Testimonials from students who have attended art courses or workshops at the Vancouver Island School of Art. Student Testimonials Online with VISA instructors is an amazing experience. Contemporary approaches to art making that you don't get in the usual online course. It's the real thing! Try it! You'll have fun and learn a whole lot of new stuff! Anne Petrie The online art course I took was most enjoyable. The two hours each week sped by with engaging dialogue, demonstrations, short videos and interactive critiques of assignments. Not being particularly computer savvy, I was a bit nervous about downloading procedures for the class. Immediate help was offered when I stumbled at the beginning and all became simple and straightforward. I would encourage anyone to take an online course. It's easy. It's fulfilling, engaging and fun. Jean Hutton Thank you for a wonderful course with a wonderful teacher and it worked very well on Zoom - I could work in my home studio! Wendy has a gift for including everyone at whatever level they are painting. Each person receives just the right gently constructive suggestions - content, medium, and technique - to take their work forward. The course content introduced contemporary artists I wouldn't have known about otherwise; with them as inspiration and with Wendy's guidance, my painting took me in new and exciting directions that I can follow up on. I like that we received outlines before each class which included a synopsis, how-to guidelines for the week's assignment, as well as online resources to view on our own time. I came away with lots of material to support further explorations. Can't wait for her next course on plants and I've signed up for two more summer courses at VISA because of it. Marilyn Walker I just completed "Abstract Painting Today" with Wendy DeGros. It was the first online class and with only a few growing pains it turned out to be an amazing experience. Not only did I learn and evolve during the 6 weeks, I also met 6 other artists. The intimate size of the class and the connections we were able to form over zoom was great. We were able to follow along with each other and watch as are works progressed, we were able to have conversations that sometimes extended the class time without us realizing! I enjoyed it and learned so much that I've signed up for another class starting July 8th. If any of you are wondering how to fill your days with something meaningful, educational and fun try out one of the up coming classes. Lauren Buchner I am so grateful for the online classes at VISA! I took two in the spring term and it was a wonderful experience. The instructors were engaging and welcoming with in-class slide presentations, demos, and critiques, and they also provided many resources for learning between classes. It was a joy to get to know the other students and share our work even though we are apart. I have signed up for two classes again in the summer term, and I am looking forward to being creative and enjoying the art community at VISA, from a distance (Saskatoon), in these strange times. Erica Bird I really enjoyed "Surrealism: Ideas, Methods and Techniques" with Tony Bounsall it was a fun way of learning some interesting techniques while also discovering more about an art movement I had not previously studied. I also really appreciated the online format. I have mobility issues, plus live on the Gulf islands so love online courses. The convenience of being able to access this standard of teaching from my own home was terrific. I look forward to taking more online courses. Andrea Spalding While I had reservations about taking a ZOOM art class, it more than met my hopes and expectations. Our teacher was well prepared and ran the classes well. The critiques in each class were informing and enlightening. As usual (with VISA classes) I was impressed with the variety and quality of all the work, even though the student range was from true novice to well seasoned artists. And we had a good time. I never at any time felt a lack or inferiority to the classes. Margaret Hantiuk The "Painting the Everyday with Gouache" course with Wendy Welch was an excellent introduction for me to a new medium. Though a veteran in the visual arts, I benefited from a close-up look at the work of other students and a challenging exploration of different techniques and paper surfaces. Looking at student work, Wendy offered valuable feedback and one or two people in the class were invited to comment each time if they chose. I felt totally connected to the whole group during the two-hour class. The time went quickly. With such a great focus, and the encouragement of others in full view, I was motivated with more confidence to complete assignments. Taking a class with VISA always teaches me how to improve in my art practice- to see and try new ways of working. The virtual format suited me perfectly! Susan Feilders I just completed "Abstract Painting Today "with Wendy De Gros. It was terrific. Any reservations I'd had beforehand about taking an online course, vanished after the first class. With a knowledgeable, well-prepared instructor and an engaged, multi-talented group of fellow students, the virtual sessions were engrossing and inspiring--and, bonus, very convenient to attend. Georgina Montgomery The Vancouver Island School online art course experience is new and fresh. I felt instant community, sharing and also gave me the opportunity to become comfortable with a new medium in my own home art space. There was no running around. The mix of excellent teaching, video and powerpoint, class sharing, ability to get answers to questions immediately just worked. The joy of new people and art ideas just filled me up. Joan Kakoske My recent zoom classes from VISA have been excellent. The instructors encourage and challenge with lively exercises and stimulating discussion, and offer intriguing reflections from historical and contemporary examples of art. Truly enlivening! I find this level and breadth of instruction unique to VISA and look forward to more attendance. Elisabeth Haight In case you were wondering whether taking an online course is a good experience or not, here are some testimonials from some students who recently finished an online course with us: What our students are saying Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Student work from art courses and workshops at the Vancouver Island School of Art. Student Artwork

Learn how the Vancouver Island School of Art protects you through our Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy LAST UPDATED OCTOBER 16/2022 What type of information do you collect? We receive, collect and store any information you enter on our website or provide us in any other way. In addition, we collect the Internet protocol (IP) address used to connect your computer to the Internet; login; e-mail address; password; computer and connection information and purchase history. We may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, length of visits to certain pages, page interaction information, and methods used to browse away from the page. We also collect personally identifiable information (including name, email, password, communications); payment details (including credit card information), comments, feedback, product reviews, recommendations, and personal profile. How do you collect information? When you conduct a transaction on our website, as part of the process, we collect personal information you give us such as your name, address and email address. Your personal information will be used for the specific reasons stated above only. Why do you collect such personal information? We collect such Non-personal and Personal Information for the following purposes: To provide and operate the Services; To provide our Users with ongoing customer assistance and technical support; To be able to contact our Visitors and Users with general or personalized service-related notices and promotional messages; To create aggregated statistical data and other aggregated and/or inferred Non-personal Information, which we or our business partners may use to provide and improve our respective services; To comply with any applicable laws and regulations. How do you store, use, share and disclose your site visitors' personal information? Our company is hosted on the Wix.com / Editorx.com platform. Wix.com provides us with the online platform that allows us to sell our products and services to you. Your data may be stored through Wix.com ’s data storage, databases and the general Wix.com applications. They store your data on secure servers behind a firewall. All direct payment gateways offered by Wix.com and used by our company adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of credit card information by our store and its service providers. How do you communicate with your site visitors? We may contact you to notify you regarding your account, to troubleshoot problems with your account, to resolve a dispute, to collect fees or monies owed, to poll your opinions through surveys or questionnaires, to send updates about our company, or as otherwise necessary to contact you to enforce our User Agreement, applicable national laws, and any agreement we may have with you. For these purposes we may contact you via email, telephone, text messages, and postal mail. How do you use cookies and other tracking tools? If you don’t want us to process your data anymore, please contact us at info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Privacy policy updates We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated, so that you are aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it. Questions and your contact information If you would like to: access, correct, amend or delete any personal information we have about you, you are invited to contact us at info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Drop-in online drawing sessions offered bi-weekly at the Vancouver Island School of Art on Wednesday mornings, 10am-1pm. Draw by Drawing

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 in Arts, Major in Fine Arts 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 Spring Workshops Landscape as Abstraction Learn how to transform complex landscape scenes into basic abstract shapes. Starts May 21 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Watercolour: Art and Science Come and see how science has inspired artists over the ages. Starts May 19 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting with Gouache: Plants & Flowers Learn new ways to approach flowers and plants with gouache. Starts May 20 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: The Basics Want to learn how to paint? Start here. Starts May 22 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: Introduction to Colour Let mysteries of working with colour be revealed to you. Starts May 21 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Paint Like an Artist I Available Online Let artists from art history inspire your art practice. Starts May 22 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Nature in the City Spend time in a variety of parks and public spaces learning to draw and paint. Starts Jul 10 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Watercolour: Landscape as Experiment Let the exciting processes of watercolour help you make experimental landscapes. Starts Jul 7 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting the Figure Be intimidated no more! You too can learn to paint the figure. Starts Jul 8 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: Series Development Create a lively series of paintings based on where you live. Starts Jul 9 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting from Photography Learn the strategies to make interesting paintings from your photographs. Starts Jul 10 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Paint Like an Artist II Available Online Let more artists from art history inspire your art practice. Starts Jul 10 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting the Ocean Take your love of the ocean and let it inspire your paintings. Starts Jul 7 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing as Meditation Discover how a relaxed mind is a creative mind. Starts May 19 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing Inspired by Film Discover how your love of film can be used to create beautiful drawings. Starts May 22 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Portraiture A step-by-step guide to making compelling portrait drawings. Starts May 20 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Shading Techniques Available Online Unlock the mysteries of beautiful shading techniques. Starts May 20 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now How to Draw Want to learn to draw? Start here. Starts May 20 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now To Draw a Diary Available Online Let your everyday thoughts and activities become your source for drawing. Starts May 21 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Coloured Pencils Available Online This ubiquitous drawing tool can be used to create a range of exciting contemporary drawings. Starts Jul 9 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Flora and Fauna Available Online Have fun with this course where the focus is on plants and animals. Starts Jul 8 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing as Mark Making Discover all the tools and processes you can use to make a variety of exciting drawing marks. Starts Jul 9 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Historical Approaches Learn techniques from the past to create drawings today. Starts Jul 9 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Observation, Memory&Imagination Discovery the many ways you can use to inspire a drawing. Starts Jul 8 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Pastels and Nature Easy-to-use soft pastels are the perfect medium to capture the beauty of nature. Starts Jul 8 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Photography: A Mixed Media Approach Learn exciting processed-based to work with photography. Starts May 19 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Design: Focus on Abstraction Learn to use abstract designs to create compelling compositions. Starts Jul 7 275 Canadian dollars $275 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing Plants with Ink Discover the beauty of simple line drawing of plants. Starts May 23 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Design for Painters Learn how to make great compositions in your paintings. Starts May 30 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Understanding the Colour Wheel Simple techniques for using the colour wheel are revealed in this course. Starts Jun 6 245 Canadian dollars $245 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Design Practice: Abstract Expressionism Focus on expressive mark making to create dynamic designs. Starts Jun 20 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Principles of Japanese Design Learn the Japanese art of positive and negative shapes (Notan). Starts Jun 27 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Drawing: Urban Perspectives Perspective is easier than you realize! Learn the tools to make it happen. Starts Jul 4 245 Canadian dollars $245 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Design Practice: Geometric Abstraction Use geometric designs to create formal elegance in your compositions. Starts Jul 11 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Pastel Flowers Be inspired by the beautiful pastel flowers of Odilon Redon. Starts Jul 18 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting: Bring Colour to the Next Level Go beyond colour basics and learn some sophisticated approaches to colour. Starts Jul 25 245 Canadian dollars $245 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Expressive Botanicals: Drawing & Collage Discover the excitement of using expressive processes to create botanical drawings. Starts Aug 1 135 Canadian dollars $135 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Chinese Brush Painting Learn how to use brush and ink to create fabulous marks and washes. Starts Aug 8 265 Canadian dollars $265 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now Painting from Start to Finish Unlock the mysterious process of developing and finishing a painting. Starts Aug 15 245 Canadian dollars $245 Loading availability... Loading availability... Book Now 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

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

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. 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WI26 Student Exhibition Events at the Vancouver Islands School Art including exhibition openings, artist talks and lectures, fundraisers and Open Houses WI26 Student Exhibition Create your future COURSES & WORKSHOPS

21a1f54c-8675-4a72-9e50-82ea118b3632 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Painting Nature - 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 Students should bring all materials except canvas to the first class 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 .

114a70fb-9214-4df6-ae9e-bc646f57d461 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Drawing Light and Shadow 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 .

42851591-c2d7-4ea0-8519-11cb8ef13d98 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Fantastical Jellyfish 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 .

86e1ddb8-d52e-4c9c-b641-6d9a35bb3813 Vancouver Island School of Art 302-733 Johnson St Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 250-380-3500 info@vancouverislandschoolart.com Supply List - Drawing from the Renaissance Items required for the first class: Graphite Pencils: B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B ... (soft) Sketchbook or Drawing Papers and Drawing Board with Clips Mixed media or watercolour paper for ink wash drawings Utility knife or Pencil sharpener Additional Items to be discussed during the first class: Calligraphy Pens: India Ink (black and/or Brown) Watercolor paint brush (various sizes) Chalk or Conte: Pastel Chalk (Black, White & Sanguine) Charcoal: Vine and Willow Charcoal Compressed Charcoal Charcoal Pencil (soft, medium, hard) Sanguine Pens and Markers: Roll-tip Pen (Microns or Artist’s Loft) Erasers: Vinyl eraser Kneaded rubber 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 .