Faculty and board biographies Tony Bounsall BA (Photography) Toronto Metropolitan University Kate Brooks-Heinimann BFA Emily Carr University of Art + Design Desiree DeRuiter BA Visual Arts University of Victoria Renee Duval MFA Concordia University Fine Arts Diploma (with honours), Emily Carr College of Art and Design Amina Ejaz Doctoral Candidate Department of Art History and Visual Studies, University of Victoria Master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh in Art History (Theory and Display) Thomas Guerrero BA History and Anthropology, University of Victoria Jenny Hainsworth BA Linguistics UBC David Kaarsemaker MFA University of Ottawa BFA Concordia University Maddy Knott MFA University of Victoria BFA NSCAD Meghan Krauss MFA University of Windsor BFA University of Saskatchewan Val Lawton BA, University of Victoria (Canadian History) MA, University of British Columbia (Library Science) James Letkeman MA Architecture University of British Columbia BFA University Of Victoria John Luna MFA University of Calgary BFA University of Victoria Tim McCormack MA (Interdisciplinary Studies), York University Fine Arts Diploma, OCAD Leah McInnis MFA University of Victoria BFA Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design Ian Milligan Bachelor of Design, OCAD University Crafts and Design Diploma, Sheridan College Chantal New BA in Art and Design MFA West Dean College UK Corrie Peters MFA University of Manitoba BFA Concordia University BA in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria Kate Scoones BFA University of Victoria Andrea Simmonds MFA Emily Carr University of Art and Design BA Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, QC Xane St Phillip MFA University of California, Santa Barbara BFA University of Victoria Natasha Van Netten Diploma of Fine Art, Vancouver Island School of Art Mohsen Veysi PhD Humanities University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy MFA University of Cincinnati, Ohio BFA and MA Visual Arts Academia di Belle Arti of Florence Wendy Welch MFA University of Victoria BFA Concordia University Kelly Zantingh BAH Studio Art University of Guelph Jessica Ziakin BA History in Art and Psychology University of Victoria MA Art History and Visual Studies University of Victoria Our Faculty All of our regular faculty members have graduate degrees in art (MFA or MA), exhibition record and teaching experience Our Faculty & Board Lindsay Shojania Chair Jan Redekop Treasurer David Good Director Kathleen Greenaway Director Kirsten Petersen Director Russ Reynolds Director Eric Metcalfe Honorary Board Member Gary Pearson Honorary Board Member Our Board Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Discover Andrea Simmonds's background and education. Biography Andrea Simmonds is a painter who focuses on local ecology to inform her work. Using fieldwork, reference guides, and experience, she explores the intersection of ecology and abstraction. Andrea is fascinated by the overlaps between her gardening and artistic practice, bringing some of the methods learned in gardening to the canvas. The overarching theme of her work is a dedication to her love of plants, seeds, the sky, cycles, weather patterns, and roots. Andrea Simmonds received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC and her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC. She lives and works in Victoria, British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Lək‘wəŋən people represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Education MFA Emily Carr University of Art and Design BA Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, QC Andrea Simmonds Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Upcoming events at the Vancouver Island School of Art include exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses. Upcoming Events Visa Art Club Visa Art Club Alumni Exhibition Alumni Exhibition Upcoming Events Art Makes Life Better Fundraiser Tue, Jun 24 Victoria More info Details Luna Lectures - 100 Years of Abstraction and Women Sat, Dec 07 Victoria More info Details Luna Lectures - 100 Years of Surrealist Women Sat, Nov 16 Victoria More info Details Cocktails By The Sea Wed, Sep 13 Victoria More info Details Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

The Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in downtown Victoria that offers in-person and online courses and workshops for adults of all ages. 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 Painting Drawing Mixed Media Art Fundamentals Art History, Theory Fall Workshops Acrylic Painting Basics Learn basic paintings techniques in this welcoming course for beginners. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 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. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Now I Bring your landscape painting to a new level by looking at contemporary landscape artists. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 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. Started Sep 9 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 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. Started Sep 19 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE Painting: Series Development Learn to develop a body of work based on a singular theme. Started Sep 18 575 Canadian dollars $575 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. Started Sep 17 575 Canadian dollars $575 Loading availability... Loading availability... VIEW COURSE WORKSHOP SCHEDULES Current Workshop Schedule Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS Vancouver Island School of Art is a contemporary art school located in Downtown Victoria open to adults of all ages. Your donation matters DONATE TODAY Paint like an Artist II Pastel Flowers Student Work See what we are up to.

Painting Abstract Botanicals Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses COURSES Painting Abstract Botanicals Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Alumni Exhibition Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Open House Alumni Exhibition Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

The refund policy at the Vancouver School of Art for art courses and workshops. Refund Policy REFUND POLICY VANCOUVER ISLAND SCHOOL OF ART TUITION REFUND POLICY Note: All refund requests must be in writing with a reason for refund provided. Courses Withdrawal (written notice) before program start date per semester calendar (first Monday of term) no withdrawal fee Withdrawal (written notice) after program start per semester calendar to 7 days after program start date 10% Withdrawal (written notice) after first class and before second class 10% Withdrawal (written notice) after second class and before fourth class 30% Withdrawal (written notice) after forth class and before sixth class 50% Withdrawal (written notice) after sixth class No refund Student has not attended first four classes 50% withdrawal fee 6 Week Course Status - Due to the shorter nature of the six-week courses the refund policy is as follows: Admin Fee 12 Week Course Status Admin Fee Withdrawal (written notice) 7 or more days before start of course 5% Withdrawal (written notice) less than 7 days before start of course 10% Withdrawal (written notice) after first class 20% Withdrawal (written notice) after second class 50% No refund after third class No refund Course Transfer 5% Workshop Status Admin Fee Workshops Withdrawal 7 days (written notice) before start of workshop 10% Withdrawal less than 7 days (written notice) before start of workshop 15% Withdrawal less than 48 hours before start of workshop 35% No refund if withdrawal is less than 12 hours before start of workshop No refund Cancelled Courses and Workshops: Students will receive a full refund of tuition and any applicable material or model fees in the event that a course or workshop is cancelled by the Vancouver Island School of Art. Private Training Instituitions Branch (PTIB) Approved Tuition Refund Policy Vancouver Island School of Art ID-03403 Name of Institution Institution Number 2018-12-18 Tuition Refund Policy 2020-05-25 Name of Policy Revision Date Effective Date Certificate of Visual Arts Program Name of Program If Vancouver Island School of Art receives tuition from the student, or a person on behalf of the student, the institution will refund the student, or the person who paid on behalf of the student, the tuition that was paid in relation to the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop in which the student is enrolled if: A) the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student no later than seven days after the effective contract date and before the contract start date; B) the student, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, signs the student enrolment contract seven days or less before the contract start date and the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student between the date the student, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, signed the student enrolment contract and the contract start date; or C) the student does not attend a work experience component and the institution does not provide all of the hours of instruction of the work experience component within 30 days of the contract end date. Vancouver Island School of Art will refund the tuition for the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop and all related fees paid by the student or a person on behalf of the student enrolled in the program if the student is enrolled in the program without having met the admission requirements and did not misrepresent his or her knowledge or skills when applying for admission. If a student does not attend any of the first 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term, Vancouver Island School of Art may retain up to 50% of the tuition paid under the student enrolment contract unless the program is provided solely through distance education. Unless the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop is provided solely through distance education, if Vancouver Island School of Art receives a notice of withdrawal from a student: A) more than seven days after the effective contract date and i) at least 30 days before the contract start date, the institution may retain up to 10% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract, to a maximum of $1,000. ii) less than 30 days before the contract start date, the institution may retain up to 20% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract, to a maximum of $1,300. after the contract start date i) and up to and including 10% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract. ii) and after 10% but before 30% of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract Unless the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop is provided solely through distance education, if Vancouver Island School of Art provides a notice of dismissal to a student and the date the institution delivers the notice to the student is: A) equal to or before 10% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract. B) after 10% but before 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract. If Vancouver Island School of Art provides the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop solely through distance education and the institution receives a student’s notice of withdrawal or the institution delivers a notice of dismissal to the student and: A) the student has completed and received an evaluation of his or her performance for up to 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term, the institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract, or B) the student has completed and received an evaluation of his or her performance for more than 30% but less than 50% of the program, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract. Vancouver Island School of Art will refund fees charged for course materials paid for but not received if the student provides a notice of withdrawal to the institution or the institution provides a notice of dismissal to the student. Refunds required under this policy will be paid to the student, or a person who paid the tuition or fees on behalf of the student, within 30 days: A) of the date Vancouver Island School of Art receives a student’s notice of withdrawal, B) of the date Vancouver Island School of Art provides a notice of dismissal to the student, C) of the date that the registrar provides notice to Vancouver Island School of Art that the institution is not complying with section 1(c) or 2 of this policy, or D) after the first 30% of the hours of instruction if section 3 of this policy applies. If an international student delivers a copy of a refusal of a study permit to Vancouver Island School of Art, sections 1(a), 1(b), 4, 7, and 8 of this policy apply as if the copy of the refusal were a notice of withdrawal, unless: A) the international student requests an additional letter of acceptance for the same program that was the subject of the refusal of a study permit, B) or the program (Certificate of Visual Arts Program) or individual course or workshop is provided solely through distance education. Out of gallery Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Vancouver Island School of Art. Frequently Asked Questions What makes VISA unique? What does being an independent and contemporary art school mean? The Vancouver Island School of Art is the only art school in downtown Victoria. The school is open to all members of the community aged 18 and upwards. People can take individual courses and workshops or participate in a one-year Certificate of Visual Arts program. VISA courses focus on development of technique, personal expression and making art in a contemporary context. All the faculty are practicing artists with a minimum of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and teaching experience. VISA's Certificate of Visual Arts program has been approved by the B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. Do I need previous art experience to take a course at VISA? Most of the courses and workshops at VISA are open to people with no previous art experience. If a course does require “previous experience” this is indicated in the course description. What are VISA's hours of operation and when is the school closed? What if my class falls on a Public Holiday ·Office Hours Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5:00pm ·Holiday Hours The school is closed on Statutory Holidays. ·If your course is on a day that a Public Holiday falls, class will not be held on that day and a make-up class will be scheduled on the same day of the week during the mid-term break. When can I view an exhibition in the Slide Room Gallery? The Gallery is open for viewing during the week when classes are not in session, or by appointment. Check with the office to confirm. When there is an opening and artist talk on a Saturday the exhibition is open to the public between 1-4pm. For more information: https://slideroomgallery.com/ I would like to teach a course or workshop at VISA. How do I apply? You are encouraged to submit a proposal outlining what you want to teach and submit a CV. For more information review our employment opportunities. Are VISA's courses tax-deductable? Students enrolled in the Certificate of Visual Arts program are issued a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) in February for tuition paid for program courses. Courses taken outside of the Certificate program and workshops are not eligible. Is VISA a Registered Charity? How do I donate to VISA and what can I donate? Monetary donations can be made through our website, by phone, or in-person. You can also donate to VISA through the PayPal Giving Fund and CanadaHelps. As a charitable organization VISA issues a tax receipt for donations over $25. Tax receipts for automatic monthly donations are issued for the previous year in February. At this time VISA is not accepting donations of books or other supplies. What is VISA's Transmissable Disease Protocol? Vancouver Island School of Art’s protocol for planning and conducting safe school operations is informed by recommendations from the BC Centre for Disease Control, WorkSafeBC, and the Go-Forward Guidelines from BC’s Public Post-Secondary Sector. This COVID-19 Safety Plan applies to Vancouver Island School of Art faculty, staff and students. Due to health risks posed by exposure to COVID-19, it is mandatory that all faculty, staff and students take reasonable actions to eliminate or minimize their exposure to the virus to reduce the likelihood of transmission. As the pandemic is ongoing additional policies may be added or adjusted according to orders of the Provincial Health Officer. Announcements will be made to keep faculty, staff and students up-to-date. Vaccine passport and photo ID are no longer needed for courses, workshops and events at VISA. Masks are preferred. School Questions Can the Certificate of Visual Arts be transferred to a University degree program? VISA's Certificate of Visual Arts is transferable to the second year of the: ·Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Media Arts or Bachelor of Design degree at EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART + DESIGN ·Bachelor in Arts, Major in Fine Arts Degree at the VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY Students planning to transfer to one of these institutions upon completion of the Certificate program should check that university’s calendar, as the application process begins partway through the school year. VISA does not automatically send transcripts; students should contact the office to request official and interim transcripts. Can I take courses without enrolling in the Certificate program? Yes! VISA’s courses and workshops are open to all adults. I would like to study at VISA as an international student, how to I acquire a study permit? Students should start by following the admission requirements on the Certificate program page. Upon acceptance into the Certificate of Visual Arts program international students may apply for a study permit through the Government of Canada website. Processing times can vary, so students should apply early. Travelers visiting Victoria and those joining us online from around the world are welcome to take individual courses and workshops outside of the Certificate program without a study permit. Does VISA offer online courses? Yes. Up to 50% of the school’s courses and workshops are taught online (synchronous) via Zoom. Recordings are provided after each class. Do you offer drop-in sessions? VISA offers two online drop-in sessions and they are both offered on a bi-monthly basis: Watercolour Mondays and Draw by Drawing. VISA does not have life drawing drop-in sessions. Check our Special Activities page for pop-up drop-in sessions. How do I register for courses or workshops? VISA courses and workshops are open for registration on a rolling basis throughout our Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer terms. We are currently registering students for both In-person (as COVID-19 restrictions allow) and Online courses. Please review our website to learn about our course selections for each term. You can register online through our website using either PayPal, VISA or Mastercard. If you would prefer to have one of our staff assist you to register, please email or call our office. Do you offer classes for youth? VISA does not offer classes for youth, however we recommend the Cedar Hill Rec Centre or the Art Gallery of Victoria. Young adults that are 15+ are welcome to take our Saturday Workshops if they are ok with being in a class of adults. How do I apply for financial aid? The Vancouver Island School of Art is a designated institution with Student Aid BC. Students registered in the Certificate Program are eligible for loans from the British Columbia Student Assistance Program. The fee payment deadline is no later than one week prior to the start of classes. To meet this deadline, it is recommended that Student Loan application forms be completed and mailed to SABC by June 30. If fee payment or written confirmation of loan approval by SABC is not received by the deadline, students will then be responsible to pay 50% of their fees to secure their registration in courses. The remaining 50% is due by September 30. If these conditions are not met, the student may be de-registered from courses. Can I purchase a gift card? Gift Cards are available for purchase on our site. Select the Gift Card button under the School Info tab. Gift Cards purchased on the site may be used as a form of payment for courses and workshops. Gift certificates purchased through the office, prior to November 2022 can be redeemed by calling or emailing the school. Certificate & Courses Questions Have a question not listed here? CONTACT US

Give the gift of art - purchase a gift card for a course or workshop. Give the Gift of Art $135 Suggested amounts $135 (in-person workshop 6 hours) $245 (in-person workshop 12 hours) $275 (in-person or online course, 18 hours, six weeks) Workshop Price $135 $245 $275 Other amount Quantity Buy Now

ada6616d-e618-472b-9524-1889c639721a Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Image Transfer All supplies are provided for this workshop. The Vancouver Island School of Art is delighted to have a partnership with Opus Art Supplies. You can also consider an Opus A+ Membership, where students can sign up to save 10% on all orders during their studies: Sign Up For Opus A+ Membership .

aecbf535-07c0-4f65-a5a0-b935814f22d5 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Painting: The Fantastical Landscape - variety of acrylic/oil painting brushes (flat, round, filbert and a detail brush – recommend Opus Legato Acrylic Brush Set Assorted - need a flat #8 or larger) - variety of acrylic/oil paint (must have a red, blue, yellow, white and black - recommend Opus Essential Acrylics 60 ml tubes: cadmium red medium, phthalo blue green shade, hansa yellow medium, titanium white and lamp black) - stretched and gessoed canvas or other primed painting surfaces (around 11" x 14") - heavy weight paper (recommend Canson XL Watercolor Pad Size: 9" x 12") - sketchbook (or loose-leaf paper) - pencil and eraser - water jar - rag/paper towel - palette The Vancouver Island School of Art is delighted to have a partnership with Opus Art Supplies so please consider using this link and clicking on your course to purchase supplies from Opus Art Supplies: Partnership Page . You can also consider an Opus A+ Membership, where students can sign up to save 10% on all orders during their studies: Sign Up For Opus A+ Membership .

742bb49a-aed3-4acd-ab65-55f265b0122b Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Painting: Plants and Flowers Please have supplies marked with an *asterisk for the first class. *Since this is an online class, I would like you to have at least one live plant or fresh flowers at home that you can work with. It can be flowering or not, but it should be one that you like the look of. We will also be looking at images of flowers and plants but you should have at least one “live model” available to you. Try to choose something that has some negative space. Please have it for the first class. *Paint colours - You can use the colours you usually use but please make sure to include at least the following 8 colours: (less expensive “Hue” versions are fine but– pay attention to whether they are light or deep) Titanium white Magenta or Alizarin crimson Ultramarine blue Cadmium orange Cerulean or Turquoise blue Burnt umber Cadmium yellow light Naples yellow *Brushes - Most types of brushes for oil or acrylic are fine. You don’t need to buy expensive brushes. I like having a hog bristle brush on hand because it can withstand scrubbing. You should try different types of brushes but please include at least the following: 1 flat or filbert #10 or #12 (approx. 1-1½” wide) 1 flat or filbert #3 or #4 1 round #1 or #2 You will also need: 1 Pair of scissors 1 Glue stick *1 Palette knife (I recommend teardrop shaped) *1 roll of masking tape *1 roll of paper towels (blue shop towels are excellent) * 1 board or surface that you can tape your paper to for painting. A selection of coloured construction paper (Dollarama) A small pad of tracing paper A black dry-erase marker 2-3 plastic sheet/document protectors (I’ll clarify their purpose in class) If you are using oil paint: *Palette for oils -I recommend disposable palette sheets Medium for oils – *1 small bottle of linseed oil *1 bottle of odourless mineral spirits (Taltine, Gamsol) or non-toxic citrus thinner You should also have - *1-2 small empty glass jar with lid for your thinner *1 small container for medium. (Clean tuna can is fine) *Paper for oils - We will start by working on paper for quick exercises. You’ll need at least a dozen sheets so a pad is a good and economical choice. Get the larger one you can always cut it. You must either have canvas paper, paper for oils or paper that you have gessoed ahead of time. You may also want to work on canvas or board for some projects. We’ll talk about size and surface in class. If you are using acrylic paint : *Palette for acrylics – If you use acrylics regularly, I recommend you try a stay-wet palette (buy the largest) OR disposable sheets *Liquid medium for acrylics (your choice of gloss or mat) *2 containers for water (plastic yogurt containers are great) *Paper for acrylics – We will start by working on paper for quick exercises. You’ll need at least a dozen sheets so a pad is a good and economical choice. Get the larger one you can always cut it. Canvas paper or paper made for acrylics are best but any paper that can withstand wet media is fine. The Canson XL mixed media will wrinkle a bit if you use lots of water but it’s a very economical choice for studies and exercises. You may also want to work on canvas or board for some projects. We’ll talk about size and surface in class. The Vancouver Island School of Art is delighted to have a partnership with Opus Art Supplies. You can consider an Opus A+ Membership, where students can sign up to save 10% on all orders during their studies: Sign Up For Opus A+ Membership .