
Fine Art
NCC’s Fine Art program helps develop a student’s artistic interests and strengths. As students build their portfolio, they will be encouraged to develop creativity through discovery.
Career Opportunities / Transfer Options / FAQ / Program Courses
Educating Tomorrow’s
Studio Artists & Educators
Exposure to career opportunities and educational options is an integral part of the program. By the end of the fourth semester, the disciplined and self-motivated student will draw from examples of all coursework for transfer to a college, university or art school. The successful student will also develop the skills in the presentation needed to pursue a career in the visual arts.
Drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and photography will showcase a deeper understanding of the student’s own ideas. The Individual Studio/Professional Practices course gives students the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of the art world through visits to museums, galleries and art centers in New York City, Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. In addition, students will speak with curators, gallery directors, art museum personnel and a visiting professional artist from New York who will help guide and critique their work.
Learning from Professional
Studio Artists
NCC’s Fowler Family Southside Center plays host to multiple exhibits throughout the year that showcases the paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photography, mixed media, conceptual art, film, and computer-generated new media by artists from NCC.
The Art faculty at NCC holds exhibitions in Communications Hall with open receptions to give students a chance to see their work and to talk to them about it.
Career Opportunities in Fine Art
A career in art is not limited to being a painter of canvases that get framed and sold in a gallery. Behind every piece of art in a newspaper, magazine, book, posture, brochure, website or display piece, there’s usually a commercial artist or a team of artists. Those interested in truly trying to make a career in one of the fine arts fields know that art is everywhere – from computer animation to film and TV stage sets. If art students truly apply themselves, they can pursue their passion not just in work created to hang in museums, but also in teaching art, art history or photography.

Studio Artist

Art Educators

Visual Art-Related careers
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow by 5 percent by 2020. Employment growth of artists depends, in large part, on the overall state of the economy, because purchases of art are usually optional.
Our Students Successfully Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of courses do you offer?
First-year art offerings include Drawing I, Drawing II, Principles of 2-D Design & Color, and Principles of 3-D Design. These courses emphasize essential skills for studying all of the visual arts. You will also take introductory courses in Art History, Computer Graphics, and Painting. Advanced Drawing and Painting follow, along with additional choices in 2-D and 3-D media such as Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Ceramics. In the final semester, Media Art features a synthesis of traditional art techniques and experimental digital technology.
During the final capstone course, Individual Studio/Professional Practices, you have the opportunity and personal challenge of synthesizing their accumulated experience and knowledge into a highly individualized series of artworks for a final group exhibition. You may also maintain an extensive sketchbook/journal and use this resource for writing assignments and studio work.
What kind of experiences do you offer?
The program also expands your knowledge of the professional fine art world through visits to museums, galleries, and art centers in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley. There, you will speak with artists, curators, gallery directors, and art museum personnel who will share their wealth of experience.
What are the application requirements?
Applicants to the program are required to submit a portfolio or pass an art test as part of the admission requirements.
Applicants to the program should contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for general information on applying to the College.
Who should apply for this program?
- High school graduates.
- College students.
- Studio artists seeking an opportunity to upgrade current skills and knowledge.
- Individuals considering a career change.
What will I learn in the program?
- You will learn to use basic art media (materials) and create artworks demonstrating acquired core techniques and their applications with proficient craftsmanship.
- You will understand and utilize design (elements of art and principles of organization) in the creation of successful artworks.
- You will show creativity (the process of synthesizing understanding and imagination) in design solutions on issues of form, style, and content.
- You will recognize and use the technical and aesthetic terminology of the fine arts.
- You will develop and use critical thinking skills to analyze artworks, both verbally and in writing.
- You will Understand the essential workings of the professional art world and be prepared to transfer to four-year colleges/universities/art schools offering the B.A. or B.F.A. degree.
Fine Art Courses
First Semester
Third Semester
Second Semester
Fourth Semester
63 total credit hours which includes 6 General Education electives**
** One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D). Students must take one Social Science Elective (SIT or SSHB) in a Writing Intensive (WI) section. MATH 120 The Nature of Mathematics is recommended for completing the Math requirement. Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program, specifically ARTA 111, 170, and 220. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement. **
This program requires the attendance of day classes and can not be completed taking only evening classes.
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Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020
610.861.5300