<p>Perhaps someone who attended a good art program can answer this better than I. However, I will give you my take, being married to a "well-known" interior designer for many years and in hiring many artists and designers for my business.</p>
<p>In design, there is no question in my mind that people can't make it without very good technical training. Certainly talent plays a role in all artistic careers,but I think that training is very crucial in design. Thus, if your sister wanted to go into interior design, Industrial design, graphic design or architecture . one of the new media programs ort even fashion design ( to a lessor extent), solid design training is not only very helpful but, in my opinion, a necessity!</p>
<p>As far as other fine art disciplines such as painting, sculpture, glass, fiber etc, it is more problematical. However, I do feel that it still becomes very useful. First, at a top art school, she will be exposed to sucessful people in her field of interest. Second, she will study with other top art kids and get a feel for how her work stacks up plus can learn a lot from the other students. Moreover, a good art school has some great facilities especially for looms, glass, sculpture etc. that she might not be able to afford on her own. She will also be exposed to the top facilities as well. </p>
<p>I should caveat all this in saying that there are a lot of art programs but not many teriffic art schools! She should go to one that has top name recognition and is accredited by the National Associationi of Schools of Art and Design ( research NASAD on the web for their web site.) I do know about the School of Art Institute in Chicago,but don't know if the Art Institute of Chicago is the same place. The former is well known.</p>
<p>Have your sis meet with her art teacher about what are some of the well- known, quality art schools or hire someone who is a successful teacher/artist to make recommendations. This forum has some recommendations. </p>
<p>Anyway, a curent art student or faculty member can probably provide more insight than I.</p>
<p>I should note one additional thing. If she is interested in painting, there are some great, non- accredited art schools known as Atlier school that teach are the way it was done hundreds of years ago. The Art Renewal Center is one such organization of schools, and there are others.</p>