Programmes and Courses

35 YEARS OF GREAT ART TEACHING

Our September, January and April start dates enable you to complete a diploma in two years. Previous distinctions between full-time, part-time or lifelong- learning have disappeared. Class sizes are small, the learning environment is personal and supportive and you get credit for whatever you do, under our new course/term credit system. Take any number of courses you wish, whether they are offered by day, evening or in a special format. Your VCA diploma is the stepping stone towards further study at the post-diploma level. All VCA diploma courses are PCTIA accredited.

Prof. Peter Such
President

YOU ARE ONE OF US...
once you step over the threshold you will iimmediately become part of the Vancouver Island creative network.

TAKE ANY NUMBER OF COURSES YOU WISH
whether they are offered by day, in the evening, or in a special format. YOUR VCA DIPLOMA is the stepping stone towards further study at the post-diploma level.

VCA is at the forefront of new skills learning theory. Starting in April, diploma programme and certificate course timetables will reflect best practices in closely mentored hands-on studio-based classes. Each subject will be treated as a separate intensive workshop learning module. In our April term, courses will be taught every other day, until the skill-set for the class is complete. In most cases, this will be five to six weeks before moving on to the next required classes. All five courses will be completed by June 30 in this manner.
For those with completed course pre-requisites who wish to take the Illustration Art course only, the dates are:
May 26 to June 30.
Besides being a more successful learning strategy, this kind of timetabling offers more flexibility and choice for those who wish to take diploma or certificate programmes part-time, or drop in and out of programme courses due to work-related, family or personal reasons. A course credit is given immediately on completion of each module.

Another innovation is the earning of certificates which can be used to ladder your way up to a full diploma, or a graduate diploma.

New for April is our VCA certificate in Fine Arts Illustration Fundamentals.
Required number of course modules: 5. Completion time: 3 months (April 13 to June 30).
Tuition cost: $3, 025. (Early registration $150. discount before Feb.15).

The course teaches the fundamentals of illustration for art students at entry level. It serves as a foundation course and stepping stone to advance studies and specialized applications in media and communication fields. Areas of studies cover visual rendering, layout, conceptualizations and graphic presentations, with intensive hands-on studies in drawing and stylization techniques. Open to first year art candidates.

Courses required:
Fine Arts Illustration 1
Two Dimensional Design
Painting Fundamentals
Drawing Fundamentals
Art English

REGULAR DIPLOMA PROGRAMME:
Certificate in Fine Arts Fundamentals.
Two full terms in Fine Arts Fundamentals. Required number of course modules:9 or 10. Completion time: 6 months (3 new intakes per year -September, January, April.)
Tuition cost: $5,610.
Courses required:
Painting
Drawing
Two Dimensional Design
Art English
Art History
Sculpture
Photo arts

Certificate in Advanced Fine Arts:
Successful completion of Certificate in Fine Arts Fundamentals
Required number of course modules: 9 or 10. Completion time: 6 months.
Tuition cost: $5,610.
Painting
Drawing
Three Dimensional Design
Sculpture
Photo Arts
Printmaking
Art Critique

Victoria College of Art Diploma:
Successful completion of Advanced Fine Arts Certificate
Required number of course modules: 9 or 10. Completion time: 6 months.
Tuition cost:$5,610.
Painting
Drawing
Seminar Critique in chosen major
Gallery show preparation in chosen major

Post Graduate Diploma:
Successful completion of VCA Diploma in Fine Arts.
Required number of course modules 4. Plus preparation and mentoring towards solo show in chosen option.
Completion time: 6 months.
Tuition cost: $5,610
Master level instruction in chosen option(s)

COSTS:
Regular Diploma Programme (at least four individual courses of 20 hours per week, for 12 weeks duration) is $2,805
per term.
Individual Courses:
Studio full day courses are $712
4-hour studio courses are $612
Half-day non-studio courses are $480
Lifelong Learning evening courses are $375.*
Wednesday Writing Workshops are $310.

FIRST TERM DIPLOMA COURSE INSTRUCTION BEGINS Monday January 4, 2010

DIPLOMA PROGRAM COURSES (click for details)

Some of the above may be substituted by alternate, intensive or special topic courses.

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE VICTORIA COLLEGE OF ART?

Click on info@vca.ca or phone us at 250-598-5422.
You may apply at any time.
Drop by and see us and we will gladly give you a tour of our unique heritage building. Bring a portfolio, photo collection or electronic file of your work and we will review it with you to see where your talents lie and how we can help you select the courses you will find most helpful.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW FOR ENTERING AND CONTINUING STUDENTS!

- Three scholarships will go to selected students entering the diploma program at VCA.
- Two to selected students entering their second year
- One to a selected student entering third year ( Glenn Howarth Memorial)
- One to a selected student entering fourth year advanced diploma ( Flemming Jorgensen Memorial)

*Please note: VCA is not accessible to the physically challenged because we are located in a historic building from 1904.

PCTIA Accredited, the diploma program consists of the following courses:

FOUNDATION YEAR

The Art History Seminar
ARTH 107/117 (2 terms)
Instructor: Danielle Hogan/ Yvonne Owens
explains art in the 20th Century through its sources in the history of art. You will get to know the primary movements and expressions of Western Art up to and including the current scene in Europe, The Americas, and Canada.

The Drawing Studio 1
DRAW 101/111 (2 terms)
Joyce Kline, Paul Peregal
involves a variety of structured exercises to show you how to render three-dimensional forms on two-dimensional surfaces through your observational drawings of landscapes, still life arrangements, and figure models. Working mainly in pencil, charcoal, conte, ink, and pastels, you'll become familiar with the potentials and limitations of different materials. Various forms of expression are studied to enrich your aesthetic awareness.

The Painting Studio
PTNG 102/112 (2 terms)
Instructor: Victor Arcega
Here's where you'll learn about value, form and colour theory. Glaze painting over grisaille underpainting and imprimatura form major components of your first term. Prima and impasto painting follow as your work with figure models begins. A solid grounding in figure painting finishes the second term.

Art English
ENG 100 (1 term)
Instructor: Jessica Michalofsky
Learn how to write up an artist's statement of your own work for a show, how to write a gallery proposal, and how to produce promotional materials while learning the basics of composition.

The Two-Dimensional Design Studio
2DDS 203 (1 term)
Instructor: Steve Dickerson
is aimed at teaching you composition and the abstract principles underlying all art, such as fundamental ideas concerning form and colour as they apply to the two-dimensional plane. You are also introduced to printmaking, papermaking, and relief composition.

INTERMEDIATE YEAR

Art History
Arth 207/217 (2 terms)
Instructor: Yvonne Owens
Lecture / Seminar: This course reviews art historical topics from a critical point of view. The aim is to develop the skills you need to critique art history and the current work of other artists, thereby enriching and informing your own work.

The Drawing Studio 2
DRAW 201/211 (2 terms)
Instructor: Steve Dickerson
This studio focuses on content. Through direct engagement with various subjects you are encouraged to develop your own aesthetic judgements. Tasks involve imagination, conceptualization, and expression through drawing.

The Painting Studio 2
PTNG 204/214 (2 terms)
Instructor: Andy Wooldridge
This studio provides a basis for editing and selecting the world around you so that you become individually responsible for what you reveal through your drawings and paintings. In other words, you will begin to develop your own "voice" or "signature".

The Photography Studio
PHOTO 206 (1 term)
Instructor: Tony Bounsall
introduces you to the nature of film, exposure control and photographic printing. You will use the camera as an artistic tool and a means for recording your own unfolding as an artist.

The Printmaking Studio
PRNT 204/214 (2 terms)
Instructor: Jennifer Robins
Discover the sumptuous colors, velvety blacks and varied textures, unique to printmaking. Work with digital imagery, mark-making, found objects in photo-etching and hands-on plate building in other processes. This studio will explore the print as a 'stand-alone' work of art and then, as a powerful element when combined with larger mixed media work.

The Three-Dimensional Design Studio
3DDS213 (1 term)
Instructor: Joyce Kline
Working in a variety of found and other materials, you'll learn to create visually arresting art objects and installations. You'll also have the rare opportunity to experience the commission process first-hand as you help create a major new public art project for the 1904 Bank Street school building.

FINAL YEAR

Seminar/ Critique
SEMC 308/318 (2 terms)
Various Instructors
Advanced studio techniques in critical context.

The Drawing Studio 3
DRAW 301/311 (2 terms)
Instructor: Victor Arcega
Advanced studio practices.

The Painting Studio 3
PTNG 302/312 (2 terms)
Instructor: Steve Dickerson
Advanced studio practices.

The Sculpture Studio
305/ 315B (2 terms)
Instructor : David Hunwick
Advanced studio practices

Art English
ENG 100 (1 term)
Instructor: Jessica Michalofsky
Learn how to write up an artist's statement of your own work for a show, how to write a gallery proposal, and how to produce promotional materials while learning the basics of composition.

Art History
Arth 307 (1 term)
Instructor: Yvonne Owens
Lecture / Seminar: This course reviews art historical topics from a critical point of view. The aim is to develop the skills you need to critique art history and the current work of other artists, thereby enriching and informing your own work.

EVERY YEAR DIPLOMA OPTIONS

Art Journal Journeys
306B1 (1 term)
Starts January 11, 2010
Instructor: Tony Bounsall
(Mondays 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm)
Art Journalling is the enjoyable process of creating and maintaining an ongoing visual dialogue with your inner creative self. If you desire to express yourself with found images, drawings, photographs and words, this class will help you to map new areas of your own creative landscape. Weekly techniques and journal prompts will keep your artistic energy flowing. Such topics as image transfer, mixed media collage, photo-distressing and stencilling techniques are covered.
No experience necessary, just your enthusiasm.

Mixed Media - The Altered Image
PHOTO 306A (1 term)
Instructor: Tony Bounsall
This course will appeal to anyone interested in the use of altered photographic imagery in their creative work. Different approaches to photo-based mixed media will be covered such as image transfer, colouring techniques, print augmentation and distressing, collage, assemblage and other processes. (supply list provided) $40 Lab fee required payable to the instructor. Fridays Starting January 8- 1:00pm-5:00pm.

Contemporary Painting
CPTNG 112A (2 terms)
Starts January 8 (Fridays 10:00am - 5:00pm)
Instructor: Paul Peregal
This dynamic course will introduce the student to the theory, history and techniques of Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, European Modernism and The London School. Students will learn to apply these concepts first-hand onto canvas using acrylic paints and discover why these stunning artists are the seminal influences on today's painting.

Contemporary Drawing
111A
Starts Wednesdays January 6 (Wednesdays 1:00am - 5:00pm)
Instructor: Paul Peregal
As a foundation for their major works, the masters of twentieth century painting and sculpture created brilliant drawings of great variation and innovation. By studying the works of these masters, you can learn their revolutionary techniques in this course through a series of studio exercises. Your discovery begins with the drawings of the European Modernists: Picasso, Braque and Matisse. It then continues with the likes of Kirchner, Schmidt-Rottluff, Kollwitz, Giacometti, Henry Moore, de Kooning and other giants of contemporary drawing. You will become familiar with using different materials such as graphite, charcoal, oil sticks, and ink. Your own drawings will grow out of your imagination and also out of studies with live models.

Cement Garden Sculpture 315A
Saturdays 10am - 2:30pm
Instructor: David Hunwick
Starts Saturday January 16
What if you could create your own cement garden sculptures, rather than buying the usual standard cast ornaments?. We'll show you how to construct armatures and model your visions directly in cement from live models and still-life objects. Also, you can experiment with faux patinas so that, by the end of the course, you will have made beautiful pieces of garden sculpture to call your very own.

Materials fee: $100 (payable to instructor at first class)

For application inquiries please contact the administrator at:

1625 Bank St. Victoria BC, Canada
V8R 4V5
Website: vca.ca
Email: info@vca.ca
Phone: 250-598-5422
Fax: 250-598-5452

As a successful diploma graduate you have the chance to present a group show in a major Victoria commercial gallery and receive a Diploma in Fine Art from the Victoria College of Art.

LIFE LONG LEARNING ART CLASSES

YOU ARE ONE OF US... once you step over the threshold. The distinctions between Full-time, Part time, or Life Long Learning students no longer apply at VCA.

YOU GET CREDIT for whatever you do under our new 12-week semester-credit diploma programme. Courses are 10 weeks long plus a 2-week project completion and assessment period.

Class sizes are small and the learning environment is non-competitive.

COSTS

*Please note:
* Wednesday Writing Workshops are 3 hour classes priced at $310. (currently these are non-credit courses)

VCA is not accessible to the physically challenged because we are Located in a historic building.

Abstract Painting in Acrylics (Part 1&2): Carole Thompson
PART 1:
(Saturdays 10:00-1:00)
Starts January 16,2010.
Explore and discover the expressive world of abstract art. Learn how to evolve a subject from a representational form to an abstract depiction. We will explore the history, concepts and application of different techniques of painterly abstraction and experimentation. You can absorb the foundations of colour, shape,space and composition from studying artists such as Kandinsky, Rothko and Frankenthaler. Class format will include demonstrations, studies and or projects. Suitable for beginners or those with some painting experience.

Acrylic Painting: Carole Thompson

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 112B

(Tuesday 6:30pm - 9:30pm)
Starts January 12, 2010.

PART 2, 3 OR 4, 112C

One of which is offered per term, (Wednesday 6:30pm - 9:30pm)
PART 3 is offered for the Winter term 2010.
Starts January 13, 2010

PART 1: INTRODUCTION - This long-standing, very popular course introduces the versatile potential of acrylics. With a contemporary approach of experimentation and exploration of concepts, techniques and theories, students develop an understanding of colour, form and composition. Carole will encourage your personal expression in still life, abstraction, landscape, symbolist and free form painting. This course is for those who have had little or no experience in acrylic painting.

PARTS 2-4 explore more concepts and techniques using Contemporary Art models as reference and resources. This class opens up greater vistas of personal exploration and creativity. Students explore the concept of a series supported by individual mentoring.

PART 2 - EXPLORATION OF CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES - Class projects focus on: Colour Theory; Figure 1 and Figure II, (with model); The Gray Scale; Composition and Shapes; Interaction of Colour; and an exploration of working in a series of three paintings.

PART 3 - EXPLORATION OF CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES - Class projects focus on Glazing and Texture Techniques; Abstraction and Colour Theory; Colour Field Painting; Shaped Works; Contemporary Landscape; and working in a series (students explore the series concept with a choice of themes).

PART 4 - EXPLORATION OF CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES - Class projects focus on Colour Studies; Collage and Layering Techniques; Four Surface Techniques; The Figure; Self-Portraits; and working in a series (students explore the series concept with a choice of themes). Part 4 is offered for the Spring Semester 2010.

The Figure in Art (202B): Victor Arcega
Starts Thursday January 14, 2010
(Thursdays 6:30pm - 9:30pm)

The figure has always been a major subject of artistic expression. With live models, and an in-depth analysis of anatomy, you will find yourself realizing the potential of figure-drawing as a dynamic source of creative ideas for pictorial, sculptural, design and aesthetic expression. Primarily we will start with using charcoal, graphite and ink. Later, by individual choice, we will render longer poses in pastel, watercolor and paint. Some background in drawing fundamentals is preferred.

Figure Sculpting : Session 2 David Hunwick
Starts Thursday January 14, 2010
(Thursday 9:30 - 2pm)
During this class we will focus on human anatomy, learning how to sculpt freestanding clay figures using life models where appropriate. Also, we will learn how to create faux bronze finishes. This course is ideal for those who want to develop their knowledge of human anatomy and how to sculpt the human figure.
Materials fee : $45

Sculpture: Introduction to Mould Making (105C): David Hunwick
Starts January 14, 2010
(Thursdays 6:30pm - 9:30pm)
This course will introduce you to mould making and casting techniques using rubber moulds and casting using the cold-cast bronze technique. During this time you will learn how to create two piece moulds and cast in various materials. The emphasis is on the process of mould making and casting.
Materials fee: $180. (payable to instructor at first class)
Mask and other safety equipment also required.

Digital Photography - Intro Photoshop 1 (306C1): Tony Bounsall
Starts January 12, 2010
(Tuesdays 6:30pm - 9:30 pm)

This courses explores digital photography as a modern expressive print medium, which bridges all other art forms, and will provide the student with basic understanding of:

- Using a digital camera in manual and auto modes
- Exposing and processing captured files suitable for print & web applications
- Make technically proficient, aesthetically pleasing digital files
- Use digital photography as a creative medium
- Learn compositional rules and criticism of photographs
- Learn the essential core functions of Photoshop CS3
- Learn how to effectively "paint with light"
- Learn how to retouch a portrait
- Learn how to stitch together several photos to create a panoramic
- Learn how to create a web gallery of your work

Class Structure:
In addition to working with digital cameras, students will have a chance to explore the creative and practical potentials of digital photography. Student's learning objectives will be met through the use of instructional video's, tutorials and in class assignments. Punctuality is requested due to the technical nature of photography, and the limited class time. Assignments will be given to assist you in exploring the nature of photographic materials & concepts.

Art Journal Journeys (306B1): Tony Bounsall
Starts January 11, 2010
(Mondays 1:30 pm-4:30 pm)
Art Journalling is the enjoyable process of creating and maintaining an ongoing visual dialogue with your inner creative self. If you desire to express yourself with found images, drawings, photographs and words, this class will help you to map new areas of your own creative landscape. Weekly techniques and journal prompts will keep your artistic energy flowing. Such
topics as image transfer, mixed media collage, photo-distressing and stencilling techniques are covered. No experience necessary, just your enthusiasm.

Wednesday Writing Workshops:
"The Long and Short of It" :
Starting Wednesday January 13, 2010
Proven exercises and techniques for generating short and longer prose works. 3 hour sessions on Wednesday evenings:
12 weeks combining instruction with readings.

Instructor: Peter Such, dramatist, short story writer, novelist. Peter has published eight books and numerous short stories and has taught graduate and undergraduate students in Creative Writing at Concordia University, University of Toronto, York University and at UVic.

Crazier and More of It than We Think: Poetry
Nibble the masters, savour the workshop method, imbibe in the supportive ambience-discover the drunkenness of things being various: 3 hour sessions on Wednesday evenings: 12 weeks combining instruction with readings.

Instructor: Jessica Michalofsky, poet, short story writer. Jessica is published in Canadian literary journals and in chapbook form, teaches and supports students' writing at VCA and at Camosun College, and is a student in UBC's Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing.

Contemporary Painting (112A): Paul Peregal
Starts January 8, 2010
(Fridays 9:30am - 4:30pm)

This dynamic course will introduce you to the theory, history and techniques of Expressionism, European Modernism, Abstract Expressionism and The London School. Stunning paintings by Kirchner, Soutine, de Kooning, Bratby, Bacon and others who have changed the course of art history will be examined and discussed. You will learn to apply these concepts first-hand onto canvas using acrylic paints and discover why these innovative artists are the seminal influences on today's painting.

Contemporary Drawing (111A): Paul Peregal
Starts January 6, 2010
(Wednesdays 1:00pm - 5:00pm)

As a foundation for their major works, the masters of twentieth century painting and sculpture created brilliant drawings of great variation and innovation. By studying the works of these masters, you can learn their revolutionary techniques in this course through a series of studio exercises. Your discovery begins with the drawings of the European Modernists: Picasso, Braque and Matisse. It then continues with the likes of Kirchner, Schmidt-Rottluff, Kollwitz, Giacometti, Henry Moore, de Kooning and other giants of contemporary drawing. You will become familiar with using different materials such as graphite, charcoal, oil sticks, and ink. Your own drawings will grow out of your imagination and also out of studies with live models.

Cement Garden Sculpture 315A: David Hunwick
Starts January 15, 2010
(Saturdays 9:30am - 1:30pm)

What if you could create your own cement garden sculptures, rather than buying the usual standard cast ornaments?. We'll show you how to construct armatures and model your visions directly in cement from live models and still-life objects. Also, you can experiment with faux patinas so that, by the end of the course, you will have made beautiful pieces of garden sculpture to call your very own.

Materials fee: $100 (payable to instructor at first class)

For COURSE inquiries please contact:
Nancy Ruffolo Vice President / Administration or
Prof. Peter Such President at:

1625 Bank St. Victoria BC,
Canada V8R 4V5
Email: info@vca.ca
Phone: 250-598-5422
Fax: 250-598-5452

POST DIPLOMA STUDIES

Post-Diploma study at VCA is partly self-directed. Whatever the case, here you get to refine your professional attitudes and aptitudes in an exploratory environment of personal critique and support. Each program varies according to your individual needs and predilections

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