A distribution of art supplies, including pencils and paint brushes on a tables with paint stains in a Foundation Visual Arts classroom.
Certificate

Foundation Visual Arts

Foundation Visual Arts

Certificate | 1 year | 2 semesters


In this program, you will:

  • Fine-tune your creativity and develop foundational principles and skills in drawing, colour study, ​the creative process, art history, design, language, and ​time design.
  • Develop dexterity and visual problem solving with hands-on, project-based curriculum.
  • Explore 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.

 

Note: Students start in FVA before choosing to specialize in one of our diploma programs.

 

NEWS

NBCCD FVA Alumnus Set to Open Exhibit Celebrating Black Women, March 2023

NBCCD Instructor Runner-Up in David Suzuki Foundation Arts Prize, February 2023

 

Interested in finding out more?

Email the Recruitment Office: nbccdrecruiting@gnb.ca

  • Distance Learning and Locations

    ONLINE

    Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) is an in-person program offered in New Brunswick. Want to study at NBCCD, but limited by travel? Study online with our new option of a fully-online FVA program. Click here for more details on FVA Online.

    FREDERICTON

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

    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.

  • Curriculum Standard

    Foundation Visual Arts 2024-2025 Curriculum Standard

    The Curriculum Standard is an introduction to the program which includes the program’s critical performance, a program description, program learning outcomes, and the program’s potential career opportunities. This is followed by information on duration, credits, admission requirements, advanced placement, certification, articulations, and prior learning assessment and recognition.

    This document also contains a program delivery sequence and the course profiles with specific course learning outcomes and grading basis.

    In addition, the Curriculum Standard is used as a tool for revision and evaluation of the program and for the promotion of transfer agreements with other post-secondary institutions.

  • 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
  • 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.  From here, NBCCD students continue in one of our 8 diploma programs. For more information, click here.

  • Course List

    Fall

    DSGN 1000
    2D Design

    DRAW 1000
    Drawing from Observation

    FVAD 1004
    Colour Study

    HIST 1056
    Visual Culture: Prehistory to 1600

    ENGL 1001
    Language of Design

    MEXP 1000
    Media Explorations       

    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

    DSGN 1004
    Time Design

  • Portfolio Requirements
  • Apply Now

    Apply here.

    Go to Admission Requirements to learn what documents you need to support your application and how to pay your application fee.

    The deadline to apply to the Foundation Visual Arts program is December 15.

A student looks at the subject she is painting. Other sketches in charcoal are on the wall behind her.

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.

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 menu.

News