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Fine Arts

Creative, Experimental, Thought Provoking

At NIC, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to translate your vision successfully into many media, both traditional and contemporary. You’ll discover a supportive community where you’re encouraged to experiment, innovate, and express your own unique voice.    

Highly respected by art organizations and educational institutions throughout Canada, NIC’s Fine Arts and Design graduates are fluent in visual language. Our Fine Arts faculty, many of whom are internationally recognized professional artists, actively encourage students to discover their own style in small, supportive classes. Employers recognize NIC graduates for their extensive knowledge and technical skills in both traditional and contemporary art practices.    

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Completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in my own community has been a springboard for opportunity, from becoming Program Coordinator at the Comox Valley Art Gallery to leading art projects for Vancouver Island Musicfest and the Cumberland Village Works’ festival The Big Time Out.
    Anh Le, Emily Carr at NIC Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate,    
    program coordinator, Comox Valley Art Gallery.

International Study

Every second or third year, NIC offers Fine Arts students the opportunity to explore the great cities and towns of Europe on an art and architecture tour. While touring exciting locations like Italy, Britain, and France, Fine Arts students experience the beauty and majesty of their art history subjects, first-hand.

Great Resources

In the Shadbolt Studio, a modern, 7520 sq ft building which contains separate ceramics, painting and sculpture studios, NIC Fine Arts students enjoy access to a comprehensive variety of tools and materials. For example, NIC is one of the only colleges in the country to provide a commercial-quality silk screen press for student learning. In addition to hinge top table presses, the screen press allows to screen-printing students to gain hands-on experience that employers value. Take a virtual tour online.    

Unique Experiences

Each year, Ceramics students from NIC Fine Arts program have the exciting opportunity to fire a Tozan Anagama Kiln, one of only four that exist in the world. Unlike modern commercial kilns, the Tozan Anagama’s intense wood fire-driven heat produces one-of-a-kind creations. The intensive process requires the help of many people over several days, and students gain a complete, hands-on understanding of ceramic firing, from concept to creation.    

See and Be Seen

Renowned for its support of the arts community, the Muir Gallery in Courtenay provides NIC students with a dynamic, professional venue for shows and events throughout the year. The Comox Valley Art Gallery also hosts the BFA Graduation Exhibition.    

Fine Arts & Design Shows
Draw Crowds

NIC’s Fine Arts shows are much-anticipated events in Comox Valley’s active arts community. Often hosted with great food, a bar, and live DJ talent, these student-run events attract crowds of art enthusiasts – all excited to meet emerging student artists and celebrate their work.