Vancouver Island School of Art

I have taken classes at VISA for several years and am now in the Certificate program as a part time student. This has been a great experience as a way to pursue my art interests as I transition to retirement. The faculty are uniformly stellar - accomplished artists with the skills to effectively transfer their knowledge and the insights to support students' finding their own artistic voices. The collegiality and support from fellow learners is another feature of VISA that I appreciate. I look forward to my weekly classes and "doing homework" has never been so enjoyable! Thanks to VISA's unique learning environment, my art-making has significantly advanced and I am confident that I'll learn even more this year.

Absolutely loved my experience at VISA! I took the certificate program a couple of years ago before they moved and the vibe of the school is so cool! The instructors are well educated in their craft and I learned quite a lot through the certificate program.

I have not taken any workshops at the school but I imagine they are equally as good. I love the art galley/art exhibitions that the school puts on and it would be lovely to attend one again as it has been a while!

I was grateful to have been given some used books for my classes and I would like to donate my books so students can continue to save money on their book costs.

The Vancouver Island School of Art is a superb art school. It has a dynamic, highly experienced and dedicated director - Wendy Welsh; professional and challenging faculty; welcoming and supportive staff; and motivated and excited students. It has been a great pleasure and a real joy to take art courses at the school over the course of a number of years.

The School is an arts leader in the Victoria and Vancouver Island communities, helping students, whatever their level and experience, to pursue their artistic dreams and aspirations. Classes and courses are engaging, rewarding and lots of fun as the instructors and courses are geared to supporting and challenging students to develop their artistic skills, understanding, and appreciation.

But the school is much more that just courses, classes, and workshops. It is a centre for the creative arts engaging the community, institutions, and individuals in the joys and challenges of making art and appreciating art in contemporary society.

Whatever your artistic level, if you want to help yourself to discover and develop your artistic self, just call up the Vancouver Island School of Art and enroll in a class. Just do it! Your soul will thank you for it.

Amazing place to go to school! All the teachers were practicing artists that gave great advice and practical technique. What an amazing community to be apart of!

Taking on the certificate program here is one of the best choices I have made in my life and I look back on the time joyfully because of the wonderful and compassionate faculty and the phenomenal community that they promote.
Small class sizes, experienced professors, intimate learning lessons filled with room for creative exploration and the best critical feedback I have ever received on work and habits.
It is a schooling place that brings joy despite the hard work and fosters a wonderfully diverse community of artists.
Artist talks and shows hosted here are thought-provoking and so very informative.

I would take another year here over the foundation year I later completed at Emily Carr in a heartbeat, It sets you up to become a better artist at a foundational level.

Go take a program or take a single course or workshop for fun, or simply stop by the gallery

VISA is a gift to the Victoria community. The teachers prepared me well for my MFA at ECUAD. They were knowledgeable, encouraging and focused on my strengths. Highly recommend taking courses at VISA

Take an art course with VISA! No matter what your skill level or previous experience you''ll have a wonderful learning experience with VISA's amazing teachers and always new and exciting programming. Sign up now!

I have taken many courses at this wonderful art school. Each class has challenged me to try new approaches, and all of the teachers have been thoughtful and kind, but useful in giving me feedback. The overall atmosphere is very collegial, and I have met many great artists who were also taking classes. The school is very nurturing. Both Zoom and in person classes have worked for me.

I have taken art courses here and there, but over a few years I have taken courses at VISA. I have appreciated the learning I have received from instructors, who are kind and patient and also from fellow classmates who provide useful insights and comments. I am grateful to have found a community of fellow artists, some of whom are beginners, some with experience, and some of whom have become friends. I also really like the on-line classes which efficiently fit into my busy schedule. At one time I thought I was too new an artist to take a class with experienced people, but at VISA, that mix of new and experienced artists is a special asset. I'm grateful for VISA and the inspiration and confidence the instructors have helped me grow.

Vancouver Island School of Art is a warm and friendly art school and community that makes all of us who have "the inkling or creative itch" feel completely embraced and cared for.

I was searching for a place to re-ignite my life-long creative spirit and I found it here in August 2019! I struck solid gold.
The fun thing is that you can tailor it to your life and your day.

From the curious beginner to someone searching for technique or comprehensive art education, the complete breadth is Here!

The Zoom classes mean you can be anywhere in the world and find your tribe.
The In-person classes are rich for one-on-one experiences in a fantastic downtown west coast hub.
The monthly newsletter which I encourage you to sign up for, has a breadth of art insight, perspective and approachability. I am always eager to open the Newsletter from the Vancouver Island School of Art.

There is a fit for everyone and with friendships and collaborations, this school is second to none. Jump on board, wherever you are.you will love it!

I have been taking courses through Vancouver School of Art for over 2 years. The instructors are knowledgeable and very supportive in students’ learning. The school is a gem, providing a diverse and creative course selection. Well worth attending!
I took advantage of the Art Clinic being offered at the school yesterday and found the feedback from Wendy Welch, the school director and instructor, both informative and encouraging. Thank you Wendy!

I just completed an Art History class at VISA. This class was very stimulating, creative and fun. I have done many classes at this art school and I would say this about all of them!

Delighted to have found this welcoming creative place. One is encouraged to create art - you never knew you had in you. The teachers are professional working artists and the environment is nurturing and non-intimidating. I so enjoy my classes, teachers and fellow artists. I look forward to each class broadening my art knowledge and developing my skills.

A wonderful learning experience; creative energy abounds in every class. An artful life is a long and fulfilling life!

This art school is a hidden gem! They offer online and in-person classes with outstanding, well qualified instructors. Their course selection is great and caters to a variety of experience levels. With high ceilings and an abundance of light, it's a fabulous place to create.

My husband, Keith and I have completed two courses at VISA and we're big fans of the school. We've learned a lot from our teachers and classmates. Most of all, though, we have appreciated the support, kindness, encouragement and inclusivity that seems to have been embedded in the culture of the School. We've enjoyed the process of making art in our VISA classes - and that's made us want to do more.

Excellent classes and a great community. Very welcoming, regardless of your experience making art. You will have fun!