Visual and Creative Arts Diploma
Courses & Descriptions

Contact

Darlene Bolahood
Program Co-ordinator
TEL: 705/457-1680 ext. 6758
Admissions
TEL: (705) 749-5514
TFN: 1-866-353-6464 ext. 1514

Courses

Semester 1

  • 3D Design - Studio ARTS0959

    Units/ Hours: 45

    In this course, students explore the use of various combinations of traditional and non-traditional materials, considering form, line, plane, textures, balance, unity, and negative/positive space in the study of three-dimensional constructions. This creation of hand-built forms in sequential learning cycles is designed to increase the capacity to 'think with materials' while developing personal choices in content and themes. Students will use techniques involving proportion and measurement in order to construct objects/forms/figures that are built to scale from prototypes. Particular attention will be given to the chosen point of view and environment for the object. Through interactive studio lectures, discussions, and collaborative activities, students expand critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they examine their relationship to sculptural practices.

  • Art History - The Recent Century ARTS0956

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This survey course provides an introduction to the major styles and movements of Western art history, from the sources of Impressionism to the end of the twentieth century. It will briefly reference the roots of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists from ancient art to the movements of Neo-Classicism and Romanticism. The course provides an important frame of reference for further explorations in contemporary art issues or art history. Using studio, lectures, research, and presentations, emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the key styles, methods and principles of artists and art processes of interest to the individual student.

  • Contemporary Art Investigations ARTS0957

    Units/ Hours: 60

    What is happening today, and what is happening in the streets in art should be an ongoing connection which enables the artist to relate themselves, their values, and their own work to the vast realm of events constantly unfolding in current realms of art, craft, design, science, and technology. The boundaries of these worlds are disappearing as collaborative endeavours share the materials, techniques, and design processes in the development of new insights. Through critical exercises, research, and presentations, students will develop a strengthened vision and vocabulary about visual art. They will engage in a study of the art worlds at local, national, and international levels as well as in the process of the critique, both subjective and objective, discussing their own and the work of other artists. Emphasis will be placed on appreciation and application of the different mechanisms and the benefit of the wealth of insights afforded by the critique. This course will include a three day visit to a variety of urban arts venues; a rich experience which will support the students as they begin to establish their personal themes and goals in their own visual arts practices.

  • Design I ARTS0960

    Units/ Hours: 45

    Effective works of art engage the viewer on sensory, emotional, and intellectual levels. Through an understanding of the principles and elements of design in the development of the art object, the student is able to reflect on both their own work and that of others. This course engages the student in an interactive examination of the basic elements and principles of two and three-dimensional design through a variety of applied exercises, examination of examples from design history, the built and natural environment, and application to one's own work. Using group work, research, discussion, critical thinking, and design projects, students begin to recognize and understand the powerful implications of different design solutions.

  • Drawing Disciplines ARTS0961

    Units/ Hours: 45

    In this overview the students will investigate the intent and purposes addressed in each of the disciplines of drawing. Visualization, ideation, notation and communication sometimes demand a more spontaneous process than that of rendering which usually provides more realism and detail in drawing the figure, environment, and objects. Observational, technical, and conceptual drawings will be examined in both historical and contemporary applications for the purposes of record, design, description and expression. Students will apply basic skills in each of these areas, from loose sketching to careful rendering processes that are used in fine art, craft, illustration and design. They will examine and identify the aspects of various drawing media and supports used in mark-making, as well as an understanding of how they can continue to develop drawing skills for their purposes after the completion of the course.

  • Media Explorations I ARTS0962

    Units/ Hours: 21

    Artistic expression can be realized through a wide range of media and artistic disciplines. In this course students have the opportunity to examine a variety of these through studio samplings, demonstrations, video references, and research with faculty and guest artists. Students will also be encouraged to investigate various combinations of media. The fall semester will include introductions to materials and basic processes for working in media such as clay, metal, textiles, paint media, and traditional photography.

  • Visual Documentation ARTS0963

    Units/ Hours: 30

    This course focuses on the fundamental skills and organization required to create images for documentation and presentation of works. Students will use digital photography to produce these images for display in print and digital formats for a variety of purposes, including the artist's presentations and portfolio. Attention will be given to staging, lighting and framing work for the specified output. Images will be taken to the computer for the purposes of adjustment, cropping, and compositing of montages. Students will explore various methods of selecting, editing, and sequencing a series of images for a specific purpose, e.g. marketing, grant or commission applications, teaching, narrative, autobiographical, curatorial etc.

  • General Education Elective

    Course Number: GENED

    All graduates of diploma programs require general education credits. These courses allow you to explore issues of societal concern by looking at the history, theory and contemporary applications of those issues.

    Your program has designated some required general education courses. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose from a list of electives each semester.

    Many of these courses and some other general education courses are also available through evening classes, by distance education, or on-line. See our Part-Time Studies Calendar for these opportunities.

    You may already possess general education equivalencies from other colleges or universities. Please see the General Education Co-ordinators at the Peterborough and Lindsay locations for possible exemptions.

    See this page for a list of approved General Education Courses at Fleming College.

Semester 2

  • Business for Artists BUSN0099

    Units/ Hours: 45

    Through discussion, examples and practical application, this course addresses the many aspects of business practices that apply to visual artists and artisans. Sound business practices ensure that more time and resources exist for artistic production. Knowing how to research and work with legal rights and responsibilities, financial structures, copyright, contractual obligations, ethics and negotiation skills, enables the student to engage in their chosen practice with improved management of time and money which are critical to survival and success. Through a combination of theory and practice, this course also examines the ways in which artists can assess the market, promote their work, and price it appropriately according to specific venues. Students will explore the processes required for responding to a call for submissions, commissions, and writing grant proposals.

  • Concept Development ARTS0964

    Units/ Hours: 135

    This course is designed to provide the student with a focused and challenging studio experience where they will choose and execute personal themes in studio projects. Exercising self-reflective considerations, the students will undertake the development and presentation of one or more series of works. The progressive nature of the studio process will be discussed and demonstrated through individual and group discussions with the instructor. Cultural, political and social comparisons will be referenced to the developing body of work in both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will work with the instructor in determining their choice of media.

  • Design II ARTS0965

    Units/ Hours: 45

    This course extends the skills and knowledge acquired in Design I. Through a variety of exercises and projects, students develop problem-solving skills by applying the design process to achieve a variety of solutions. Students also examine current issues of design and style, and how they are affected by social and technological developments. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication and presentation skills in demonstrating the results of research as applied to their design solutions.

    Pre-Requisites
  • Media Explorations II ARTS0966

    Units/ Hours: 21

    This is a continuation of Media Explorations I. Students will have the opportunity to continue their experience working in a variety of media including various sculpture, glassblowing, and jewellery processes. Students will investigate the work of artists who combine traditional and non-traditional materials in their work. Experimentation will be emphasized with attention to the use of tools along with research to solve structural and material design issues.

  • Portfolio and Presentation ARTS0967

    Units/ Hours: 21

    Students will develop the processes and support material for use in presenting and promoting their work to interested clients, prospective galleries, juries and other audiences. Applying the skills developed in the Visual Documentation course, they will create image portfolios, as well as write curriculum vitae, artist's statements and related documents with professional style and content. Visual impact in presentation materials will be considered through experimentation with colour systems, typography, layout, and image sequencing. Students will use word processing and image adjustment software to develop both print and digital versions of their portfolios and presentations.

  • General Education Elective

    Course Number: GENED

    All graduates of diploma programs require general education credits. These courses allow you to explore issues of societal concern by looking at the history, theory and contemporary applications of those issues.

    Your program has designated some required general education courses. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose from a list of electives each semester.

    Many of these courses and some other general education courses are also available through evening classes, by distance education, or on-line. See our Part-Time Studies Calendar for these opportunities.

    You may already possess general education equivalencies from other colleges or universities. Please see the General Education Co-ordinators at the Peterborough and Lindsay locations for possible exemptions.

    See this page for a list of approved General Education Courses at Fleming College.

Semester 3

  • Arts Integration ARTS1135

    Units/ Hours: 90

    This course is designed to promote the integration of student learning from the successful completion of: a) a range of 12 or more accredited college level elective studio arts courses b) the foundation courses of the Visual and Creative Arts diploma listed as prerequisites below Students will explore aspects of personal themes and style through the development of a simple yet cohesive body of work, with emphasis on an individualized studio project, a curriculum vitae and an artist's statement, all of which are developed in consultation with the instructor. The course will be delivered during a two week intensive studio based environment. Through both guided and independent research, portfolio and support materials will be evaluated and specific goals and transition plans will be developed.

  • Choose TWELVE of:
    Acrylics - Non Objective I ARTS1267

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Please note: This course is not suitable for beginner painters. Abstraction experience is not required. In this introductory course, you will learn the basic principles of non objective painting. No images allowed - non objective painting has a complete lack of subject matter. Boldness, individualism and experimentation will be encouraged, emphasizing shapes, values and colour.

    Artistic Narrative Through Assemblage ARTS1425

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    The intention of this course is to provide an opportunity to explore creativity and express ideas through the use of a variety of found and low-tech materials. Basic skills and concepts will be introduced but playfulness, experimentation and narrative will be stressed as opposed to skills and specific techniques. The materials will be utilized as an artist's tool rather than a means of developing a particular element of craftsmanship. Contemporary relevance, parallel references and personal interests will be researched, discussed and presented as you investigate your place within the context of current practice.

    Artistic Narrative Through Clay ARTS1732

    Units/ Hours: 54

    The intention of this course is to provide an opportunity to explore creativity and express ideas through the manipulation of clay. Basic skills and concepts will be introduced but playfulness, experimentation and narrative will be stressed as opposed to skills and specific techniques. The clay will be utilized as an artist's tool rather than a means of developing a particular element of craftsmanship. Contemporary relevance, parallel references and personal interests will be researched, discussed and presented as you investigate your place within the context of current practice. Initial projects will be bisque and glaze fired. Subsequent pieces will not be fired during the course. Additional clay will be available for purchase at the school.

    Bronze Casting - Introductory ARTS1714

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Discover the ancient art of metal casting in sand, a technique still current in many foundries throughout the world. Learn the feel of this interesting casting medium, how to make moulds, and how to get molten metal into the cavity. You will also play with polymer clay to create basic foundry patterns that will be cast in bronze. There are endless challenges in sand casting and this course will allow you to experiment on a small scale with the possibilities of the medium. The basics of metal finishing will be covered as well, enabling you to be in possession of a collection of beautiful and permanent artefacts.

    Collage & Acrylic Explorations ARTS1004

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Please Note: Not suitable for beginners, painting experience is required to participate.
    In this exciting process-oriented course you will learn to combine collage materials and acrylic paint as a means of personal visual expression and distinct visual vocabulary. With a creative spirit, you will be encouraged to explore and experiment with new concepts and ideas, using magazines, old paintings, oriental and stained papers, found objects, photographs, fabric, fibres, acrylic paint and anything else that you would like to adhere to your support surface. Composition and design principles will be addressed. You will benefit from individual attention and group dialogue. Personal creative expression and uniqueness will be encouraged.

    Cultural Symbols & Creative Patterning ARTS1667

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    This course will benefit painters, collage artists, quilt makers, fibre artists, and printmakers with or without prior experience. Explore the symbols, patterns, art, architecture and music from a variety of cultures around the world. India, Nepal, Israel, Australia, Tibet, Mexico, Japan, Africa, Ireland and more will be included in inspirational and creatively adventurous investigations. From a study of the meaning and use of the five universal symbols - circle, square, triangle, spiral, and cross - you will begin to create your personal palette of images. Explore and experiment with a wide range of materials: watercolours, acrylics, pencil, charcoal, acrylic mediums, rice papers and gold leaf papers to create a series of art explorations. Automatic drawing, painting techniques, resist painting, collage, and plaster relief work on a variety of papers will be used to support the desired effect for surfaces. You will also create a personal mandala on a large stretched canvas using your new repertoire of symbols, patterns and colours. A mandala is a symbol, usually circular and sometimes square, that can release creative blocks and lead to personal insights and artistic discoveries. Art technique demonstrations and presentations with visuals will be rich and plentiful.

    Glass Flamework ARTS0698

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Flameworking is a method of shaping glass through the use of a torch. Glass is heated to a molten state and you then sculpt, blow and manipulate it, creating highly detailed and colourful glass objects. This course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of glass through the processes of flameworking. Beginning with the safe and comfortable operation of equipment, you will quickly progress to methods of shaping and constructing using a variety of tools and techniques. Working with a range of glasses you will gain a solid foundation in flameworking practice that will allow for progression beyond the basics. Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice, instruction will cover introductory methods of shaping and manipulating molten glass to advanced constructions, including blowing glass and the use of moulds. You are encouraged to bring an open mind and ideas that you would like to develop in glass. No previous glass experience is necessary.

    Glass Flamework Techniques ARTS1760

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Flameworking is a method of shaping glass through the use of a torch. Glass is heated to a molten state and you then sculpt, blow and manipulate it, creating highly detailed and colourful glass objects. This course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of glass through the processes of flameworking. Beginning with the safe and comfortable operation of equipment, you will quickly progress to methods of shaping and constructing using a variety of tools and techniques. Working with a range of glasses you will gain a solid foundation in flameworking practice that will allow for progression beyond the basics. Through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice, instruction will cover introductory methods of shaping and manipulating molten glass to advanced constructions, including blowing glass and the use of moulds. You are encouraged to bring an open mind and ideas that you would like to develop in glass. No previous glass experience is necessary.

    Glassblowing ARTS0101

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    As a beginning student, you will discover the art of glassblowing using traditional techniques that date back 2000 years! These methods are still used today by the world's leading vessel makers and glass sculptors. Glass is first melted in a furnace at 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, at which time you learn how to gather the molten material on the end of a steel blowpipe to form it into vases, bowls, paperweights, goblets and sculpture. You will also have an opportunity to participate in discussions on equipment, safety, history and current trends in glass. With a maximum of 12 students in the studio, you will have ample opportunity for hands-on learning.

    Integrating the Arts Across the Curriculum ARTS1162

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    This course will energize and inspire you to integrate visual arts across your teaching curriculum, no matter which grade you teach. Learn how to plan and assess integrated units that are effective and engaging learning opportunities for your students. Through hands on studio work and practical, cooperative discussion, you will create exemplars and valuable teaching tools for your classroom. Literacy in and through the arts will be a focus for this creative educational course.

    Japanese Brush Painting I ARTS0114

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    This unique course, which is suitable for the beginner or the 'seasoned' painter, is designed to introduce you to the discipline of Japanese painting (known as Sumi-e), which is a water-based medium. Emphasis will be on various brush techniques, light and shade to achieve depth, brush control that develops spontaneous expression and effective simplicity in composition skills. You will paint a variety of subjects and will receive your own copy of each lesson, ten in all. This is a very intensive course providing a firm foundation for any future painting medium or artistic pursuit. Discover and learn the four paragons - the Bamboo, the Japanese Orchid, the Chrysanthemum and the Plum Tree. Oriental philosophy as related to painting will add an interesting flavour to this exciting course. Many other subjects for painting are pursued to keep creativity flowing. Japanese poetry 'Haiku' which is the 'kissing cousin' of Sumi-e, along with beautiful, flowing music, will underpin the learning process by adding a delightful, peaceful atmosphere. This course is also suitable for potters and fabric painters who wish to beautify their work with expressive brush strokes.

    Jewellery ARTS0117

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Fabulous jewellery can be made using simple techniques. As a beginner, you will be introduced to these methods and be encouraged to use them creatively to make brooches, earrings, pendants and rings in sterling silver and other materials. If you are working at a more experienced level, you will have an opportunity to explore new ideas - particularly on surface treatments, practice your skills and work on your own projects with the guidance of the instructor. The work of current jewellery artists will be shown and an information session dealing with supplies, sources and pricing will be held. You are welcome to bring your own materials and tools but supplies will also be available from the instructor.

    Jewellery - Chain Making: Beginner ARTS0046

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Chains - they can be delicate or heavy, traditional or modern, symmetrical or abstract. Wonderful chains can be made with just a little experience! You will learn how to form wire and fabricate links which will be connected to form traditional and modern chain styles. Once you have mastered the basics, you'll be encouraged to experiment with proportions, materials and linkages to create your own unique designs. This is a great course if you're a beginner wanting to learn basic jewellery-making skills. There will be a single torch available for soldering of connecting catches.

    Jewellery - Chasing & Repousse: Introductory ARTS1662

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Learn basic chasing and repousee techniques through the traditional methods of pitch bowl and punches. You will also learn basic chasing tool making to enhance your jewellery. Please note that you are required to bring your own silver - 4" x 4" x .80mm. Copper can be substituted to decrease expense.

    Jewellery - Stone Setting: Beginner ARTS1492

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Instruction will enable you to fabricate bezels for round, oval, or free form cabochons from sterling silver. You will design a simple ring, pendant, or pin forms on which to attach your bezels in order to set your stones in finished jewellery pieces of your own design.

    Jewellery Casting ARTS0119

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Using the ancient lost wax casting process to make jewellery opens the door to a fascinating world where an almost unlimited variety of three-dimensional forms and textures can be created. The tiniest details, textures and forms will be faithfully reproduced. Learn how virtually anyone with a shoebox of tools can do this at home! You will work on several pieces with emphasis placed on appropriate design for the methods, quality of workmanship and finishing techniques. You are welcome in this course whether you are working at a beginner or intermediate level of skill.

    Jewellery Stone Setting ARTS0535

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    This course is an introduction to the basic fabrication techniques used for stone settings including materials, design, fabrication, and finishing. Through technical and exploratory exercises and projects students will produce a variety of different types of settings for different functions. The properties of gem stones will be assessed in relation to their appropriateness for a given setting as well as techniques for setting them in the finished design. The competent use of equipment and safety procedures in the jewellery studios will be emphasised.

    Kiln Cast Glass ARTS1757

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    This course is an introduction to the fascinating process of forming glass in a kiln. Learn to make a high temperature plaster mould, into which hot glass will flow and slowly cool. These colourful glass sculptures will be finished by sandblasting or grinding and polishing. Experience the transformation!

    Landscape Painting - Working the Land ARTS1540

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Please note: This course is not suitable for beginners.
    This course is designed to assist you to move beyond the literal and develop a personal voice in painting the land. Explore ways to interpret landscape, distill the painting possibilities in a scene, and apply relevant principles of design and technique to the work. Analyze observed landscape and reconstruct it in paint with a mind to developing a unique style in this discipline. Using an analytical as well as a direct painterly response, one can refresh and personalize the landscape painting experience. Please note that this is not necessarily a plein air course or an exercise in studio abstraction, rather a selection of painting strategies with a goal to helping you develop. With this in mind, to be productive and versatile, work will be done in acrylics.

    Lettering & Paper Arts ARTS1709

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Lettering and paper arts have remarkable application potential, both decorative and functional. Design and make four styles of books/cards and an origami box, write haiku poems and letter them in an italic hand, and carve eraser stamps to create a unique expression on your visually and verbally creative projects.

    Pastel Landscapes ARTS1182

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    With an overview of materials and the creation of a sample book of pastel techniques, you will discover how versatile and forgiving the medium of pastel really is. Colour theory, plein air, studio work, and composition as it specifically applies to landscape, will be studied and applied. Many examples will be shown and discussed in order to reinforce methods and techniques. Instruction will provide a strong foundation in pastel application, and enable you to work independently on site, or in the studio. Through exposure to many pastel works, you will also gain an understanding of how to analyze techniques used.

    Stained Glass ARTS0211

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Stained glass is an exciting medium that uses a balance of light source and colour. Dramatic results can be achieved regardless of artistic capability or experience. In this course, basic history, design and techniques will be addressed, with an emphasis on skills and technique. Learn the copper foil method by making a sun catcher. The instructor will demonstrate the lead came method. You can expect to complete a third project of your choice: a small lamp, jewellery box, panel, clock, or other. If you have some previous experience, you will be encouraged to challenge yourself with a more complex project.

    Wire Sculpture ARTS0269

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Please note: This course requires extensive use of hand tools (wire cutters, pliers).
    Wire sculpture is an exciting, expressive art form that can be functional, decorative or both! This course will introduce you to the aesthetics, materials, tools and techniques used in the creation of wire sculptures. You will then be encouraged to design and create an original wire sculpture, in a scale of your choosing.

    Wire Sculpture - The Human Form ARTS0270

    Units/ Hours: 47.5

    Please note: This course requires extensive use of hand tools (wire cutters, pliers) and a healthy level of manual dexterity.
    Wire sculpture is an expressive and versatile art form. This course will lead you through the steps necessary to create a 3-dimensional sculpture of the human figure. Starting on the first day with simple drawings from a life model, you will learn to design your work, build an armature for strength,establish proportion, and then develop the work into a successful sculpture. Past drawing experience is not necessary.

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