Art Schools in Minnesota
Crisp, clean air, sparkling Lake Superior, and grand Eagle Mountain. These are just a few things that make Minnesota so attractive to Americans from coast to coast and Canadians just across the border. The state is less than 300 miles from Winnipeg, and it also shares a border with North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While these states (and Canada) are popular excursions for Minnesotans, most natives are happy to have Minnesota as a base. Why? Because not only is Minnesota pristine, scenic, and centrally located, it’s an affordable (and fun) place to live, study, and work.
Minnesota has a number of principal cities including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington. Each has its own energy, a stable economy, and a lively art and culture scene. A bustling environment, art museums, galleries, production studios, and art & design centers can be found at every turn. Just a few Minnesota art museums include the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul, Duluth Art Institute, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
A number of Minnesota colleges and universities are also home to a nice collection of attractive art galleries. The College of Visual Arts Gallery in St. Paul, Denler Art Gallery of Northwestern College in St. Paul, and the Minneapolis Museum of Art at the University of Minnesota in Duluth are just a few examples.
Minnesota Art Schools
Nearly 300,000 students are enrolled in Minnesota’s 100+ accredited colleges and universities. Thousands are enrolled in art schools or art programs across the state. More than 900 aspiring artists are enrolled in the state’s top art schools alone. Scroll through the list below to take a look at Minnesota’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Duluth
University of Minnesota (Duluth) - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art, Graphic Design
Mankato
Minnesota State University (Mankato) - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art, Graphic Design; M. A. Art with Specialization in Graphic Design
Marshall
Southwest Minnesota State University – Degrees Offered: B. A. Art, B.A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design
Minneapolis
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Web and Multimedia Environments; M. F. A. Animation, Graphic Design; Graphic Design Certificate
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art, Graphic Design; M. F. A. Time and Interactivity (also called Experimental and Media Arts)
Moorehead
Minnesota State University (Moorehead) - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design; B. F. A. Art with Emphasis in Illustration; B. S. Graphic Communications with Emphasis in 3D Graphics, Digital Design and Production or Interactive Multimedia
St. Cloud
St. Cloud State University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design, Integrated Media
Employment and Salary Trends for Minnesota Artists
Minnesota is home to around 37,150 salaried artists. In 2002, it was home to 33,780.
The state gained more than 3,000 new artists and salaries increased as well. In 2002, Minnesota artists averaged $42,010. In 2010, they averaged $48,090. The mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290 in 2010. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.
Fine Artists: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota was home to 200 salaried fine artists in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased to 250. The average salary for fine artists increased as well—by more than $4,000. The average salary for Minnesota fine artists was $40,950 in 2002. In 2010, it was $44,970.
Art Directors: Minnesota had a population of 620 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased to 1,000. Salaries increased slightly during the same time period. In 2002, Minnesota art directors averaged $72,240. In 2010, they averaged $74,280.