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 opportunites 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.
Work by Nicole N.
In the AFK Studio Art Academy, currently hosted at Sutherland Secondary, senior students (Grades 10 - 12) develop skills and attitudes to broaden their options, encourage their success in post-secondary art studies and open the door to careers in the arts. Through in-depth exploration of drawing, painting, printingmaking and sculpture, students create personal portfolios and work towards year-end exhibitions in the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art. Workshops with artists each year enrich students’ studio activities. Visits to artists’ studios, post-secondary institutions, and the studio process prepare students with a better understanding of the role and commitment required to be a successful artist.
