Butera prides itself in maintaining small classes. Each classroom averages 12-18 students. As a result, each student becomes actively involved in the learning process and is encouraged to produce his or her best work. All courses are conducted by practicing artists who divide their time between professional work and teaching. Through this daily contact, the students are exposed to a fresh, constructive and stimulating variety of ideas straight from the professional world.
Instructors teach courses related to their field of employment.
Each instructor is dedicated and to developing every student's abilities to the greatest degree. The entire school is dedicated to the philosophy of training students to be versatile. Although many students have a great desire to focus on one major area in art, Butera emphasizes the need for versatility. The school sincerely believes that a student who has been exposed to many different skills will be a more marketable artist upon entering the work force. For example, the student interested in book illustration is also expected to become proficient in other areas such as design, computer layout and production.