Foundation Visual Arts

Certificate | 1 year | 2 semesters

In Foundation Visual Arts, you will:

Fine-tune your creativity with a preparatory program that teaches drawing, colour study, creative process, art history, design, and writing for designers and makers.
Develop dexterity and visual problem solving with hands-on, project-based curriculum.
Document your work and prepare your professional portfolio – a must-have for artists and designers when applying for grants, scholarships and further study.
Virtually explore a selection of our studios to help determine your direction for the future.
Use your foundational skills to excel in any of our specialized Diploma programs in the following year.

Interested in finding out more?

Contact: The Registrar’s Office, toll free, 1-877-400-1107 or email nbccdrecruiting@gnb.ca

Distance Learning and Locations

FREDERICTON

NBCCD main campus is located in downtown Fredericton. Join us in-person to receive hands-on training.

ONLINE

Want to study at NBCCD, but are limited by travel? Study online with our new fully-online Foundation Visual Arts. You’ll still receive plenty of one-on-one time with instructors and will be able to access all the services we provide.

SAINT JOHN

With limited seats, you can learn Foundation Visual Arts from inside the beautiful Saint John Arts Centre. Learn from Saint John based artists who are leaders in their fields.

How to apply? Select Foundation Visual Arts Saint John or Foundation Visual Arts Online within the application for your studio selection. The Foundation Visual Arts option is based in Fredericton.
Areas of Study
- Skill Development (Fine Craft, Applied Design and Visual Arts Practice)
- Elements and Principles of Design
- Creative Process and Visual Problem Solving
- Drawing From Observation
- Historical Trends and Contemporary Theory
- English Language Skills
- Basic Business Practices and Digital Photography
Career Possibilities

The Certificate in Foundation Visual Arts provides foundational knowledge in design and visual art vocabulary, dexterity, critical thinking and visual problem-solving skills. These skills are culminated in the production of a personal portfolio. A portfolio is used to apply for grants, scholarships and for further study in one of NBCCD’s diverse diploma programs or other visual art institutions.
Course List

Fall

DSGN 1000
2D Design

DRAW 1000
Drawing from Observation

FVAD 1004
Colour Study

HIST 1056
Visual Culture: Prehistory to 1600

ENGL 1000
Writing for Visual Artists

FVAD 1006
Studio Orientation

Winter

DSGN 1001
3D Design

DRAW 1001
Drawing From Observation: Form and Expression

HUMN 1001
The Creative Process and Social Engagement

HIST 1057
Visual Culture: 1600 to the Present

ENTR 1072
Business and the Visual Arts
Portfolio Requirements
- Application Fee
- Successfully completed – High School Diploma, GED, Adult High School Diploma
- OR Equivalent experience
- Portfolio Submission: Portfolio Requirements
Apply Now

Apply Here: Canadian Students

Apply Here: International Students

Go to the Admission Requirements to learn more. This page will also provide more details and info on where to mail your transcript of marks, cash, cheques and/or money order.

FVASaint John

Learn the language of design and experience Foundation Visual Arts in Saint John, housed within the beautiful Saint John Arts Centre. Learn drawing, colour study, creative process, art history, design, and writing for designers and makers from Saint John based artists who are leaders in their field. Seats are limited, apply now.

How to Apply

FVAOnline

Want to learn Foundation Visual Arts from the comfort of your living room, or home studio? Apply now to fill one of our limited seats in our new fully online FVA program. You’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with your instructors, and will tap into all the same resources the College provides. Select ‘Foundation Visual Arts – Online’ in the application drop-down.