Paier College of Art


Paier College of Art is a private for-profit art college in Hamden, Connecticut. Paier is the only independent art college in Connecticut.

History

In 1946, Paier College of Art was established by Edward T. and Adele K. Paier as the Paier School of Applied Arts in West Haven, Connecticut. Paier absorbed students from the Whitney School of Art when it closed, leading to the new title Paier School of Art. Paier moved to New Haven in 1954 and then finally to 6 Prospect Court in Hamden in 1960 and in 1963 expanded to its present location. In 1982, Paier was accredited as a 4-year degree-granting college. In 2019, the Paier College of Art named Joseph Bierbaum, former president of Stone Academy, as its new president to succeed former president Jonathan Paier.

Academics

Paier College of Art focuses on training students for technical and professional careers as artists. Paier offers five Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs as well as four certificates and one Associate degree. The college also offers part-time and evening classes, continuing education, and electives in general education and liberal arts.

Accreditation

Paier College of Art is licensed by the Connecticut Board of Governors of Higher Education and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges. Paier College of Art has also previously been a member of the International Council of Design Schools.

Campus

Located in a suburban neighborhood, Paier's campus is composed of four buildings and maintains relationships with local student housing options in the surrounding community. Pair is situated just north of New Haven and numerous cultural resources like Yale's Art Gallery, museums, libraries and theaters. Paier is within commuting distance to Hartford, New York City, and Boston by car, bus, or train.

Galleries and events

Paier has a student gallery and a faculty gallery. The campus hosts annual Winter and Spring Art Shows, sales as well as a Fall Paier Picnic.

Notable alumni

Paier College of Art has graduated a number of successful artists including:
• Walter Wick, co-creator of the I Spy series
• Ruth Sanderson, book cover illustrator
• Tim O’Brien, who has drawn covers for Time Magazine, GQ & Rolling Stone
• Howard Porter of DC Comics and Marvel Comics
• Don Maitz, science fiction/fantasy artist
• George Wildman, cartoonist
• Allison Barrows, creator of the comic strip PreTeena
• Romas Kukalis, Canadian-American artist
• Tony Juliano, painter
• Vance A. Larson, painter
• Joseph Reboli, painter