The Dundas Valley School of Art Fundamentals Certificate Program is a structured course of study, providing a wide-ranging education in studio art. Offered in collaboration with Ontario College of Art and Design (OCADU) Continuing Education, the certificate program is an alternative to a college/university program and is intended for art students looking for a more informal training environment in which to hone their art skills.
Please note: The DVSA Art Fundamentals Certificate Program is different from our Studio Fine Art Practice & Theory Diploma Program. You can learn more about that option here.
With an emphasis placed on studio work and practice, the Art Fundamentals program allows students to engage in hands-on visual arts-based learning and explore areas where they would like to take their learning further.
The program is ideal for those looking to do a gap year, expand upon their art making skill set, or for those simply looking to ensure a solid introduction to key art concepts and techniques by following a more formalized course of study. There is no set time frame in which all 16 courses (or equivalent) are to be completed.
Upon completion of the program requirements, eligible students will receive a DVSA Certificate of Completion. This certificate acknowledges the successful completion of foundational training in the visual arts from an independent art school with a long standing reputation for excellence and shaping the future of the visual arts in the Hamilton region. It is not, however, recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
A minimum of 8 credits up to the maximum of 16 must be obtained from DVSA. The others can be obtained from the completion of specified OCADU Continuing Education online courses. A number of eligible online courses from OCADU are offered each term – options can be found on the DVSA website under Classes. Registration for OCADU courses must be completed through the DVSA main office or website.
A qualifying Elective course requires a minimum of 24 hours of instruction. Instructional hours for workshops and short-term courses can be accrued to the equivalent of a full Elective course.
