Former City Editor Ana here. 👋 I’m back today because Ijumpedat the chance to take part in Type Designing — a course offered by Greenville Tech’s Department of Visual Arts program.

You don’t have to have any formal art training to enroll in the two-year program. Bonus: The coursework is rigorous but fun and taught by experienced professors who care.

Here’s how you (or the artsy student in your life) can Try This.

What we tried (with pricing):

Unfortunately, you can’t just walk in and spend a day in class like we did. However, you can enroll in the Visual Arts program and work towards an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree by completing one of five transfer tracks.

Another option would be to get a Certificate in Arts — which includes advanced arts training but without the additional general education courses required for a degree.

What not to miss:

The work of all the seriously talented students. The Benson Galleries showcases two exhibitions per semester of work by a professional artist. On Thurs., Oct. 27 from 6-8 p.m. a Halloween Costume Gala will kick off the 2022 Visual Arts Annual Student Exhibit. This exhibit will be on display at the Benson Campus until Fri., Dec. 2.

The “before” of our printmaking process. DYK the blocks surrounding the words are known as “furniture.” | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

Other than the passion and knowledge of our hosts and professors (Department Head Shane Howell and Studio Manager Pat Owens), Christine and I really enjoyed learning about all the colloquialisms rooted in printmaking.

Did you know that the saying “I’m all out of sorts” actually means you’re all out of the letters you need to make your print (according to some in the business)?

Ana learning how to apply ink (you actually don’t need a lot) with Studio Manager Pat Owens. | Photo by GVLtoday team

Things to know if you go:

Don’t let the $0 tuition fool you — these classes pack a rigorouspunch for students seeking to embark on a career in the arts.

Experience: Greenville Tech’s two-year Visual Arts Program
Price: $0 tuition for Spring 2023
Website: gvltec.edu/academics_learning/arts-sciences/visual_arts/index.html
Address: Benson Campus, 2522 Locust Hill Rd., Taylors, SC
Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube*

All of the studios we saw at the Benson Campus have beautiful lighting for the artists at work. | Photo by GVLtoday team