Students enrolled in the North Vancouver School District's AFK Studio Art Academy develop advanced skills and critical attitudes in the visual arts. The Art Academy's curriculum provides mentorship opportunities, supports portfolio development for post-secondary art applications and opens doors to careers in the arts.
Through the development of their individual artistic process and a portfolio of works, students gain confidence in their abilities as artists. In-depth exploration of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and alternative media provides students with a diverse range of material experience and knowledge. Artists-in-Residence work in the classroom to share their experience, creativity and provide mentorship opportunities for students.
Field study visits to artists' studios, galleries and post-secondary institutions equip students with an understanding of the skills and commitment required to pursue the visual arts in a post-secondary setting. Exposure to a variety of artists, curators, and collaboration with other cultural institutions add to the richness and breadth of students' experiences in this program. Students in this program benefit from the support of the team at AFK and The Gordon Smith Gallery, the access provided to this educational and cultural resource and the host site of the student's annual exhibition.
Students in the Academy are encouraged to:
- Create personally relevant imagery
- Explore identity, sense of belonging and express a personal philosophy of art
- Reflect critically and respond to their own art and the artworks of others
- Enhance their understanding of contemporary Canadian art
- Understand that growth as an artist is dependent on perseverance, resilience, refinement, reflection and risk-taking
- Understand the career elements and habits required of professional artists
- Develop a portfolio of quality artwork
- Participate in a year-end exhibition
For more information or to apply,
click here.
