Integrated arts courses give students the freedom to explore multiple art forms instead of focusing on just one. The program balances structure and flexibility, helping students build a strong foundation in essential art skills while also allowing them to explore areas that align with their passions. Coursework encourages experimentation, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines, allowing students to mix painting, photography, design, animation, and more in ways that develop their creativity and personal style. By exploring multiple mediums and techniques, students gain the versatility and confidence needed to create a unique artistic identity and prepare for a variety of creative careers.
“Villa is the most welcoming and non-judgmental college I’ve ever been to,” shared Mike Taheri, a retired lawyer and former law professor who takes integrated arts classes on campus. “The faculty takes the time to learn every student’s name in class and spends an unlimited time with students answering questions. There’s just an abundance of compassion and respect here,” he said.
Building a Strong Artistic Foundation
The first stage of Villa’s integrated arts program focuses on developing core skills and understanding the fundamentals of art. Students gain hands-on experience with basic techniques and learn to analyze and interpret creative work, giving them the tools they need to experiment and grow.
Mike appreciates how accessible and personal Villa’s learning environment is. “The class sizes are perfect, usually about 10 to 14 students, so you’re not just another face in the room,” he said.
To start, students take foundational courses that introduce essential concepts and hands-on practice across key areas:
Two-Dimensional Design
In this course, students explore the key elements of design, including composition, balance, rhythm, and contrast. Hands-on projects help them develop visual problem-solving skills and learn how to turn abstract ideas into clear, compelling visual forms.
Drawing
Students build their drawing skills through exercises that focus on line, form, shading, and perspective. Combining observation and imagination, they learn to express ideas visually, gain confidence, and strengthen their ability to tell stories through art.
Art History
These courses survey major artistic movements and influential creators from ancient times to the present. Students learn how art reflects culture, society, and history, and gain the context to better understand and shape their own creative choices.
Color Theory
Students study color both scientifically and emotionally, experimenting with mixing and applying hues to achieve desired effects. They explore how color, value, and saturation influence mood, enhance design, and create visual harmony in their work.
Exploring Art Forms and Interests
After building foundational skills, students begin experimenting with different disciplines to discover their personal style and artistic focus. This stage balances creative exploration with practical skills that connect art to the professional world.
“While here, I encourage students to be open to learning as much as they can,” Mike shares. “Be comfortable being vulnerable and not knowing. Take advantage of the many classes, experiences, and people that Villa has to offer.”
Students take courses that combine creative experimentation with real-world skills and professional knowledge:
Principles of Marketing
Students are introduced to core marketing concepts such as branding, consumer behavior, and strategy. The course shows how artists and designers can promote their work, connect with audiences, and collaborate effectively with businesses.
Information and Media Literacy
This course teaches students to critically evaluate information and use it responsibly in a media-rich environment. Lessons cover digital research, communication ethics, and the role of media in shaping public perception.
Principles of Advertising
Students explore how advertising communicates through visuals and storytelling. Topics include campaign strategies, understanding target audiences, and developing creative messages that combine art and design to create compelling campaigns.
Photo Imaging and Design
Students learn to capture, edit, and manipulate images using professional software. The course emphasizes composition, lighting, and creative decision-making to produce polished, professional-quality photographs and designs.
Advanced Art Electives
As students progress, they dive deeper into their chosen areas and explore advanced electives that allow them to merge disciplines, experiment creatively, and tackle more complex projects. Classes also emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and portfolio development.
Electives give students the freedom to specialize or experiment across multiple fields, combining skills and ideas in innovative ways. Common choices include:
Animation
These courses cover 2D and 3D animation, character design, and storytelling. Students create motion-based art while experimenting with style, technique, and narrative structure.
Digital Filmmaking
Students explore cinematography, directing, editing, and sound design to tell visual stories. Projects teach narrative skills and multimedia production in professional-quality formats.
Interior Design
Courses in this field focus on designing functional and visually appealing spaces. Students study CAD, color theory, spatial planning, and practical considerations for interior environments.
Fine Arts
Students continue traditional studio practice in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. These courses encourage refinement of technique and development of a personal artistic voice.
Graphic Design
These classes cover design thinking, branding, typography, and digital layout. Students learn to create visually engaging and strategically effective projects for a variety of platforms.
Digital Media and Communication Design
Students who take these classes learn how to apply creativity with technology through UX/UI, digital illustration, and multimedia production. Students gain skills in creating interactive and visually compelling digital experiences.
Bringing It All Together
The final semesters of Villa’s Integrated Arts program focus on combining everything students have learned over the previous years. Students develop a cohesive body of work that reflects their personal style, creative growth, and versatility across different art forms.
During this year, students complete a senior pre-thesis and thesis project, which challenges them to synthesize multiple techniques and ideas into polished, professional-quality work. They also take part in internships, gaining real-world experience and insight into creative careers. By the end of the program, students assemble a portfolio that showcases their strongest work and prepares them for jobs, galleries, or graduate programs.
Grow, Create, and Succeed at Villa
Villa provides students with the freedom to explore multiple creative outlets while building professional skills and a unique artistic voice. A highlight of the program is the Catalyst Visiting Artist Series, founded and sponsored by Mike and his wife, Josette. The program brings world-renowned contemporary artists to campus for talks, workshops, and portfolio reviews.
“Every student, from freshman to senior, gets a chance to meet a working contemporary artist in an intimate setting,” Mike explains. “They don’t just listen to a talk. They also participate, create in a workshop, and get personal feedback from these professionals. That opportunity doesn’t exist in most other art programs around the country,” Mike says.
Combined with small class sizes, hands-on mentorship, and access to professional-grade studios, Villa gives students the guidance, inspiration, and real-world experience they need to grow as confident, versatile artists.
