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The Creative Student's Guide to Minneapolis Art Education and Careers

...for students of art, design, fashion design, photography, film/video, advertising, interior design and other creative fields.

Visit our Complete Directory of
Minneapolis Art Schools and Art Colleges!

by C.J. Gustafson
ArtSchools.com Contributing Writer

art schools in Minneapolis Founded on the Mississippi River in 1849, the city of Minneapolis derives its name from the suggestion put forward by a schoolmaster, who twinned the native word "minnehaha," meaning "laughing waters," with the Greek "opolis" for city.

The 2000 census recorded 382,618 residents in an area of 54.89 sq. miles, which is subject to average temperature extremes ranging from 3-21F in January, and 60-80F in August. This doesn't slow down outdoor enthusiasts, however, as the city has 22 lakes affording opportunities for swimming in summer or skating in winter. The city is also home to the Mall of America, touted as the largest indoor shopping area in North America. On a somewhat less commercial front, Minneapolis also boasts 57 museums, including the Walker Arts Center, an arts facility with some of the highest attendance figures in the country.

This relatively high number of museums and outstanding attendance is a reflection of the city's strong commitment to the arts. Together with Saint Paul, an adjoining sister city, the Twin Cities area is home to several internationally-known artists and touring groups, and has a reputation for supporting the arts. Other well-known arts venues include the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Museum of Russian Art, and the Weisman Gallery at the University of Minnesota.

"Minneapolis has some of the best exhibits and cultural offerings around," said Kathy Johnson, a native of the city who is pursuing a photography career. "And we have wonderful photo opportunities, like the Conservatory at Como Zoo, the downtown skyline, and all the lakes and parks," she added. "But for me, I think the people are the key. I love to take my camera and head down to Lake Street where there is such a diverse group of people from all over the world. You never know what you're going to see. I've gotten some great candid shots."

In addition to its reputation as an important arts community, Minneapolis (and Minnesota as a whole) is known for being friendly and helpful. "They call it 'Minnesota nice,'" shared Becky Richards, a former faculty member at one of the arts schools. "Something in our genes just make us want to step in and help," she laughed. "In Minnesota, we go out of our way to help others."

photo degrees in Minneapolis Numerous organizations have been set up to do just that for artists and art students. Groups like the Minneapolis Arts Commission provide artists with information on arts schools, employment opportunities, galleries and other resources.

Perhaps it is this desire to reach out to others that has led to the large number of specialized schools for the art in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. The Brown Institute is an internationally recognized school of photography and also offers graphic design degrees. The Miami Ad School, which offers training for advertising careers, has a campus in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and The Art Institutes International, Minnesota are visual arts schools that focus exclusively on preparing undergraduate and graduate students for art and design careers. Schools such as these offer two-year Graphic Design and Interior Design degrees, and BS degrees in areas such as Advertising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Multimedia and Web Design.

Even the state colleges and universities have created special programs to accommodate visual arts students. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus features several areas of specialized disciplines including the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

art student in Minneapolis As a testament to its diverse yet specialized arts education environment, there also are niche schools such as the American School of Neon, as well as the Perpich Center for Arts Education, which provides an alternative high school learning environment for students interested in art, design, music, and fashion careers. Tuition for the different schools is as varied as the subject matter, and ranges from several thousand dollars per year at the state colleges to over $10,000 at the private art schools. Not surprisingly, numerous grants and special loan funds have been set up by local organizations and private individuals to assist arts students.

With a diverse culture, a broad range of arts education opportunities, and the many helpful and encouraging people who live there, Minneapolis is a welcoming place for students pursuing careers in the visual arts.

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