one of the best art and design schools in Colorado?
When searching for art schools in Colorado, Western Colorado University stands out with its small class sizes, enabling an environment rich in one-on-one instruction and connection-building. Students gain valuable real-world experience through hands-on learning and gain inspiration from campus and local art communities. Here are some examples of the hands-on learning:
- Digital arts majors get to participate in real-world application for the community every year. From logos for the Gunnison creative district, to posters for The Gunnison River Festival, and even informational signage at highline lake park there’s no shortage of fun and interactive projects that help our community.
- Visual Arts Majors take their creativity beyond the classroom, drawing inspiration from over 2 million acres of stunning public land surrounding campus. Favorite spots for plein air painting and drawing include the iconic Hartman Rocks and the serene Blue Mesa Reservoir—both just 20 minutes from campus!
- Anyone pursuing an Art and Design Degree gets full access to newly renovated studio spaces and after-hours access, you will never feel restricted in using our resources, enabling you to create what you want when you want.
Top Three Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University
Our unbeatable location
Western’s location in the beautiful Gunnison Valley is like no other. With access to 2 million acres of public land, 700+ miles of single-track trails, and Crested Butte Ski Resort within 30 minutes of campus, Western is the perfect place to find adventure and education.
Our close-knit community
From students to ranchers to service workers and even the ski bums, the eclectic community is what makes this Valley so close. With community-wide events like Cattleman’s Days and the Night of Lights, it’s easy to feel at home here at Western.
Our class environment
Western’s close connections allow you to create real relationships with professors inside and outside the classroom. The average class size of 17 means you get to work closely with professors to define your own personalized educational experience.
Why should I attend a Liberal Arts school?
At Western, we believe a liberal arts education provides a well-rounded foundation that prepares students to handle anything life throws at them. Our approach focuses on teaching students how to think critically, not just what to think.
No matter what you choose to study within any program at Western, the foundation of a Liberal Arts education will give you the knowledge you need to achieve your goals after you graduate.
What can I study in Art & Design at Western?
To ensure your degree aligns with your goals, you can choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, depending on your preferred discipline. The Art & Design Department offers emphasis concentrations in graphic design, ceramics, jewelry, painting, studio art, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and K-12 art education licensure. Additionally, there is a minor available in web design, allowing you to tailor your creative journey in the direction that best suits you.
We're here to help!
Wondering if Art & Design is right for you? Connect with our friendly Admissions team or schedule a visit!