This course will begin with 10 blank squares of cotton. Each week participants stitch on a square and will learn beginner embroidery techniques including outline stitches, needle painting, knots and weaving stitches, as well as embellishment techniques such as stumpwork, cut work and flower pounding. Students will be invited to bring in their own cloth mementos and other materials to incorporate into the work. The class will explore methods for bringing these 10 works together into one piece or a body of work. Ross Gay’s “Inciting Joy” will be used as inspiration and point of departure for the stitching process. Students will listen to this text while stitching and let the intuitive response of the words inform the work. Each week will also include a writing prompt to expand each artist’s exploration of the relationship between their handwork and the text. No previous stitching experience required. THURSDAYS, SEP 24 - DEC 17, 6PM - 9PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

This workshop will cover traditional and contemporary Chinese brush painting techniques including how to properly load water, ink, and colour onto the brush, and how to create a range of different brushstrokes. You will learn about the composition and aesthetic principles of Chinese painting. In addition, you will discover ways to create experimental textures using non- traditional methods on rice paper. The first part of the workshop will focus on flower painting; for the second part, you will be guided through traditional and contemporary approaches to landscape painting. The workshop will include demonstrations, lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and plenty of guided one-on-one instruction. Some painting experience is helpful but not required. Relax, let your brush flow with ink and colour on rice paper, and discover your own personal style. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included in tuition fee. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUG 08 & AUG 09, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Are you curious about oil painting but uncertain how to get started? This one-day workshop introduces you to the fundamental materials and techniques of oil painting. You will discover why most of the painters exhibiting in New York contemporary art galleries choose to use this flexible and forgiving medium. Techniques covered include creating layers with an underpainting and building up a surface with a limited colour palette. You will work on two paintings during the day: one based on a photo reference, the other, an abstraction of the composition of the first painting. You will leave the workshop with enough information to help you become a competent oil painter. Suitable for all levels. All supplies included. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 10AM - 4:30PM(PDT) IN-PERSON

Slide Room Gallery: incoming poems resting Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Slide Room Gallery: incoming poems resting 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 Spring Workshops Painting: Light and Shadow Learn how light and shadow can add drama and excitement to your paintings. Started Sep 24 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Abstraction in Canada Online Learn that Canada is the home to many exciting abstract painters. ONLINE Started Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Landscape Painting Online Connect with nature and learn how to make exciting landscape paintings. ONLINE Started Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Gouache: Inspiration & Expression Online Let the work of well-known artists provide inspiration for painting with gouache. ONLINE Started Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 VIEW COURSE Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Started Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 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 WI26 Student Work SP26 Courses SP26 Weekend Workshops See what we are up to.

Upcoming events at the Vancouver Island School of Art include exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses. Upcoming Events Slide Room Gallery: incoming poems resting Slide Room Gallery: incoming poems resting 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