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An art historian studies the different types and styles of art and artists throughout history and is often in a position to help others understand and appreciate the significance of art and artists through the ages.
Some art historians also work to preserve and restore pieces of art that have been damaged or degraded over time. This type of work requires artistic abilities and experience in order to accurately restore them to the original artist's work.
Students with a degree in art history often work in museums or art galleries, where they manage, curate and arrange exhibits. Other careers include college professors, archivists, museum registrars, museum technicians, preservationists and art restoration professionals.
A Studio Art focus provides students with a knowledge of a variety of artistic techniques. Students hone their artistic and creative skills to transform sketches, data and verbal instructions into works of art.
Studio Art cultivates critical thinking skills, and prepares students for continuing studies in graphic design, marketing and visual design.
Experience with design principles and the knowledge of artistic techniques prepares students for rewarding careers as painters, illustrators, animators and scientific artists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 5,500 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth for artists depends largely on the overall state of the economy and whether people are willing to spend money on art, because people usually buy art when they can afford to do so. During good economic times, people and businesses are interested in buying more artwork; during economic downturns, they generally buy less. However, there is always some demand for art by private collectors and museums.
Job growth for craft and fine artists may be limited by the sale of inexpensive, machine-produced items designed to look like handmade crafts. A continued interest in locally made products and crafted goods will likely offset some of these employment losses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $53,140 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $117,590.
