Fine Arts

AAI offers instruction in visual arts, media arts, theatre, and music. We are a Career Technical Education Arts Program that provides a teaching staff of professionals in the arts strands and classes that prepare students for advanced education and career paths. The program is committed to expanding boundaries and vision through in-depth study and career preparation. We are designated by the Department of Education as a model CTE Arts, Media, and Entertainment Demonstration site. We offer pathways in Visual Art, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Technical Theatre. 

The AAI program is for all students in grades 10-12 who are dedicated to the arts. The program includes:

• workshops both during and after the regular school day with artist-teachers who are professionals in their arts-related fields
• an admissions process that is open to everyone who completes the prerequisite course and fills out an application
• innovative seminars and speakers in career exploration
• regular performances, exhibits, and publications in the community
• extra-curricular plays, musicals, and performing groups
• internships and job-shadowing experiences

Admissions Process

All students who would like to be a part of the Arcata Arts Institute must take a foundation-level art class and fill out an application in the Spring for the following year. The application includes:

• a personal essay indicating academic and art goals
• a recommendation from a teacher or professional
• an unofficial transcript
• a resume
• submission of a portfolio of work, or an audition
• completion of a foundation course (pre-requisite) or other art experiences

This is not an exclusionary process. Any student who passes the prerequisite course and fills out the application will be admitted. We consider this application process the start of the student’s pre-professional training. It gives students the experience of applying to a program and organizing a portfolio or audition. Teachers are there to assist the students along the way. For more information, visit www.artsinstitute.net.

SUGGESTED PATHWAY FOR FINE ARTS STUDENTS

UC/CSU FOUR-YEAR PLAN WITH ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED YEARS OF

SCIENCE, MATH, AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE