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Paier College Of Art Takes Pride In Over Sixty Years Of Training And Educating Artists. We are proud of the achievements of our students and alumni. These individuals continue to receive high recognition from organizations representing the best in their chosen fields. Paier students and alumni continue to enjoy successful careers in the visual arts. Although the tools and methods of art are constantly changing, the strengths of our College have not. Computers have indeed become an essential part of the artist's portfolio. These technologies are reflected in all our departments, and the computer labs are well equipped with the current hardware and software. However, at Paier, computers are not an exclusive focus. In many respects, as the power of digital imaging and communication increases, the need for artistic fundamentals becomes even more critical. Recognizing that, our Foundation Year studies are still executed in pencil, pen, brush, and camera. The General Education Department also offers challenging courses in the liberal arts, contributing to the literate artist's development. Those who have the desire and ability to develop as artists are a select few. Paier College is dedicated to them—the future leaders in craft, communication, and culture. As an institution preparing students for professional careers in art, Paier College of Art, Incorporated, is committed to a program of learning and services that provides intensive practice in art skills development in art expression studies in general education and opportunities for growth in human values career programs leading to Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate in Fine Arts degrees concentrated study programs leading to diploma and certificate awards advice and counsel to aid students in their pursuit of educational, vocational, and personal goals opportunities of continuing education through part-time, and evening studies and extra-curricular activities designed to advance student awareness of social and cultural values. Paier College is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors of Higher Education. It has been granted authority by the Connecticut Legislature to award the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate of Fine Arts. Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges must have a published procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the College has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Commission. All complaints considered by the Commission must be in written form, with permission from the complainants, for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the College for a response. Financial Aid at Paier College of Art, Incorporated, is intended to supplement not a substitute for tuition and costs incurred for education. Rarely will assistance exceed tuition and, on average, meets 55% of the need determined by a Federal Needs Analysis. All documentation required by the Financial Aid Office must be provided before any aid determination is made or disbursed. Fine Arts encompasses a diversity of media and expression. However, at Paier, it deals primarily with picture-making – drawing and painting objects and figures, portraits, and landscapes. The Graphic Design field utilizes artists who can apply their skills to the selling of products and services. This field is characterized by a constant need for creative freshness in visual communication techniques. The illustration is one of the most demanding occupations of the visual arts. The artist-illustrator must think of both the conceptual nature of the image being presented and the range of technical possibilities. The Interior Design curriculum at PCA is designed to prepare students for this professional life and to provide the necessary training through a combination of education and employment opportunities. As its underlying basis, the photography program has recognized photography as a unique and elegant blend of science and art, which has evolved into one of the most influential media of communication on the planet. The school was established as the Paier School of Applied Art in 1946 by Edward T. and Adele K. Paier. The Pacers, who were experienced in business, education, and art, initially opened the school of Applied Art in West Haven, Connecticut. In 1954, another local art school known as the Whitney School of Art failed, and the Paier School assumed responsibility for continuing the Whitney students' education. This teach-out of Whitney led to the school changing its name to Paier School of Art. In 1954, the institution moved to New Haven, Connecticut. It introduced a new photography program, appointing William Gerdes, former Dean of the Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, to head the new photography program at Paier. The school's population base's resulting growth led to the institution moving to 6 Prospect Court in Hamden 1960 and 1963, expanding to Circular Avenue's current location. The College continues to offer students timeless and contemporary skills in the visual arts and a solid grounding in academics and human value systems necessary for growth and success in modern society. Career-oriented students can pursue study programs in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, interior design, or photography. The faculty is drawn from top professional ranks and provides instruction based on their fields' creative demands. Students willing to take on new and rigorous challenges can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to find a place in the productive stream of professional art. View full university