Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program

Ottawa School of Art - Orleans Campus

The Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program is a part-time, 10-course not-for-credit program with courses offered only at OSA’s Orleans Campus in The Shenkman Arts Centre, providing students a unique opportunity to develop their skills and discover their artistic voice. The AFC Program offers more intensive study of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and more, by selecting specific courses and workshops within OSA’s Adult General Interest programming. Designed to expand each individual AFC student’s artistic experience and knowledge, it encourages moving beyond their comfort zone. Studying with professional artists in a studio setting, students develop and expand their body of work, experiment with new mediums, and build their portfolio.

ADMISSIONS

Application

While there are no prerequisites for the Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program other than a desire to improve one’s artistic abilities. Prospective students interested in applying must contact the Orleans’ Administration Officer by calling the main number of the Orleans Campus:

613-580-2765 or by email at osao.admin@artottawa.ca

AFC Program Fees

AFC students pay only the regular Adult General Interest registration fees for each course they take, as well as the following additional fees:

A one-time $50 AFC Program registration fee will be charged at the beginning of your program (this fee includes your $30 OSA annual membership fee for the first year of your program participation)
A $40.00 AFC term fee per course charged at the beginning of each term (for individual critics with each instructor)

Registration

Registration starts at the beginning of each term.

Early registration guarantees a better choice of courses.

AFC PROGRAM POLICIES

Duration of Study

Students may take up to a maximum of three (3) years to complete the certificate. It is mandatory that courses are taken in their suggested order, and introduction courses must be successfully completed before moving on to intermediate and advanced courses.

Evaluations

At mid-term and at the end of each term, students will meet with their instructors to discuss their progress and work. Students will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Class Requirements

Attendance will be taken in all classes. 80% attendance is required in each course. Being more than twenty (20) minutes late for any class constitutes an absence.

At the beginning of each term instructors will outline the class assignments. These include a minimum 3 hours per class of homework. It is the responsibility of each student to fulfil these requirements in order to complete their course. These quantitative requirements do not replace the qualitative goals of producing work that demonstrates progress and improvement in creative development and direction.

Course Withdrawals

Should the OSA cancel a course, students will receive a full refund. Students who wish to withdraw from a course beyond the cancellation deadline will be subject to the usual OSA withdrawal or transfer policies.

Incomplete Courses

If a student fails to complete a required course, they must repeat and pass that course as soon as possible. Students are given three (3) opportunities to pass any core course, which is a requirement for their certificate.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Core Courses

(6 mandatory subjects)
Drawing: Introduction and Intermediate levels (2 courses)
Life Drawing (1 course)
Painting: Introduction and Intermediate levels (2 courses)
Sculpture: Introduction level (1 course)

Elective Courses

(4 courses of your choice)
Drawing
Painting
Sculpture
Printmaking
Digital Photography
Woodcarving