Michigan Art Institute to Start Classes in Troy

Art students living in or near Troy will have another education option this fall as the Art Institute of Michigan will offer more than a dozen programs in October at its new campus at 1414 E. Maple Road.

One of 50 satellite locations of the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, The Art Institute of Michigan – Troy will be the joining the institute’s to provide additional opportunities in the state.

Turner Berg, campus director for the Troy location, said the juxtaposition to downtown Detroit and surrounding suburbs strategically positions the new campus. “There couldn’t be a better location,” Berg said. “Troy has always been known as a business and educational hub, so it was logical to come here.”

Echoing the city’s motto of being the “City of Tomorrow, Today,” the institute brings its own slogan of “Create Tomorrow” to the some 18,900 square-feet of classroom space currently being remodeled. Berg said the institute meets the needs of today’s market by providing a blend of industry experience and academic knowledge.

Initial offerings will include bachelor’s degree programs in Digital Photography; Fashion Marketing and Management; Graphic Design; Interior Design; Media Arts and Animation; and Web Design and Interactive Media; associate’s degree programs in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing; and Graphic Design; and diploma programs in Digital Image Management; Fashion Retailing; Web Design and Development; and Interactive Communications.

“We are excited to expand our fashion, design and media arts programs in the greater Detroit community,” said John Mazzoni, president of The Art Institutes. “After looking at the amount of creative talent and the professional opportunities in this area, we knew there was no question about where to open an additional location in the state.”

The Art Institute of Michigan – Troy hopes to make an important contribution to the economic growth and social well being of the Detroit communities that it serves, providing higher education opportunities that prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the creative arts professions they have selected.

However, Berg said the Institute hopes to attract a variety of students, from recent high-school graduates to seasoned professionals. “There really isn’t a typical student,” he said.

Classroom sizes will allow for a maximum of about 30 students, which Berg said would provide optimum instructor to student ratios. He said the institute provides a less-than formal setting to focus on creative learning and immersion with others. And Berg described a virtual candy store of resources and classroom supplies available to students.

“We really do have it all,” he said.

Troy Patch Editor Kevin Elliott contributed to this report.