GCC Payson campus will offer AA degree in art

The Payson campus of Gila Community College offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Art and in Art Education. Upon completion of an AA degree, students will be able to transfer into a four-year college or university program, having most or all of their first two years of college education behind them.

Four new courses are currently being taught by instructor Jacque Jeffrey throughout each calendar year. Ms. Jeffrey will be teaching Fundamentals of Design in the fall semester. She describes the course as an introduction to composition which should be a requirement for all art students. Jeffrey believes that students who take painting classes, even if only as a hobby, shouldtake Fundamentals of Design. Good composition is the difference between professional and award-winning art and local artists who paint but rarely sell their work.

Ms. Jeffrey will be teaching Color and Design and Drawing during spring semester. Color and Design once again introduces the art student to composition and includes color theory. Color theory opens the door to a better understanding of not only fine art but also fashion design, interior design and commercial design.

Other required art courses include Printmaking, Sculpture, Figure Drawing, Beginning Oil Painting and Beginning Ceramics. These curriculum requirements total 22 credits.

A minimum of 35 credits in General Education courses is required and a total of 64 credits are necessary to complete the minimum AA degree requirements.

Financial aid is available. Contact the GCC Administration office for more information at 928-468-8039.