Overview
If you are interested in working with your hands and crafting new things, you can consider craft schools. You can learn to make things with glass, clay, ceramics, fiber, or metals. Some of the things that these programs teach are making of glassware, jewelry, statues, hand woven clothing, and pots, to name a few. Colleges offer bachelors of fine arts and masters of fine arts in crafts. Some schools also have certificate programs in craft.
Benefits
The benefits in attending a craft school are plenty. A degree in craft fine tunes your natural skills and abilities and gives you the confidence to move in the art world. You can make lot of professional contacts in the schools and meet celebrities in the field of art and craft. If you have completed master of fine arts degree, then you gain the qualification to teach in colleges.
A degree in fine arts in crafts opens up many avenues for working. Some of the career opportunities include advertising, architecture, interior design, jewelry, education, fashion, and cinematography. Some job titles are art director, designer, landscape designer, color consultant, art historian, weaver, ceramist, dress maker, and tool designer.
Costs
The cost of studying in craft schools depends on the school and the program that you choose to study in. A private college may charge more fees than a vocational or community college. Other expenses include costs of craft materials, study materials, food, and housing.
Schools
There are many vocational and art schools that have programs in art and craft. Penland School for Crafts, Arrowmont School of Art and Craft, College for Creative Studies, and Oregon College of Art and Craft are some of the colleges that offer such programs in craft. Some schools also conduct workshops that may extend from a few hours to a couple of days. You can also enroll in such seminars and workshops to polish your skills.
Testing & Preparation
Craft schools generally do not rely on standardized test scores for admission. It would be based on your capabilities. Students who want to study in crafts schools should have the interest and inclination towards art and crafts. They should be creative and innovative because these programs are designed to hone the skills and talents that they already have.
Financial Aid
You can avail financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, or scholarships. Banks offer student loans that have to be returned after a particular period of time. Scholarships and grants are preferable as you do not have to pay them back. You can apply for Federal Stafford Loans and Plus Loans for student loans. Arrowmont School of Arts and Science offer Dr. Judith Temple Scholarship Fund to talented students.
