123 York Street (Route 1 South), Kennebunk, ME 04043
Tel 207-985-0985 • Fax 207-985-6333 • Email

Academic Programs

Heartwood College of Art prides itself on offering an integrated curriculum of liberal education, art foundations, and art studio courses.  Unique to HCA is the relationship of required liberal education courses to the world of art. The purpose of the integrated curriculum is to present  a holistic concept of art preparation.  Art includes history, writing skills, mathematics, psychology, sociology, etc., and these disciplines are the foundations upon which the artist creates. 

Heartwood’s curriculum is a learning outcomes-based program, whereby students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate to the discipline. HCA’s programs of study are created so that students are eligible for an Associate Degree upon successful completion of the first two years of outlined study. HCA offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, an Associate of Arts Degree and a certificate program in three fields of concentration: Design and Crafts, Fine Arts and Photography. Heartwood is licensed by the State of Maine to grant Associate and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. We are currently involved in the national accreditation process with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Accreditation status is available by contacting the Heartwood Office.

Heartwood also offers community classes and a summer program for children and adults (non-credit).

Programs of Study

HCA offers Certificate, Associate (AA), and Bachelor Degrees (BFA) in: 

Design & Crafts (Ceramics, Jewelry, Weaving and Glass)

Fine Arts (Painting, Drawing and Printmaking)

Photography

 

Art Foundations

All degree seeking students must complete 21 credits in Art Foundations as a component of their first two years at HCA.  Art Foundations include Art History I and II, Drawing I and II, Advanced Drawing/Anatomy, Color and Design I and II, Three-Dimensional Design, World Crafts or History of Photography.  Your grade point average in Foundation and Studio courses must be a minimum of 3.0.

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Liberal Arts courses are required of all degree seeking students.  The Associate Degree program includes 15 credits in English, History, Mathematics, Psychology and Sociology.  The Bachelor of Fine Art Degree includes the 15 credits for the Associate Degree plus and additional 27 credits for a total of 42 credits in Liberal Arts and Humanities.

Professional Study

BFA students are also required to complete 4 credits in professional courses including Techniques and Materials and Promo Design and Business.  Students will plan and install a Gallery exhibition as a final project prior to graduation.

Certificate Program

Heartwood offers a certificate program in three concentrations: Design & Crafts, Fine Arts, and Photography.  This program is defined as a concentration in one field of art with a general understanding of the history and techniques associated with the chosen medium.  All of the 28 credits required for a certificate must be earned at Heartwood College of Art.  Certificate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their field of concentration.

Associate of Arts Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The BFA is a continuation of the Associate of Arts Degree (AA).  The AA provides the foundation for the BFA.  Students wishing to earn a BFA will successfully complete the 64 credit AA degree and continue with the third and fourth years of study to complete a BFA (total 124 credits).