NIC’s fine arts program offers a career-focused education that fosters strong problem solving, critical thinking, research and studio practice skills. You will develop critical and theoretical skills in a broad range of mediums encompassing traditional, interdisciplinary and digital arts practice.
NIC’s well-equipped studios and unique setting has extensive resources, both physical and human, to inspire your imagination, allowing you to experiment with different mediums and express yourself individually.
Study in one of the best facilities in BC. NIC's studios are outfitted with up-to-date equipment and technology and many of the instructors maintain national and international practices. Trees, mountains and beautiful natural settings surround the Comox Valley campus and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking are easily accessible as you learn to define who you are as an artist.
Beginning with fundamentals, for studio-based practice, you will build a comprehensive knowledge of materials, theory and exhibition for a contemporary visual culture. You will learn creative and critical thinking, as well as the hands-on techniques and skills necessary for artistic expression.
At NIC, you will have many opportunities to diversify your talents and explore a variety of mediums such as ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital media, drawing and painting. Through a study of art history, you will explore the evolution of visual culture. NIC's creative environment will motivate you to experiment, explore and discover new methods of personal expression. You will be challenged to see the world around you from different perspectives and interpret those experiences originally and creatively.
If you are interested in taking a fine arts course, but do not wanting to apply to the fine arts program, there are often spaces available. Although course spaces are first allocated to program registrants, university studies program students are welcome to select fine arts courses and do not need to submit a portfolio of works to do so. Community members can also sign up to enjoy a fine arts course by registering as a part-time university studies student. For more information, contact an NIC educational advisor.
Your Fine Arts diploma will prepare you to launch your career or transfer to degrees at UVic, VIU or at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
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Year 1
FIN-101 Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture II
FIN-110 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language I
FIN-111 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language II
FIN-120 Painting: Colour & Perception
FIN-121 Painting: Colour & Application
FIN-130 Foundation Studio in 3-Dimensional Art and Design
FIN-140 Creative Processes
Note: FIN-110 is a prerequisite or co-requisite for all 100- and 200-level Fine Arts courses except FIN-100 and FIN-101.
plus 2 courses from the following list:
FIN-115 Introduction to Printmaking
FIN-131 Foundation Studio in 3-Dimensional Objects and Space
FIN-135 Introduction to Ceramics
FIN-145 Introduction to Photography
Year 2
All students will be required to take:
FIN-210 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language III
FIN-211 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language IV
PHI-240 Philosophy of Art
FIN-250 Modern Art History
plus 2 courses from:
FIN-200 Video + Sound 1
FIN-215 Intaglio Printmaking
FIN-220 Painting Intermediate I
FIN-230 Sculpture and Integrated Art Practices I
FIN-235 Ceramics Intermediate I
FIN-245 Photography Intermediate I
plus 2 of the following courses:
FIN-201 Video + Sound 2
FIN-217 Screen Printing
FIN-221 Painting Intermediate II
FIN-231 Sculpture and Integrated Art Practices II
FIN-236 Ceramics Intermediate II
FIN-247 Introduction to Digital Photography
plus 2 English courses from the following:
ENG-115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis or ENG-116 Essay Writing and Indigenous Perspectives
ENG-107 Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction & Non-Fiction
ENG-108 Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry & Drama
ENG-122 Reading Literature
ENG-127 Indigenous Literatures in Canada
Completion Requirements
As a full-time student:
A student must complete the program within two years of acceptance.
As a part-time student:
A student must complete the program within four years of acceptance.
After graduation, you will have conceptual and technical knowledge to apply your skills in a wide range of employment opportunities in the knowledge-based creative economy. You will have a strong contextual understanding of the visual arts across multiple disciplines to successfully pursue a career in painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, curating, art education, art therapy, community arts programming, industrial design, exhibit design, fashion, interior design, illustration, theatre, set design, video, film and more.
