Visual Arts portfolio
Prospective students should upload portfolio images on Slideroom. This is a portfolio submission application that the Art and Design Department subscribes to for this purpose.
If you are unable to upload portfolio images to Slideroom you can send your digital portfolio via email directly to the Program Chair (contact info below).
More information
Jason Gress
Visual Art Instructor and Department Chair
Jason.Gress@viu.ca
What should I include in my portfolio?
Your portfolio can include any kind of artwork. These can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks.
Can I reserve a meeting time with a Visual Art instructor?
If you want extra help or feedback, you are welcome to contact the department Chair Jason Gress and set up a time to meet. The art department also has upcoming portfolio interview dates. Check open house sessions for more details.
Visual Art program information
The Visual Art program offers a broadly-based approach to art-making. Faculty members are practicing artists who are committed to teaching. While providing a sound foundation in visual art practice, we encourage experimentation and positive risk-taking in the expansion of individual expression. In addition to providing an exciting creative environment, we are also dedicated to providing students with the expertise required for careers in Visual Art.
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Visual Art: 4 years
The BA Major in Visual Art offers a professional focus on all aspects of studio art, as well as academic classroom experience. This degree emphasizes art-making in a broad range of media with associated techniques, interdisciplinary content and contemporary working methods. Students may pursue a Visual Art Major degree with a wide variety of electives or they may combine this Major with a Minor in another discipline. Both options strengthen employment or postgraduate study opportunities and equip students with technical, critical thinking, visual literacy and career adaptability skills.
Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Visual Art: 4 years
A BA Minor in Visual Art may be combined with a Major or a Minor in another academic discipline and is appropriate for students contemplating a number of professional choices. It is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in Visual Art with an integrated, mixed media approach. It emphasizes the exploration of technical and critical thinking skills and their relationship to contemporary cultural studies.
Visual Art Diploma: 2 years
The Visual Art Program at VIU also offers a two-year diploma in which students learn a number of technical skills and the visual literacy essential for Visual Art practice. The Visual Art Diploma is comprised of two years of fine arts programming totaling sixty credits. Upon completion, interested students may elect to pursue further studies and obtain a degree in Visual Art.