Art
Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.
– René Magritte
The Cypress College Art Department offers the first two years of transferable coursework toward bachelor’s degrees in Art History and Studio Arts, including Animation, Design, Illustration, Entertainment Arts, Art Education, Photography, Digital Arts, Graphic Design, Drawing and Painting, Textiles, Fashion, and related fields.
Our studio, design, and art history courses encourage creativity, exploration, critical thinking, and the use of both traditional and emerging technologies. Students develop strong foundations in concept, visual communication, collaboration, storytelling, craft, and creative process while exploring the connections between art and everyday life.
Because many entry-level careers in both commercial and traditional arts typically require a bachelor’s degree, transfer preparation is central to our program. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students build a strong foundation, successfully transfer to four-year universities and art and design schools, and prepare for careers in the arts.
What You’ll Study
- Fundamentals of Art
- Art
- Art History
- Modern Art History
- Arts of Africa, Oceania and Indigenous North America
- Two-Dimensional Design
- Three-Dimensional Design
- Digital Art
- Color Theory
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Crafts
- Ceramics Handbuilding
- Ceramics Throwing
- Technical and Conceptual Ceramics
- Ceramic Studio Exploration
- Ceramic Aesthetics and Finishes
- Art Open Laboratory
- Gallery Studies: Exhibition Preparation and Installation Techniques
- Gallery Studies: Exhibition Organization and Management Techniques
- Portfolio Development and Professional Practices
- Contemporary Art Studio
- Jewelry Design
- Metalsmithing
- Drawing
- Life Drawing
- Life Painting
- Portrait Painting
- Painting
- Latin American Art
- Illustration
Catalog
Visit our catalog for more information about the degrees and certificates, courses, and program learning outcomes for students majoring in Art.
Careers & Salary
Careers
- Art Teacher, Postsecondary
- Craft Artist
- Fine Artist
- Painter
- Sculptor
- Illustrator
- Secondary School Teacher
Salary
- Low: $22k
- Average: 462k
- High: $187k
Program Mapper
What Students Say
“My first art professor at Cypress really inspired me. He not only taught valuable knowledge and assigned interesting projects, but also helped me believe in my art skills and ability. Hence, I chose art with a concentration in graphic design as my major.”
Nhi Nguyen
Faculty
- Jose Flores Nava
- Ed Giardina
- Janet Owen Driggs
- Paul Paiement
Adjunct Faculty
- Rhiannon Aarons
- Tetsuji Aono
- Zeina Baltagi
- Mary Beierle
- Kaleeka Bond Quaye
- Alana Carnahan
- Carleton Christy
- Nzuji De Magalhaes
- Ja’Rie Gray
- Tammie Hahn
- Michael Hanson
- Zeal Harris
- Regina Harrod
- Desmond Jervis
- Cody Jimenez
- Kellan King
- Kim Morris
- Jeff Netzer
- Cleveland Palmer
- Brenda Starks
- Arya Vasudevan
Art Department
Location: Visual and Performing Arts, Building 2
Phone: (714) 484-7134
Department Chair: Ed Giardina, egiardina@cypresscollege.edu