The Vancouver Island School of Art offers art courses and workshops in drawing, painting, mixed media, textiles as well as art history and contemporary art. There's a place for you here. A learning community dedicated to the advancement of art education through comprehensive programs and presentations for adults of all ages About us Whether you want to take only one art course or complete a full-time program, there is a place for you at our school. We have courses for people with absolutely no experience as well as courses for artists who might want to learn new skills. Our classes are small -usually around 8-14 students per class. Our demographics vary from 18-80 so every course you take at VISA is a small microcosm of the world at large. When you take a course at our school you will find that you are part of a community. it is a great place to meet people and make friends. Within no time, you will feel right at home in our contemporary classroom space located in one of Victoria’s treasured downtown heritage buildings. Why choose the Vancouver Island School of Art Quality of Education The Vancouver Island School of Art (VISA) is an independent, non-profit art school that offers high-quality education in the visual arts. VISA has a rigorous academic program that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized attention with experienced faculty who are practicing artists. VISA is designated by the Private Training Institutions Branch of the BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education. The school also has a British Columbia Quality Assurance designation which allows the acceptance of international students into the program. In addition, VISA has transfer agreements with Emily Carr University and Vancouver Island University. After completing a Certificate of Visual Arts at VISA, students can enter the second year of the BFA program at both these institutions. Specialized Curriculum VISA offers a one-year Certificate of Visual Arts that includes and courses in painting, drawing, photography, art history and contemporary art. All the courses at VISA art open to individuals not in a program who only want to take a course or two at a time. VISA also offers specialized workshops with local and visiting artists on Saturdays in the Fall and Winter semesters. Access to Resources VISA has a large well-ventilated and well-lit classroom space, a well-stocked art library and excellent downtown central location. VISA also shares their space with the Slide Room Gallery which is a separate non-profit society with its own Board of Directors. The gallery gives the students first-hand access to work of local Victoria artists. VISA also has strong connections to the local arts community, with partnerships and collaborations with local galleries and other arts organizations. Mentoring VISA’s Executive Director and other instructors are available for one-on-one mentoring whether students need help applying to university, or for grants or exhibitions. Community VISA is known for its strong community of artists, with a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters creativity and experimentation. VISA hosts regular exhibitions, lectures, and other events that bring together students, faculty, alumni, and the broader arts community. The Vancouver Island School of Art is a learning community dedicated to the advancement of art education through comprehensive programs and presentations for adults of all ages. The focus of the courses and workshops offered by the school is on technique, personal expression and contemporary context. Mission Statement OUR HISTORY 2004 The Vancouver Island School of Art (VISA) was established in 2004 by artist and educator Wendy Welch. VISA began in a commercial space in the Rock Bay area of Victoria. There were 54 students registered in the Fall 2004 semester, and by Winter 2005, VISA was out growing the 1000 sq. ft space on John Street with the student numbers increasing to over 125 registrations. 2005 By Fall 2005, VISA procured a de-commissioned school owned by School District 61 at 2549 Quadra. To rent a 9,000 square foot space that was purposed for a school was a dream come true. The two-storied building with large well-lit classrooms, office spaces and library room was a perfect fit a school with ever-increasing enrolment. The growing vibrant community of the Quadra Village was an ideal place for a new art school. In 2005 also came accreditation with the PCTIA (now PTIB, Private Training Institutions Branch) allowing VISA to offer programs such as a Certificate of Visual Arts and Diploma of Fine Arts. With options to take high quality courses and workshops in mornings, afternoons, evenings and on weekends, VISA appealed to a great number of people in the community. All of the faculty hired had Master of Fine Art degrees and teaching experience. Many of the MFA graduates from the University of Victoria were hired to teach at VISA. 2007 In 2007, the Slide Room Gallery was formed and located in the lower level of 2549 Quadra St. The gallery’s name came about because the room was formerly used to show slides during art history lectures. The gallery hosted many exhibitions, artists talks and community events over the years. At this time another program was added to the curriculum: Independent Studio, where a student would work on an independent body of work and exhibit the work at the end of the year in the Slide Room Gallery. 2012 In 2012, VISA acquired transfer agreements with Emily Carr University, Vancouver Island University and the University of Gloucestershire in the UK. Many of the students took advantage of these opportunities and moved to Vancouver and the UK to study. 2015 In 2015 to celebrate VISA’s 10-year anniversary, Xane St Phillip designed a razzle-dazzle painted mural for the outside of the building. The design was inspired by the “razzle dazzle” ships of WWI (the striped design was used as camouflage). This design gave the school a fresh new look and added much vibrancy to the neighbourhood. 2018 VISA was forced to leave the 2549 Quadra in the Spring of 2018 due to the school board needing the building for other uses. For a brief period, VISA was located at the former North Park Bike Shop at 1725 Quadra, however the space was much too small to accommodate the needs of the school and an alternate location was found at 950 Kings (the top floor of the former Blanshard Elementary School). VISA did some major renovations to the space and created two main classrooms and 24 studio spaces to rent out to artists in the community. Prior to the pandemic, the plan was for VISA to move into a purpose-built space in partnership with Aryze. With the uncertainty of what was happening with the pandemic, VISA decided to look for a smaller, more manageable space. 2021 As of June 2021, VISA moved into a downtown location in an historic building known as Maynard Court at 302-733 Johnson St. VISA continues to offer a range of courses and workshops for the general public, as well as a Certificate of Visual Arts which is transferable to Emily Carr University and Vancouver Island University . The new space is VISA’s permanent location. Quick links Faculty & Board All our regular faculty members have an MFA or MA Newsletter, Press & Archives Discover our press coverage and newsletters Our modes of study Certificate of Visual Arts One year full-time or a maximum of four years part-time Full-time Study duration: one year (consecutive Fall & Winter semesters) credit requirement: 504 classroom hours minimum course load: 21 hours per week (seven courses per semester) Important note for Full-time students: We encourage September intake for enrolment in the Certificate of Visual Arts, however some exceptions can be made regarding a January intake for this program. Students applying for the January intake must exhibit prior drawing and painting experience so that they can enrol directly into Drawing: Introduction II and Painting: Introduction II (as Drawing: Introduction I and Painting: Introduction I are not always offered in the Winter semester). Students must register for their courses by August 15 (Fall) and December 15 (Winter) to ensure placement in required courses. EMAIL US FOR QUESTIONS Full-time Study Part-time study Who is the Certificate of Visual Arts for? People who want to study art but have a limited amount of free time to do so (minimum hourly requirement per week is six hours) People who need to develop a portfolio for admission to an arts program at the university level People who are looking for a sense of direction or meaning in their life and would like to find this through art Professionals in other careers who want to enrich their lives through art People who have been taking art courses for several years and would like to start working towards a specific goal and complete a program The Certificate of Visual Arts provides basic training in the fundamentals of drawing, painting, mixed media, art history and contemporary art. Students will finish the Certificate of Visual Arts with a comprehensive and diverse portfolio package. The Certificate of Visual Arts can be completed within nine months (September-April full-time) or over a period of four years (part-time). TUITION & FEES APPLICATION FORM Admission Requirements 1. Copy of photo ID. 2. 6 images (jpegs) of applicant's original work done in the last two years. Images must be a minimum of 640 pixels or 8 inches wide, 72 dpi is fine as long as image width is at least 640 pixels wide. Images can be sent on a CD, flash drive or through a file sharing program such as YouSendIt, Dropbox, WeTransfer or something similar. Include a list of titles, mediums and size of each image (submitted as a separate PDF or Word document). If you are emailing material use the following email address: info@vancouverislandschoolart.com with 'Application Materials and Your Name' in subject line. 3. 300-400 word essay describing your reasons for pursuing the Certificate Program. (submitted as a PDF or Word document) 4. Proof of high school graduation or mature student status (19 years or over and completion of english 12 or completion of BC Provincial english 12 exam with a minimum 60% or 'C' grade); or proof of post-secondary education (transcript). 5. Applicants whose first language is not English, are required to provide proof of completion of the TOEFL English Language Test (or equivalent) with a minimum of 70% on the results. Applicants who have completed a Degree, Diploma or Certificate from an English-speaking University, College or other Post Secondary Education Institution, will be exempt from having to provide an English Proficiency Test. 6. Completed application form with $50 application fee ($100 application fee for International students). Payment can be made by Paypal, E-transfer(director@vancouverislandschoolart.com), Interac or Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa). Application deadline: you can apply any time and applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis (students wishing to apply for student loans will need to apply early to have their funding in place). Application Assessment Applications are assessed based on the quality of artwork submitted, the written document expressing reasons to attend the program and applicant's previous academic record. Assessment of artwork: Artwork is judged based on the applicant's knowledge of art techniques and use of materials; originality of expression; and ability to photograph their work in a professional-looking manner. The school is looking for applicants that have a strong interest in visual art and whose work reveals a level of engagement with artmaking. Assessment of written statement: The written statement required in the application process is used to assess the applicant's interest in art and also to see their English language writing skills as part of the program includes written assignments University Transfer Agreements 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 of Arts, Major in Visual Art Degree at the VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY. Mature Student Status Applicants who are 19 years of age or older who lack the minimum program admission requirement may apply as mature students. The Director will consider written requests for admission as a mature student. Applicants are asked to provide, in writing, details of other qualifications or experiences and documents from any completed educational courses or programs. The Director may request an interview. Academic Advisement If you would like to discuss your future studies at the Vancouver Island School of Art, please call 250-380-3500 or email info@vancouverislandschoolart.com for assistance in choosing or registering for courses. Required Courses FALL SEMESTER: Drawing: Introduction I Painting: Introduction I Understanding Colour Art History Contemporary Art I Elective (36 hr course) Elective (36 hr course) WINTER SEMESTER: Drawing: Introduction II Painting: Introduction II Design Art History Contemporary Art II Elective (36 hr course) Elective (36 hr course) The Vancouver Island School of Art is a Designated Learning Institution registered with the Government of Canada. DLI# O111345278377 The Certificate of Visual Arts program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. Individual Courses and Workshops On-going, no application required The courses at VISA focus on drawing, painting, collage, art history and contemporary art. However, we also offer courses and workshops in mixed media and fibre arts. DISCOVER ALL Individual Courses All Services 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 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: Abstraction in Canada Available Online Learn that Canada is the home to many exciting abstract painters. ONLINE Started Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Landscape Painting Available Online Connect with nature and learn how to make exciting landscape paintings. ONLINE Started Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Gouache: Inspiration & Expression Available Online Let the work of well-known artists provide inspiration for painting with gouache. ONLINE Started Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: Introduction I This course covers introductory techniques to painting with an emphasis on personal style. Started Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Urban Sketching Get to know Victoria better by sketching what you see as you meander through the city streets. Started Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Thematic Approaches Available Online Work with different materials while investigating new themes each week. ONLINE Started Sep 24 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing the Canadian Landscape Use the diversity of the Canadian Landscape as a source for innovative and exciting drawings. Started Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing Nature Available Online Nature provides endless source material for drawing from nature studies to the fantastical. ONLINE Started Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Introduction I Learn a range techniques and approaches to drawing while discovering your personal expression. Started Sep 16 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing Observation, Memory, Imagination Discover the many ways you can use to inspire a drawing. Started Sep 16 525 Canadian dollars $525 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Slow Stitching: Inciting Joy Let the contemplative act of slow stitching bring joy into your life on weekly basis. Started Sep 24 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Flora and Fauna Learn to use mixed media and collage by focusing on flowers, plants and animals. Started Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Understanding Colour Make your paintings look alive by learning how to colour works. Started Sep 22 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Renaissance to Industrial Revolution Study the way art and the world changed through three centuries from the 1500s to the 1800s. Started Sep 25 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Contemporary Art I Discover that contemporary art can be fun, exciting and mind-enriching in this seminar course. Started Sep 24 595 Canadian dollars $595 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria See Victoria in a completely new way as you travel through the city streets with your camera. Starts Oct 10 75 Canadian dollars $75 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Gouache: Painting the Sea Available Online Paint the ocean inspired by the work of Marsden Hartley. Starts Oct 10 75 Canadian dollars $75 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Make Colour Work for You Let the colour wheel be de-mystified as you discover simple ways to approach using colour. Starts Oct 17 150 Canadian dollars $150 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Reinventing Birds Re-imagine the details of Audubon bird prints using collage and watercolour. Starts Oct 24 105 Canadian dollars $105 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Collage: Colour & Composition Let play and experimentation with paper and glue guide your way to exciting collages. Starts Oct 31 195 Canadian dollars $195 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Oil Basics Learn the basics of oil paint to get you started with this versatile painting medium. Starts Nov 7 195 Canadian dollars $195 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Creating Through Comics Have fun creating your own comic with drawing, collage and text. Starts Nov 14 195 Canadian dollars $195 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Gouache: Sonic Landscapes Available Online Learn how Charles Burchfield painted the sounds of summer. Starts Nov 14 75 Canadian dollars $75 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Landscape Painting Simplified The secret to successful landscape paintings is breaking down what you see into simple shapes. Starts Nov 21 150 Canadian dollars $150 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Collage: Finding the Fantastical Expand your imagination by learning how to combine cut-out images to make unusual creations. Starts Nov 28 195 Canadian dollars $195 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Watercolours: Abstracting Flowers Available Online Learn to paint watercolour flowers like the American artist Charles Demuth. Starts Nov 28 75 Canadian dollars $75 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing Nature Available Online Learn how to use nature as an endless source for drawing projects. Starts Dec 5 75 Canadian dollars $75 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Illustration with Pen & Watercolour Use pen and ink with watercolour to illustrate native plants and flowers. Starts Dec 5 195 Canadian dollars $195 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Chinese Brush Painting Learn how to use brush and ink to create fabulous marks and washes. Ended 265 Canadian dollars $265 VIEW COURSE Painting from Start to Finish Unlock the mysterious process of developing and finishing a painting. Ended 245 Canadian dollars $245 VIEW COURSE 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

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.

Policies related to students attending the Vancouver Island School of Art. Follow the links below to view Student Policies Academic Conduct Admissions Appeal Attendance Bursary Exchange Program Code of Conduct Course Exemption Critical Incident and Crisis Management Dismissal Dispute Resolution Grading Harassment Health and Safety Human Rights International Students Language Proficiency Assessment Prior Learning Assessment Privacy Policy Program Enrollment Status Registration Sexual Misconduct Statement of Student Rights Statutory Holidays Student Support Services Transfer Credit and Articulation Tuition Fee Payment Student Policies

Landscape Painting Simplified Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Landscape Painting Simplified 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 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

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

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

Gouache: Sonic Landscapes Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Gouache: Sonic Landscapes Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Collage: Finding the Fantastical Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Collage: Finding the Fantastical Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Archives of course and workshop schedules and press items about the Vancouver Island School of Art Newsletter, Press & Archives Subscribe Join our Newsletter Thanks for subscribing! Pleasure is essential (Sep 2026) Contemporary art makes you think (Sep 2026) What is a Canadian landscape? (Sep 2026) Drawing will make your life better (Aug 2026) What should I paint? (Jul 2026) What is mark making? (Jun 2026) The love of line (May 2026) The tyranny of perfection (Feb 2026) Where will creativity take you? (Feb 2026) Limits make you more creative (Jan 2026) My gift to you (Dec 2025) The more you look, the more you see (Nov 2025) Newsletter Archives READ THE LATEST November 8, 2024 CHEK TV Inspiring Island Women September 17, 2024 CBC On the Island July 28, 2023 Chek TV The Upside May 22, 2021 CTV Arts and Entertainmnent September 19, 2019 Saanich News September 1, 2019 CBC All Points West October 1, 2010 Boulevard April 1, 2010 CFUV Radio September 1, 2007 Village 900 August 24, 2007 Victoria News September 1, 2006 Victoria News August 31, 2006 Monday Magazine Explore the following links for our press coverage Press Fall 2026 Spring Summer 2026 Winter 2026 Fall 2025 Spring/Summer 2025 Winter 2025 Fall 2024 Spring/Summer 2024 Winter 2024 Fall 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 Winter 2023 Explore the following links to view a PDF file of our past course and workshop calendars Course & Workshop Archives LOAD MORE Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Faculty and board biographies Tamara Bond BA Visual Arts, Emily Carr University of Art + Design Kate Brooks-Heinimann BFA Emily Carr University of Art + Design Desiree DeRuiter BA Visual Arts University of Victoria Rotem Anna Diamant Master of Library and Information Science, University of Toronto BA English Honours, University of Winnipeg Renee Duval MFA Concordia University Fine Arts Diploma (with honours), Emily Carr College of Art and Design Thomas Guerrero BA History and Anthropology, University of Victoria David Kaarsemaker MFA University of Ottawa BFA Concordia University 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 Andy Lou MFA University of North Texas John Luna MFA University of Calgary BFA University of Victoria Leah McInnis MFA University of Victoria BFA Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design 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 Lucia Volker BFA Emphasis in Printmaking, University of Utah Diploma of Interior Design, Pacific Design Academy Wendy Welch MFA University of Victoria BFA Concordia University Bryony Wynne-Jones Studied in England and Italy 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 Michael Erwin Director 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