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Emerging Art & Design

Art in Action

Purposeful Art, Creative Solutions

Art shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, from social media ads to kitchenware designs and the packaging of everyday products. In the Emerging Art & Design program at PEAK, students explore how art communicates and influences across cultures and periods. Through hands-on projects, they create, respond to, and connect with diverse designs while developing essential skills for today's world.

Using industry-standard technology and equipment, PEAK students conceptualize and produce artwork that addresses real-world issues. They build a professional portfolio, present in gallery exhibitions for peers and community partners, and work toward earning technical certifications in industry-recognized digital software.

The Emerging Art & Design pathway offers three areas of specialized study:

Media Arts

Art History

Studio Art

Each program builds on a common core of courses designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in creative fields.

The PEAK Emerging Art & Design pathway is available exclusively to Fort Smith Public Schools students.

Explore Our Programs

Unlock Your Potential

student doing art on screen

 

Media Arts

This PEAK program combines traditional artistic methods with digital manipulation to teach students industry best practices. Throughout the program, students will cultivate a unique design aesthetic and create a compelling professional portfolio. They will receive training and preparation for certification in Adobe software, including Illustrator, along with additional practice in Photoshop and InDesign.

As the demand for a strong digital presence grows, organizations increasingly need graphic artists and design professionals. There is a wide range of niche specialties in demand across industries, including package design, branding, website design, and digital illustration. Throughout our program, students will explore various topics, progressing from 2-D photography and illustrations to 3-D modeling and animation techniques, providing a solid foundation for students to build upon as they develop their chosen specialty.

Offered By: FSPS

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Outlook

3% Growth

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AR Median Wage

$62,430

Specialty Dependent

  

Potential Industries

Communications

Media Entertainment

Marketing

Freelance

Corporate Sector

  

Potential Careers

Graphic Designer

Web Designer

Special Effects Artist

Freelance

group of students listening to presenter and looking at an art piece

 

Art History

The Art History program equips students with the skills to analyze, interpret, and appreciate art from multiple perspectives. They will explore how archivists and curators acquire art for collections and how conservators restore artifacts for display. By diving into the world of art history, students will uncover valuable insights about society throughout time.

Completing this program can earn students up to nine university credits at UAFS based on Advanced Placement scores.

Offered By: FSPS

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Outlook

12% Growth

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AR Median Wage

$54,740

  

Potential Industries

Museums

Art Galleries

Public Institutions

Educational Institutions

  

Potential Careers

Curators

Archivist

Conservators

Gallery Director

two female students sitting at a long desk and working on a class project

 

Studio Art

The Studio Art program allows students to practice and refine their skills in creating fine, craft, or commercial artworks intended for sale or exhibition. They will experiment with various media, including both 2D and 3D, and learn how to apply new techniques to develop unique pieces for their personal portfolios.

Offered By: FSPS

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Outlook

6% Growth

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AR Median Wage

$46,400

  

Potential Industries

Crafter

Illustrator

Painter

Sculptor

Tattoo Artist

Art Educator

  

Potential Careers

Museums

Art Galleries

Craft Fairs

Educational Institutions