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! My gift to you (Dec 2025) The more you look, the more you see (Nov 2025) Make beautiful drawings (Oct 2025) Learn to see like an artist (Sep 2025) How to avoid art decision fatigue (Aug 2025) Let your imagination go wild (Jul 2025) Let colour be your superpower (Jun 2025) Why I love collage (May 2025) Enjoy solitude and community (Feb 2025) Making art is a way to live life (Jan 2025) Finding light in the dark (Dec 2024) Art in the Age of Distraction (Nov 2024) 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 Winter 2026 Fall 2025 Spring/Summer 2025 Winter 2025 Fall 2024 Spring/Summer 2024 Winter 2024 Fall 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 Winter 2023 Fall 2022 Spring/Summer 2022 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

3aaf0427-57a7-451b-b933-6e3c26545ac0 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Drawing from the Ocean - graphite pencils (a set or a range of individual pencils: HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 9B) - set of 12 soft pastels - set of watercolours (could be an inexpensive set such as Angora Opaque Watercolours or any watercolours you already have - #10 round watercolour brush - black pens of different size (Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Set - Set of 4 Black; includes S,F,M,B) - tube of white gouache - pad of Bristol board 11 x 17 (Strathmore, vellum surface) - pad of black paper 11.75 x 16.5” (Fabriano) - pad of tracing paper 14 x 17” (Canson) - 2 sheets of Stonehenge drawing paper - fashion magazine for collage (such as Vogue) - glue stick (UHU) - scissors - metal ruler 18” - small sketchbook for ideas and notetaking (suggested size 8 x 10”) 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 .

30f704b1-12f7-4e61-8bb0-e92225180633 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Reproducible Artist Books 5-20 sheets of white printer paper (20-24lb) or 8.5”x11” sketchbook with perforated pages 5-10 sheets of 80-110lb paper. Size of choice. Ruler Paper scissors Black pen for writing and drawing Pencil and eraser Glue (PVA glue or Yasutoma Nori Paste Glue or glue stick) Cheap paintbrush for spreading glue Paper and fabric momentos or scraps any sizes. Your choice of patterns and colours. Larger sewing needle and embroidery cotton or waxed thread (eye of needle should be large enough to pass full strand of embroidery cotton or waxed thread through) Optional Self-healing board and exacto knife Pens, markers in other colours Paint that you enjoy using in collage or regularly use in your work (guache, watercolour, inks) Awl Bone folder Sewing needle and thread (colour or colours of choice) 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 .

7f849471-54f0-4c8f-880a-c8c0792fd104 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Painting: Light and Shadow - Mixed-media paper pad (any size, at least 9"x 12") - Acrylic paint (I recommend Amsterdam paints): Primary Magenta (or quinacridone magenta), Primary Cyan (or cerulean or cobalt blue), Ultramarine Blue, Primary yellow, Titanium white, Raw Umber (or burnt umber). Don't get "Fluid" paints. - Brushes: round brush (#1), filbert brushes (#2, #4 , #6 , #8 ), 1 large 3" hardware store brush - Acrylic medium (or acrylic glazing medium - it can be mat or glass, note: NOT gel medium or pouring medium). - Masking tape - Cotton rags - Aluminum foil over a plate as a palette - Containers for water and medium - Water spray bottle - Pencil and eraser - 5 painting surfaces (either canvas boards, stretched canvases or gessoed wood panels), sizes of your choice - to be discussed during the 1st class. Suggested place to buy art supplies: Opus Art Supplies, 512 Herald St, Victoria BC or order online: https://opusartsupplies.com/ 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 .

55be09e5-63a6-463d-a6d3-4660916446db Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Watercolour: Experimental Landscapes - watercolour pan set or watercolour in tubes (blue, red, yellow, orange, violet, green) (if you already own watercolours bring what you have) - #10 or #12 round synthetic sable watercolour brush - plastic tray for mixing colours (white plastic lids could suffice). - two containers of water - H pencil, eraser and sharpener - lo-tac masking tape (1/2") - small spray bottle - 9 x 12″ watercolour sketchbook with 100% cotton paper, cold press, 140 lb (Arches paper pad is recommended. This pad is more expensive than the lesser quality pads but you will get better results and you can use both sides of paper. - paper towels Suggested place to buy art supplies: Opus Art Supplies, 512 Herald St, Victoria BC or order online: https://opusartsupplies.com/ 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 .

9ca7a2b5-8bd7-4993-ab1f-3dd9d48c234c Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Photo Walk: Downtown Victoria Camera (Smartphone ok), notebook, pencil and outerwear appropriate for the weather Suggested place to buy art supplies: Opus Art Supplies, 512 Herald St, Victoria BC or order online: https://opusartsupplies.com/ 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 .

Employment opportunities for instructors and office staff at the Vancouver Island School of Art Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS Become an instructor at VISA. The Vancouver Island School of Art is a teaching community that has served Victoria and the surrounding area for the last 20 years. VISA is an independent post-secondary school with a focus on technique, personal expression and contemporary context. The school was founded in 2004 by artist and educator Wendy Welch. From its inception, VISA has always sought out artists in the community who have a unique vision based on their own artistic practice. Instructors are encouraged to propose courses or workshops based on their own practice and interests. The Executive Director is willing to assist in the development of course curriculum, especially to those who are new to teaching. VISA has hired many MFA graduates from UVic and other universities who have since become part of prestigious university faculties. Teaching at VISA is a great way to expand your teaching experience, develop new ideas and share your interests with students whose ages range from 18-90 years. In-person and online positions are available. All our courses are 3 hours long, once a week. They are offered morning (10am-1pm), afternoon (2-5pm) and evening (6-9pm). We prefer that instructors new to VISA start with a workshop or six-week course proposal. Apply online. Apply Now Thanks for applying! Course Length/Delivery Please provide course or workshop title and a brief description 100-150 words) in the box below Upload your first image Max of 3 images in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Workshop Length/Delivery How did you hear about VISA? Upload your CV Upload CV Upload your CV in DOC, DOX, PDF, or XPS format (max file size 15mb) Please include the name, phone number and email for each reference. Upload your second image Max of 3 images in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Upload your third image JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) Upload 3 images related to your course or workshop * Upload images below in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format (Maximum file sizes of 1mb) NEW Application deadlines Fall semester (12 week courses, September-December) May 15 Winter semester (12 week courses, January-April) September 15 Spring/Summer semester (6 week course, May-June and July-August) February 15 Some exceptions to these deadlines may apply. Application Requirements BFA in Visual Arts or equivalent 1 year or more teaching experience Personal art practice with exhibition experience Web presence (website or social media) Include a brief bio with teaching, education and reference details Provide a short workshop or course proposal. Class size is limited to 14 students (in-person) and 22 (online) A website or equivalent web portfolio alongside contact info is a must Teaching at VISA is a unique and entirely delightful experience. VISA attracts interest from all walks of life and stages of learning and inquiry. The students there take genuine pleasure in instruction – they both challenge the norms and are ready to be challenged. The atmosphere is one of both serious study and levity. VISA is a place where lasting and meaningful connections are made, and where art comes to life. Dylan Cram, Instructor: Painting, Drawing 20 years ago, I had just completed my MFA and arrived in Victoria from the Prairies. Eager to further both my art and teaching practice, I was fortunate to be introduced to Wendy Welch who was starting Vancouver Island School of Art. It was exactly what I needed; a workshop-based course structure and the opportunity to design my own course curriculum. Without a doubt, my experience at VISA influenced my future accomplishments as a post-secondary educator. Megan Dickie (Associate Professor and Chair, University of Victoria), Instructor (2005-2008 Working at VISA has been a fantastic experience, it is student centred yet the administration and the Director will always have your back, it is an excellent way to be involved in the creative community in Victoria and the region with an eclectic range of students and also the schools' relationship to other institutions. It is a supportive, open and fun way to learn to be a teacher and for me, after ten years of working with VISA, it continues to be a great learning experience and a vital connection to the arts community. I look forward to working with VISA for many years to come. Jeremy Herndl Instructor: Painting (2014-Present) I had the pleasure of teaching at the Vancouver Island School of Art upon graduating from my MFA degree at the University of Victoria where I am now a full-time sessional instructor. VISA offers new instructors a valuable opportunity to develop their teaching skills and presents those starting out in the field with a great chance to shape their own courses and projects. Todd Lambeth, Instructor: Drawing, Painting (2008-2019) VISA offers a unique creative environment, bringing together creatives from across the region and beyond. As an instructor, I enjoy the freedom to construct interesting content for my students to encourage and support them in their artistic pursuits. Another reason I enjoy being part of VISA is the appreciation I feel for the strong sense of community that Wendy continues to build since the school first opened its doors. By offering online classes, this welcoming community extends to anyone who wants to improve their studio practice, expand their skills, and find like-minded folks. Kate Scoones, Instructor (2007-Present) Working at Vancouver Island School of Art is so much fun. There is a real sense of community and a shared love of art by staff and students. The students are dedicated, talented and receptive. The Director, Wendy Welch and the administrative team at VISA are helpful and supportive. I am proud to be part of the school. Tamara Bond, Instructor: Drawing, Design (2020-Present) Teach With Us

d62b5f2c-38f8-4fbd-a6cd-7733fb4f3fe2 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Oil Basics All supplies are provided for this workshop. Suggested place to buy art supplies: Opus Art Supplies, 512 Herald St, Victoria BC or order online: https://opusartsupplies.com/ 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 .

6773fc14-326f-475b-b0c6-f9df42d8fe63 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Art History: Art as Therapy Note-taking materials: - notebook (to be used specifically for this course) - pen Recommended Textbook: Art as Therapy, Alain de Botton and John Armstrong, Phaidon, 2013 https://www.amazon.ca/Art-as-Therapy-Alain-Botton/dp/0714872784/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23BL3OKMIUNHU&keywords=art+as+therapy&qid=1677960930&sprefix=art+as+therapy%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1 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 .

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 .

b52dd1db-6cd8-4559-b8b9-c31a555033f5 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Watercolour Play - watercolour paint set (recommended: Angora Watercolour Set of 14) - 9x12 watercolour paper pad (140 lb paper) - plastic paint palette - watercolour brush #10 - small spray bottle - pencil sharpener - H graphite pencil - white plastic eraser - blotting paper - 2 containers for water Email if you have any questions: wwelch@vancouverislandschoolart.com 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 .

a4bbf479-410a-4bd8-b0e8-17a15b67c3eb Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - The Self-Portrait Items Required for the First Class: Graphite pencils, HB, 2B, 4B Xacto Knife Sandpaper Paddle White Vinyl Erasure Kneaded Erasure, firm Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 18" x 24", 89gsm (or 2 - 3 single sheets) Drawing Board with clips, 23" x 26" (or Masonite board with large clips) Large mirror (stand alone or mounted) Portable lighting (or existing household strong directional lighting) Additional Items Discussed During the First Class: Vine/Willow charcoal (optional) Colored Chalk Soft Pastels, Rembrandt, set of 10 (or Sinoart set of 12) Toned paper Prefered: Canson Mi-Teintes, 19" x 25", 160 gsm, Graphite, Dark Gray or any color that is a medium value Alternative: Strathmore 400 Series Artagain, 19" x 25", 160 gsm, Steel Gray Blending Stump/Tortillon Misc. supplies as needed 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 .