Let’s create together.

Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in Downtown Victoria.

Open to adults of all ages. VISA is a Non-Profit Registered Charity.

20 years and counting!

With more than 6000 students and 140 instructors since September 2004, we've provided a welcoming place for people of all ages to learn about contemporary art, as well as a venue for MFA graduates to get training as instructors.

2025-2026 Highlights

Discover some exciting upcoming events—and key achievements over the last 20+ years

Learn. Create. Play.

Whether you want to take only one art course or complete a full-time program, there is a place for you at our school. The Vancouver Island School of Art offers two modes of study:

Certificate of Visual Arts

One year full-time or a maximum of four years part-time

Individual Courses and Workshops

On-going, no application required

ABOUT US

WHAT'S NEW

Discover our courses

Thoughtfully designed in the focus areas of drawing, painting and art history.

SCHEDULES

Course & Workshop Schedules

Subscribe to Newsletter

COURSES BY CATEGORY

Acrylic Painting Basics
Learn basic paintings techniques in this welcoming course for beginners.
Starts Sep 9
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Fantastical Gardens with Gouache
Be inspired to use gouache by learning how a range of artists visit the garden as subject.
Starts Sep 9
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Landscape Painting Now I
Bring your landscape painting to a new level by looking at contemporary landscape artists.
Starts Sep 19
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Painting Inspired by Photographs
Discover how you can use photography as a tool to make exciting and dramatic paintings.
Starts Sep 9
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Painting: Introduction I
This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style.
Starts Sep 18
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Painting: Light and Space
Enhance your paintings by understanding how to use light and space in an effective way.
Starts Sep 19
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Painting: Series Development
Learn to develop a body of work based on a singular theme.
Starts Sep 18
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE
Painting the Figure
This online course will use the timeless subject of the human figure as a source of painting.
Starts Sep 17
575 Canadian dollars
Loading availability...
Loading availability...
VIEW COURSE