A Creative Community that Pushes Your Best Self Forward
Art, Design, and Cosmetology Programs at Kirtland
Kirtland values the different perspectives and experiences that our students bring with them. Our learning communities are strengthened because of how much our students learn from and challenge each other.
Our creative studies programs are the best examples of this!
When our students talk about their time spent in our art studio or our salon, they talk as much about people as they do the artistic practice and trade they’re mastering.
During her first year in the art program, Paige said it best: “I felt connected to others and Kirtland right away. And a lot of that is because of the community you build in the art program.”
For creatives, community is key—finding your voice and your passion is a journey, and it’s important to have others who challenge and encourage you along the way. We’re confident that’s exactly what you’ll find at Kirtland.
Faculty Mentors
Our cosmetology and art instructors work side-by-side with their students, not only instructing them but working with them to hone their trade and craft. And, that kind of investment in their students doesn’t stop at graduation.
“I can tell you where my students went after Kirtland, what they did, and where they are now,” says Scott Rice, Faculty Lead in Art and Design. “Often, I’m right there with them as they accept a big scholarship to Kendall or CCS, or when I get the call telling me they landed a dream job with Marvel Studios, the head of a graphic design firm or just sold their first work of art. These are some of the moments you cherish as an instructor and mentor.”
Professional Settings for Learning
The Grayling campus features studio and salon spaces that simulate professional working environments and inspire students to practice being the professional they’re aspiring to be.
Artistic Expression in Various Forms
Cosmetology and Esthetician Programs
Our cosmetology salon rivals some of the best academies in the State, allowing students to practice every aspect of salon management and services. When they have earned enough practice hours, students provide salon services to actual clients. The program is an exclusive Redken hair color salon, and Redken professionals provide additional training in how students can run and promote their future businesses.
Options galore!
You can hit the ground running with our one-year certificate that will prepare you for the State licensure test. Our students’ pass rate is 100%! Certification and licensure allows you to start working as a salon professional.
From there, you can add another year of education to your certificate and earn your associate degree, which can expand your readiness to open and manage your own salon.
Interested students can also gain an add-on special certificate to provide esthetician services, which expands their skills further and provides them options to work at spas and clinics.
(students at work in the cosmetology lab — click on a thumbnail to view gallery)
Art and Design
Options that support your artistic vision
Kirtland offers a one-year certificate for students who want to hone their graphic design skills and develop expertise in current design software applications like the Adobe suite. This program is hands-on, encouraging students to create visual designs for applications in marketing, promotion, and visual storytelling.
For fine artists aspiring to learn a variety of techniques, our two-year Foundations of Art and Design Degree explores a variety of artistic practices—traditional 2D (drawing and painting) and 3D (sculpture) forms, as well as digital art.
Don’t take our word for it
Though not technically a transfer program, many Kirtland graduates go on to art schools and universities, having built an impressive portfolio of work while at Kirtland. In fact, Kendall College of Art and Design regularly recruits our students (and offers significant scholarships), because our graduates are some of the most talented in the State.
(examples of student artwork — click on a thumbnail to view gallery)
Explore…
Talk with Admissions
Ready to Jump In?
Still unsure? Let’s talk!
Find out if we’re a fit for you by connecting with us. We’d love to learn about what you’re looking for, and we can discuss whether Kirtland is the right choice.
In fact, there’s no better way to see for yourself than to see for yourself. We’re confident that the best way to make your decision is by visiting our learning spaces and meeting the faculty you’ll learn from and the students you’ll learn with.
It’s free to apply to Kirtland, so get the process started today!
Or reach out to set up a tour or to start a conversation with someone from our Admissions Team who can put you in touch with your future creative mentor in either cosmetology or art and design.