Expression, Freedom, and Artistic Diversity
Our goal is to help you discover your own artistic expression. Through exploration and experimentation, you will develop your personal visual language and gain confidence in bringing your ideas to life.
Guided by professional artists, you’ll experiment with different techniques and materials to find your unique creative voice. No prior experience is required — only curiosity, courage, and a willingness to challenge yourself.
Have a “crazy” idea? That’s often the perfect place to start!
The Art class gave me the opportunity to explore techniques I never would have tried otherwise and challenged me to think about art in new ways. My year at Agder helped me find my path forward in life and career, and it has given me friends for life.
Kaia Ulvestadhaug, tidligere elev
What do you learn?
Gain hands-on experience with a range of techniques and materials.
- Exhibition Design: Planning and execution – at the school and in local venues
- Painting: Watercolor, acrylic, oil – exploring color and symbolism
- Drawing: Figure, model, and portrait – using pencil, charcoal, ink, and pen
- Drawing: Figure, model, and portrait – using pencil, charcoal, ink, and pen
- Ceramics: Stoneware and porcelain – building, modeling, throwing, and casting
- Sculpture: Clay, plaster, wood, and stone
- Collage & Assemblage: Ready-mades and object art
- Bookbinding: Japanese techniques and simple hand-binding
- Textile Art: Painting, redesign, and natural dyeing of yarns
- Woodcarving: Kitchenware and artistic objects
- Photography & Video: Analog and digital, workshops, and animation
Workshops and Facilities
- Ceramics Studio in its own building, equipped with a wood-fired kiln
- Printmaking Studio with a press
- Wood and Stone Workshop
- Atelier with 24/7 access, ample natural light, and large windows
- Photography Studio, darkroom, and video/animation facilities
Visiting Artists throughout the year
We draw inspiration from the outside world! Previous guest artists include:
Tove Krogh (Printmaking)
Karoline & Sara Skotte (Jewelry Design)
Nora Savosnick (Photography, New York)
Hege Bø (Animation)
Monika Lavoll (Painting)
At the Art course, I was able to explore different art forms and develop my own creativity to a much greater extent. My two years at Agder – as a student and scholarship recipient – were incredibly memorable, filled with learning and lifelong friendships. I would recommend attending a folk high school to everyone!
Sara Henriette Thygesen
Attending Agder folkehøgskole was the perfect break from the world, a chance to exist in a bubble surrounded by wonderful people and a series of ever-better moments. I’ve gained friends for life, new perspectives, and countless memories to cherish!
Morten Stoltenberg
The Art class gave me the opportunity to explore techniques I never would have tried otherwise and challenged me to think about art in new ways. My year at Agder helped me find my path forward in life and career, and it has given me friends for life.
Kaia Ulvestadhaug
I had an amazing year in the Art class, where I got to try and learn so many new things in art, but I also learned a lot about myself. I met many wonderful people and shared unforgettable memories and laughter. I am forever grateful for my year at Agder.
Elise LanXiang Lien Floa
Our teacher in the Art Program, Marianne Amundsen, is incredibly knowledgeable. I truly felt that she saw each student individually and wanted all of us to thrive and succeed, both academically and socially. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided to stay for an extra year!
May Elisabeth Tangedal
My year in the Art Program was the most colorful of my life. Colorful people, moments, and countless forms of art. I made friends I even moved in with, faced challenges, gained experiences, and created memories for life. It was a year to try and fail, and to learn so much about myself!
Mia Kristine Mellemsæther
A fantastic year with so many different art forms! You grow a lot and get to explore new sides of yourself, both through the amazing people around you and the projects we do. It was the most rewarding and fulfilling year I’ve experienced so far!
Anoop Kaur
Art Experiences Beyond the School
We visit studios, galleries, and museums in the Kristiansand region – including Kunstsilo, Agder Kunstnersenter, and Kristiansand Kunsthall. We also organize exhibitions both at the school and at the cultural center in Søgne.
Our teacher in the Art Program, Marianne Amundsen, is incredibly knowledgeable. I truly felt that she saw each student individually and wanted all of us to thrive and succeed, both academically and socially. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided to stay for an extra year!
May Elisabeth Tangedal, tidligere elev
Why Choose This Class?
- Learn by doing – a practice-oriented approach, not just theory
- Work with craft and contemporary art – from traditional techniques to experimental projects
- Discover yourself as an artist in a supportive environment
- Build a strong portfolio for further studies or career opportunities
- Expand your horizons with guest artists and cultural trips
Study trip High five Europa
Five Countries, Hundreds of Opportunities
The program includes an international trip to Krakow, Prague, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Opatija, and Zagreb. Along the way, we experience art and culture on the streets, in galleries, and in museums. The trip covers contemporary art, street art, architecture, archaeological monuments, craft, and tradition. We also participate in workshops with local artists throughout the journey.
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Croatia
Study trip Ryvingen
Art + International = True!
We leave all our phones at school and fully embrace a social-media detox. Marianne and Marianne drive us in minibuses down to Tregde, where we take the fast RIB boat out to Ryvingen. Calmness sets in immediately.
While we’re there, we paint, fish, grill, eat, stargaze, swim, play cards, and simply relax on the warm rocks. We also greet the sunrise from the top of a small hill in the morning, coffee in hand. Experiences like this are truly magical. Reflect and Wonder
- Workshops
- Yarn Dyeing
- Sun and swimming
Study trip Oslo
On this trip, you will get to know Oslo as a city of art and culture and experience it in a whole new way. You will also gain insight into what it means to pursue further studies in the field of art. Many former Agder students have continued with art studies, and some of them join us to share valuable information about their processes and thoughts on the next steps in an art education. These are friendly Agder alumni who are a pleasure to meet!
We travel together with the Norwegian class, enjoying both shared activities and individual experiences tailored to our own interests.
- Astrup Fearnley – Munch
- The National Museum
- Henie Onstand Art Center
- National Theatre & the Opera House
Teacher Marianne Amundsen
Marianne is a practicing visual artist with an educational background that includes Strykejernet Painting School in Oslo, sculpture studies at Coventry University in England, and photography training at the Sørlandet School of Photography.
FAQ Questions
No, everyone receives instruction and guidance tailored to their own level.
Basic materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you like.
The school offers access to a wide range of tools, studios, and materials for various techniques.
Yes, the studio is open until 11 PM every day, and you can also work on your own projects during class hours from time to time.
Love What You Do*
Do What You Love!