Solano College ARTS

Bring your stories to life this summer!

Discover the art, history, and techniques of animation in DMA 040: Introduction to Animation. Learn how movement, storytelling, character development, and visual design come together to create compelling animated experiences using industry-standard software.

- In-person instruction
- Explore animation and interactive media
- Build creative, technical, and storytelling skills
- Perfect for aspiring animators, artists, gamers, and creators

Through hands-on projects, you’ll develop your visual literacy, critical thinking, and animation skills while exploring how motion can communicate ideas and tell powerful stories.

June 15–August 7
Solano College
Monday–Thursday, 1:00–4:05 PM
Fairfield campus, room 1315

Whether you’re dreaming of working in animation, game design, motion graphics, or digital storytelling, this is the perfect place to start.

Learn the fundamentals of graphic design this summer!

Join Introduction to Digital Design with instructor Ana Ignatescu, beginning June 15. Explore the building blocks of great design, including color, typography, layout, image editing, vectors, and visual hierarchy while creating projects using industry-standard tools.

- In-person instruction
- Monday–Thursday, 1:00–4:05 PM
- Perfect for beginners
- Build creative and professional skills

Whether you’re interested in graphic design, marketing, social media, digital art, or simply want to strengthen your visual communication skills, this course is a great place to start.

June 15–August 7
Vallejo Center, Room 129
Monday–Thursday, 1:00–4:05 PM

Enroll today and make this your most creative summer yet!

A little end-of-semester appreciation post — we’re just now getting around to sharing highlights from Stephanie Badua-Smail’s visit to our Intermediate Graphic Design class at the Vallejo Center on April 22!

We were excited to welcome Solano College alumna Stephanie Badua-Smail .jpg to Rachel Smith’s Intermediate Graphic Design class at the Vallejo Center! Stephanie, a Vallejo native and Marketing Coordinator for Mare Island Brewing Co., shared her experiences working in a creative field while coming from a background similar to many of our students.

Her honesty, generosity, and real-world perspective gave students valuable insight into creative careers beyond the classroom. Thank you, Stephanie, for taking the time to speak with our students and for giving back to the Solano community!

We love welcoming alumni and guest speakers into our classes. If you’re interested in sharing your professional or creative journey with our students, we’d love to hear from you — get in touch!

Student art sale tomorrow!

Looking for a gift for Mother’s Day, a friend of family member, or something for yourself? Stop by our art show reception - we’ll have student art for sale and refreshments!

Join us from 11 to 1 PM in Herger Gallery in building 1300.

Curious what life after Solano looks like?

Meet Stephanie Badua-Smail, a Solano alum and San José State University graduate, now working as a Creative Marketing Coordinator for Mare Island Brewing Co.

Stephanie will be speaking with our students about her path from Solano to the creative industry—sharing insights, challenges, and advice.

Join us:
📍 Vallejo Campus
🗓 Wednesday, April 22
🕐 1:00 PM

All are welcome.

Today is the last day to submit work to our student art show! Click the link in our bio to submit digital work, or bring your physical framed work, or sculptures, to room 1302 by 5 p.m!

We are offering FREE framing workshops for students participating in our Solano College Arts Art Show, coming up next week on Tuesday and Wednesday! The deadline to submit work for the art show is March 27, all work must be framed or have a hanger attached for installation!

We’re featuring members of our student community for our Follow Friday series - meet Faith, .calvelo, a Solano College Arts student, currently taking courses in illustration, design and typography! If you’re a Solano College Arts student and you’d like to be featured here - fill out our profile form at the link in our bio!

“Hello! My name is Faith Calvelo. I am currently a Graphic Design and Interactive Design major, as well as a beach volleyball student-athlete here at Solano College. I am from Napa Valley CA, and my hobbies include: volleyball, art/journaling/designing, cooking/baking, traveling, listening to music, working out, watching sports, and hanging out with friends & family :)

I have many childhood memories of being creative, but the ones that stuck out the most are probably drawing within the coloring book lines for the first time, teaching my little brother how to draw when we were in pre-school, learning how to make brownies with my mom, and singing in the car with my dad.

One project I am most recently proud of is a painting of two pink hibiscus flowers I created for my mother’s birthday in August.

My favorite thing about Solano College Arts is the people - students and professors. I love coming to school and learning everyday - the Solano College Arts department is such a positive/sweet community, and I have made some great friends and memories in all of my classes which has made my academic journey so much fun!”

Stay tuned for more student profiles in the coming weeks!

Congratulations to one of our talented students for being selected as a Top 20 Finalist in the 2025 Bridgegood Inspire Oakland competition! 🌟

In her own words:
“This project is inspired by the Mexican community and Catholic traditions that take place every December in Oakland — a time to celebrate a figure deeply honored by my people.

Creating my billboard was a way to share the joy of gathering with my family and community — and to express that story visually through art.

The process was time-consuming at first, but it reminded me that quality always beats quantity! I was thrilled to present my work to Bridgegood and see so many incredible projects from other students.

Grateful and proud to be selected as one of the Top 20 contestants — and thankful for the guidance and encouragement from Professor Rachel Smith and the Solano College Arts program. ”