Durham is known as the ‘City of Medicine,' but the Art Institute of Raleigh/Durham is giving locals a fresh taste of artistic education. The Institute, dubbed Ai, is located at the American Tobacco Campus off Highway 147.

Right now, Ai president Mike Deprisco says about 50 students are enrolled in the institute's five programs.

"We're proud of the fact that we can offer students who are interested in art design, culinary and fashion -- a school that's dedicated to the applied arts," Deprisco said.

Deprisco says Ai offers associate and bachelors degrees. Despite recent economic woes, Deprisco says he's confident the degree programs at Ai will prove opportunities in the future.

"The opportunities for future graduates to work in the industries in which we teach looks very strong," he said. "The campus, the American Tobacco Campus, is a fantastic environment to teach education in the areas that we offer."

Heather Gatlin is working towards a bachelor's degree in Ai's culinary arts program. She has been impressed with the faculty's tenure.

"You get a lot of knowledge from professors that have been in the industry for a long time," Gatlin said.

She says her professor, known as Bob has made a lasting impact so far.

"Chef Bob, for example, has owned his own restaurant and has worked in different establishments from New York to New Jersey."

Ai's president says the Art Institute will consider adding programs to the campus as enrollment grows.

According to the Art Institute's website, the year-round average class size is 22 or fewer students, and will not exceed 35 students in lab sessions or 40 students in lecture sessions. The website says the Ai is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges, which is located in Washington, D.C.

Related Link: Art Institute of Raleigh/Durham