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ACAD 2015/16 VIEWBOOK
fashion photographer
PAGE 32
metalsmithPAGE 27
WELCOME TO THE ALBERTA COLLEGE
OF ART + DESIGN Our Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design degrees develop your creative abilities, enhance your critical thinking skills and encour-age an entrepreneurial spirit.
ACAD alumni become designers, art therapists, photographers, creative directors, multimedia designers, fash-ion designers, architects, animators, art historians, exhibiting artists, industrial designers, and more – the opportunities are endless!
4 acad alumni career paths
18 degrees + programs
42 acad experience
50 life on campus
53 life off campus
56 how to apply
layout artistPAGE 33
An ACAD education sets you on a creative and successful career path.LEARNING TO THINK CRITICALLY and solve problems creatively makes ACAD graduates extremely versatile.
A decision to pursue education in the arts often begins with fuzzy outcomes. There are artists and designers all around you, in industries and workplaces that you may not even know exist. It’s the exposure to these opportu-nities while pursuing an art and design education that sparks the imagination and the passion to continue your creative focus for years to come.
Whichever path you chose, like our graduates, you will become an important contributor to culture, society and international economies. Explore the paths of these six diverse alumni and learn that life is never linear.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS
6 KARI WOO
jewellery designer, mixed media artist
8 FIONA STAPLES
comic book artist
10 LUANN BAKER-JOHNSON
ceramic and glass artist, entrepreneur
12 XERXES IRANI
graphic designer, creative director, entrepreneur
14 TREVOR VAREM
tattoo artist
16 ANTHEA BLACK
artist, writer, cultural worker
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS4 \\
ACAD
BFA JEWELLERY + METALS 2003
SERIOUS SNOWBOARDING
ACCIDENT
SHOW + SALE
Took a summer class with the
instructor
Selling at craft fairs and
festivals
mixed media jewellery
creative community
INFLUX Jewellery Gallery
Specializing in Canadian Art Jewellery
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Fine Arts
HOW DID YOU TALK TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT WANTING A CAREER IN ART?
My parents were pushing me to go into a high income profession. It was a battle for me. My argument to my parents was that it wasn’t all about the money. It’s about the equilibrium of happiness and money. In the end, they were supportive. They could see what I meant about that happy factor and how important it is to me to do what makes me happy.
DO YOU CALL YOURSELF AN “ARTIST”?
Yes, I definitely call myself an artist. However, “Artist” is a complex term and largely misunderstood. There’s a stigma attached to it, people romanticize what you do and don’t think it’s hard work, but it is. There’s also the starv-ing artist stereotype that I like to correct people on because I’ve been the major breadwinner in our family in the past few years.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S PARENTS DON’T WANT THEM TO PURSUE AN ARTS DEGREE?
There are a lot of practical applications with a BFA because your whole edu-cation is based on problem solving. Employers, even in the corporate world want creative thinkers. An art degree creates a foundation that enables you to work in any type of environment because you are adaptable.
Kari Woo Contemporary Art
JewelleryFull-time studio practice
Tree planting and making things
in the off season
My parents wanted me to go into a high wage earning career
Learn to talk about your work
to the public
Retail experience
Learned about display and presentation
Experience organizing
events
Wanted more skills
Partnered with two ACAD alumni plus
another artist
Teaching workshops in Canmore
Online sales
Jewellery Design, Production
+ Tradeshows
Artists invited from all over the country
Custom Jewellery
Design
Working on public art projects
Created mentorship
opportunities at ACAD Took a night
class at ACAD in Jewellery to pass the time
during recovery
MOVED TO BC
MOVED BACK TO CALGARY
DECIDED TO TAKE TIME OFF
LOVED IT
Exhibitions
MIXED MEDIA
Exhibitions in Canada
and Scotland MOVED TO CANMORE
SOLD THE BUSINESS
STARTED A FAMILY
KARI WOO (BFA 2003) Jewellery + Metals Jewellery Designer/Mixed Media Artist, Canmore, AB
AS A KID, I WOULD DISASSEMBLE MY MOM’S costume jewellery pieces and redesign them with my own additions.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS6 \\
DC ComicsContract
IndependentWorking on my own series
Character Design
Considered Drawing
ACAD
sculpture
print mediadrawing
art history
liberal studies
ACCEPTED TO SCHOOL OF DESIGN
HOW DID YOUR STYLE CHANGE THROUGH YOUR ACAD YEARS?
At first, I saw existing comics and thought that was how I had to draw to be a profes-sional. After going through ACAD (learning Art History and other medias) I realized that a story can look like anything. Now, I work in a style that isn’t like anything else on the shelves and I don’t get compared to other comic book artists anymore.
WERE YOU NERVOUS ABOUT GRADUATION?
I wasn’t nervous because I was content to work part time jobs and do my art until I got my freelance career off the ground. That was already happening in fourth year. I was already getting some freelance illustration work and published my first comic.
WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD YOU HAVE OFFERED TO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SELF?
Don’t be afraid to try different things and lose your preconceptions. Listen to what others are trying to teach you. Even if it’s not something you think you’re interested in, in the end it’s better to be a well-rounded artist.
High School Became interested in drawing comics
I was gaining recognition in the comics industry
After I graduated, I worked part-time
and freelanced
FOURTH YEAR: PUBLISHED MY FIRST COMIC
Wanted to develop my drawing skills
My instructor advised me that Character Design
would be a better fit
My instructors helped me develop a critical
eye and an open mind
FIONA STAPLES (BDes 2006) Character Design Comic Book Artist, Calgary, AB
I’VE BEEN INTERESTED IN ART MY WHOLE LIFE and I always knew I wanted to have a career in the arts even though I wasn’t sure exactly what that was going to be.
BDes CHARACTER DESIGN 2006
I WANTED TO GO BACK TO WORKING FOR MYSELF AND OWNING THE WORK
THAT I DO
GOT ENOUGH WORK TO DO COMICS
FULL-TIME
Explored more
traditional medias
REIMAGINED THE ARCHIE
COMICS SERIES
8 \\ ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS
Board of Governors’ Award recipient for respective majors
DECIDED TO DO A DOUBLE DEGREE
ACAD
Drawing
Ceramics + Glass
MedaltaContemporary Ceramics Arts
Lumel StudiosOwner + Artist
BFA Ceramics 2011
BFA Glass 2012
WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF AN ACAD EDUCATION?
ACAD brought out skills that I never dreamed I could do (like welding for example). It made me critically think about myself and analyze what I’m doing. It made me realize that we can take criticism and we can grow from it. ACAD gave me problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN OLDER PERSON CONSIDERING ACAD?
Go! You might think that you are open-minded or that you’re an artist, but ACAD will change you in so many ways. It will solidify your skills and give you new vision. It will give you something for the rest of your life.
AS A PARENT, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ACAD?
I’m sad that only one of my children went to ACAD. It’s an amazing school and a wonderful place for a 20-year-old to gather tools for life. I think a lot of parents feel that their child is going into an atmosphere that will be easy because they’re creative in the first place, but ACAD makes you work exceptionally hard. You learn that you’re capable of great things.
offering workshops
artist community
ACAD filled a lot of needs at the time to heal, to laugh, to be productive. But it also gave my husband and me
new careers.
Thought that I would go into Drawing but fell in love with Ceramics
and Glass.
Joined by 5 other ACAD alumni
The studio will be equipped with outdoor ceramics kilns
Ceramics: wrote about my motivations and
focused my thoughts on what my practice is
Glass: wrote a business plan for a glass studio
in the Yukon
Instructors were mentors to me
ACAD makes you work hard
Passing on the love of glass to people
in the North
Overcoming roadblocks with
critical thinking to move forward
BUILDING THE GLASS STUDIO
I WROTE ABOUT IN FOURTH YEAR
community school
LUANN BAKER-JOHNSON (BFA 2011, 2012) Ceramics, Glass Ceramics and Glass Artist, Whitehorse, YK
I WAS IN MY MID-FORTIES WHEN MY DAUGHTER DIED. A year later, I finally laughed again for the first time. I asked my husband, “How do I get that laughter back?” He said I should go to ACAD.
FOURTH YEAR GRAD PAPERS:
THIRD YEAR ARTIST RESIDENCY
MOVED HOME TO WHITEHORSE
BECOMING A TEACHER
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS10 \\
ACAD
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED AT ACAD?
I learned that having the technology doesn’t make you a better artist or designer. You still need foundational skills and the ability to use your hands to make things. Developing the ability for your brain to talk to your hand without using a computer is some-thing really important that ACAD taught me.
DID WORKING JOBS THAT WEREN’T RELATED TO YOUR FIELD HELP YOU IN ANY WAY?
Before I applied to ACAD, I worked a bunch of different jobs in the service industry. It paid the bills, but it also taught me how to serve people and get them what they want, which happens to be an aspect of being a designer that you can’t necessarily learn in school.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU GAVE TO YOUR OWN STUDENTS?
Whenever you see someone who needs help, offer the help. In fourth year, I helped one of my instructors make this crazy poster. A designer who was touring the school saw it, tore it off the wall, and reached out to the school to find out who made it. I got an interview and was hired before graduation.
Sculpture
Nonfiction Studios Inc.
Founder / Creative Director
Came from an artistic family but my dad wanted me to be
a doctor
PRE-MED
DIDN’T LIKE IT AND FAILED OUT
Graphic Design
Maryland Institute College
for Art
TAXIDesigner
Corporate Communications
Worked my way up the company
Learned that technology does
not equal skill
Always say, “Yes, I’ll do it!”
BECAME AN INSTRUCTOR
AT ACAD
My instructor told me I would be a good
sculptor but a better graphic designer
AMAZONPrinciple Designer
ANAGRAMStarted Uppercut
and Fairgoods.
VEER + CORBISCreative Director North America
DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO
APPLY TO ACAD
XERXES IRANI (BDes 1998) Graphic Design Principle Designer, Amazon, Seattle, WA
VERY EARLY ON, I DREW BROOM HILDA and sent it to the Calgary Herald and it made the cover of the cartoon insert. Knowing that people I didn’t know were seeing my work was really cool.
Worked different jobs in the retail and hospitality industry
EXCHANGE IN THIRD YEAR
WANTED TO GO BACK TO MAKING THINGS
MOVED TO SEATTLE
LEARNED TO WORK WITH MY HANDS
BDes GRAPHIC DESIGN
1998
COMPANY CLOSED, I STARTED MY OWN
Opened up new opportunities
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS12 \\
Mission Tattoo Parlour
Tattoo ArtistWanted to live
in Calgary where I grew up.
Sculpture
anatomy drawing
colour theory
being pro-active
Learning by watching
Working part time at front desk of a tattoo studio
Offered an apprenticeship at tattoo studio
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU NOTICED FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO ACAD?
At the time I was really quiet and a little anti-social but everyone was really friendly and welcoming, so it was really easy to meet people. Critiques and having to talk in front of a class about my work opened up my social skills a lot and prepared me for what my job is today.
WERE THE ACADEMIC CLASSES CHALLENGING FOR YOU?
In high school, I was always doodling in my books, which is maybe why I didn’t do so well in my other classes. But ACAD was so different because I chose to be there and I was really interested in what I was learning. I never would have thought that I’d love Art History.
DO YOU FEEL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT WHERE YOU WILL GO?
I’m definitely happy where I am and it’s just the beginning. I’m getting paid to do what I love to do and I’m not struggling. I’m going to be able to travel around the world and work through the connections I made at ACAD.
Working in construction
in Toronto
Friends and family suggested ACAD
ACAD got me out of my shell
Wanted to work with my
hands
Learned to talk about my work
Welcoming environment
Many of the tattoo artists are
ACAD alumni
Art History comes in handy
for reference
BFA PRINT MEDIA 2007
ACAD
DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN I GRADUATED
HIGH SCHOOL
TREVOR VAREM (BFA 2007) Print Media Tattoo Artist, Mission Tattoo Parlour, Calgary, AB
I EXCELLED IN ART. I was always drawing and always doodling, I wasn’t interested in much else.
MOVED BACK TO CALGARY
FELL IN LOVE WITH SILK SCREENING
developing technical skill
Will travel working as a tattoo artist through
ACAD connections
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS14 \\
NSCAD
Independent Writer and Artist
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM ACAD?
Through ACAD, and then subsequently through Stride, I had incredible mentorship. Calgary became my creative community. Then, eight years after I graduated, I realized how well my ACAD education prepared me for my grad school education. I’ve worked in the arts from the moment I left ACAD.
HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR WRITING CAREER?
I applied for and got closer to opportunities I was inter-ested in. In third and fourth year, I started engaging with organizations outside of ACAD, writing about art, and exploring art criticism. It was about drawing more people into the conversation I wanted to have.
WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN DRAWING, PRINT MEDIA AND ART HISTORY AT ACAD?
Drawing was super vibrant; I liked the flexibility of being able to work across a lot of different disciplines. Print Media because of the logic and process involved, and the potential to subvert the rules. And Art History because it contextualizes art making in a broader historical, social, cultural and political discourse.
sound
new media
Illingworth Kerr Gallery
Assistant Curator
INFLUENCED BY INSTRUCTORS WHO ARE PUBLISHED WRITERS
REPRIORITIZE WRITING AND CREATIVE CAREER
Stride GalleryDirector
teaching
Snap Gallery Artist Residency
curatorial
curatorial
publishing
teaching
making
Art Gallery of Alberta
Exhibition Manager
Western UniversityGrad School
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
Viola Frey Visiting Artist
OCAD UniversitySessional Instructor
Drawing
flexible
logical
process-based
writing for FFWD
Print Media
ACAD
COLLABORATIVE WRITING PROJECT WITH
ACAD ALUMNA NICOLE BURISCH
(BFA 2004) CERAMICS
Developed good relationships with faculty
Excited for new
challenges
Working on manuscript for a book
on contemporary Craft Politics
Volunteering at Stride Gallery
Needed a change
Realized how well my ACAD education
prepared me for Grad School and teaching
Got this opportunity because of my writing practice
Teaching at Western
Amazing mentors
Working with respected senior Artists was my “second” education
Decided to start saving money for grad school
Invitation to lecture at the Victoria & Albert
Museum
BFA DRAWING 2003
NATIONAL NETWORK
THIRD YEAR EXCHANGE
vibrant
MOVED TO EDMONTON
MOVED TO LONDON, ON FOR GRAD SCHOOL
INVITED TO BE VISITING ARTIST
IN SAN FRANCISCO + OAKLAND, CA
MOVED TO TORONTO
printmaking
EXHIBITION AT MUSEUM OF
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT, PORTLAND, OR
ANTHEA BLACK (BFA 2003) Drawing Artist, Writer, Cultural Worker, Toronto, ON
I FILLED OUT THE APPLICATION FOR ACAD every year for three years before I was even eligible to apply.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREER PATHS16 \\
Being creative often means taking a different path.
DEGREES + PROGRAMS
WE HAVE 11 POSSIBLE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION, two minors, and a unique first year program designed to fuel your creativity and expose you to new possibilities.
ACAD’s Bachelor Degree programs are unparalleled and our diverse programs and cross-disciplinary studies give you a chance to surprise yourself, learn new skills, and consider directions you may not have discovered otherwise.
18 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (BDes)
Our BDes graduates have established a reputation for excellence in the newest design fields. Alumni from Photography and Visual Communications Design work in a broad range of exciting careers in the enter-tainment, advertising, new media, publication, editorial, corporate, television, film, fashion, gaming and envi-ronmental design industries.
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA)
ACAD’s acclaimed BFA program begins with a cross-section of creativity where you’ll be exposed to new disciplines in your first year of studies. From there, you can choose from one of nine different areas of concentration to focus on, while continuing to explore the world of fine art and craft.
SCHOOL OF CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA (BFA)
24 ceramics24 fibre26 glass26 jewellery + metals27 media arts
SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS (BFA)
30 drawing30 painting32 photography (BDes)
32 print media33 sculpture
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DESIGN (BDes)
36 visual communications design / advertising / graphic design / illustration / character design
SCHOOL OF CRITICAL + CREATIVE STUDIES40 liberal studies
WHY FIRST YEAR STUDIES?
Your first year at ACAD exposes you to an exciting range of studio and liberal studies courses, giving you a strong foundation to build on and a common vocabulary to share with your peers and instructors. Through a wide variety of studio and theory-based courses, you’ll experience a diversity of visual languages that prepare you for your studies in fine art, craft, design and media arts.
WHAT COURSES WILL I TAKE?
All students take Drawing courses, plus four additional introductory studio courses from any of our 11 programs, allowing students to try new things and learn new skills. You’ll also take Art History I + II and two other theory courses that will give you a broader cultural under-standing of art and design. As well, you’ll explore current issues and prac-tice in contemporary craft, fine art, design, and media technologies through visiting artists, research, readings, and discussions. All this will help you under-stand where art has come from, where it’s headed and how you fit in.
FIRST YEAR STUDIES
All undergraduate students begin their degree programs with our unique first year studies program.
20 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS
SCHOOL OF CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA
STUDIO ENVIRONMENTOur studio environment in the School of Craft + Emerging Media is designed to engage students in the collaborative process. This practice is informed by a number of visiting artists who interact with students in and out of the classroom. The school’s studio spaces are workshop-based and are dedicated to traditional and contemporary processes that encourage students to explore their own ideas while being supported by faculty and specialized technicians.
RENOWNED FACULTYFaculty in our School of Craft + Emerging Media are actively practicing artists and internationally renowned across a variety of fields. They also remain engaged by participating in professional organizations and exhibitions, while researching the latest cultural advancements related to their practice all over the world.
CERAMICS FIBRE GLASS JEWELLERY + METALS
MEDIA ARTS
22 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA
Ceramics Majors in our Ceramics program enjoy a thorough immersion in the discipline – both theoretical and prac-tical – and develop unique approaches to making vessel, sculptural, and exper-imental ceramics. Students develop an understanding of the materials through courses focused on partic-ular methods of making. These include working on the wheel, using a variety of handbuilding techniques, mold making, and casting.
Senior level courses emphasize experimental approaches and encour-age students to explore the medium in unconven-tional ways. Students work with visiting artists each year, as well as numerous guest artists who lead short, intensive workshops. To round out the program, extracurricular activities like field trips, conferences, and exchange exhibitions are offered to ensure that ACAD remains a dynamic and vibrant learning environment.
SAMPLE COURSES
Introduction to Ceramics Processes (Handbuilding, Moldmaking and Casting) // CRMC.216
This course introduces the technical and aesthetic aspects of making ceramics using handbuilding methods and moldmaking and casting processes. Concepts of utility, sculpture and experimental works will be introduced.
Introduction to Ceramics Processes (Experimental Approaches) // CRMC.222
This course introduces an experimental approach to ceramics materials, processes, and technologies normally outside the general purvue of pottery and ceramic sculpture. Strategies and contexts for working within inter-media or inter-disciplinary frameworks will be addressed.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ ceramists
/ production potters
/ gallery administrators
/ art instructors
Fibre Our Fibre program provides students the opportunity to explore traditional and experimental practices that coexist in this rigorous yet rewarding program. Fibre students can expect to encounter a broad range of processes including weaving, dyeing, tapestry, surface design, felting, papermaking, sculpture, mixed media, and instal-lation. A hands-on explo-ration of materials and processes is integrated with digital approaches to design for both printed and woven textiles.
Fibre’s open and flexible curriculum enables students to pursue an intensive study in the field or explore an interdisciplinary approach by taking courses in other departments.Studio visits, workshops and lectures by visiting artists, designers and craftspeople provide students a better understanding of the diversity of approaches in fibre practice.
SAMPLE COURSES
Cloth Dyeing and Painting // FBRE.213
This course is an intro-duction to cloth dyeing and painting using various dyes and resist techniques. Experimental and traditional approaches will be intro-duced in an atelier context focusing on the direct and deliberate exploration of dye application and the nature of material.
“At ACAD I’ve had the ability to learn from students and instructors and from the larger ceramics community through visiting artists and conferences. The studio-based learning environment has created connections between my ceramic practices and other mediums, like printmaking, painting, and drawing.”
ELLA VALGE-SAAR, CERAMICS MAJOR
/ Catherine Dale, Hamada Rust Tea Pot
/ Kerry Gillespie, Flower Holder
/ Vaughan McMillan, Almost Here
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students in Craft + Emerging Media are encouraged to attend conferences around the world organized by professional glass, ceram-ics, jewellery + metals, fibre and media arts associations. All of the schools’ programs have dedicated coaching in entrepreneurship, marketing and encourage participate in residencies, craft collec-tives and festivals.
24 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA
This robust technical background fosters strong independent artistic direc-tions. Project management, teamwork, and volunteer engagement is emphasized throughout the coursework and practical issues of working as a professional in the field are discussed with a focus on transferable skills, creative problem solving and critical thinking.
SAMPLE COURSES
Studio (Gemsetting) // JWLM.310
This course introduces a wide range of settings for various applications including bezels, gypsy, tube, channel, star and basic bead setting. The hand skills learned are applicable to a wide range of solutions in working with small metals.
Production Techniques // JWLM.311
This course explores various techniques of making multiples. These include centrifugal casting, roller die processing, mold mak-ing and the use of press and blanking systems and the use and discussion of industrial production tech-niques for unique objects and multiples.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ jewellers
/ accessory designers
/ metalsmiths
/ jewellery purchasers
/ stylists
Media ArtsOur Media Arts program introduces students to tech-niques to create a dialogue between both physical and virtual art objects and their audiences through technol-ogy and mechanical inter-vention. Media Arts students learn to use sensors, circuits, mechanical devices, pro-gramming, and a variety of software to produce physical and virtual objects and environments, installations, and performances. They also explore time-based art, incorporating video, film, sound, performance art and other media.
Students are intro-duced to audio, motion graphics, digital media arts, discovering programming, web-based art, patch-based programming, basic electronics, and acquire fun-damental digital skills. They learn a variety of technol-ogy, techniques, strategies, theory, and conceptual tools useful for creating success-ful projects while exploring the role of media and digital technology in contemporary culture and its implications for making art.
SAMPLE COURSES
Interactive Object – Sensors and Interfaces I // MADT.204
Starting with fundamental concepts the course enables students to design and build simple control circuits with useful appli-cations for a wide range of artistic projects. Students will learn how to control a wide range of devices using sensors and triggers.
Video Art // MADT.216
The course introduces the student to digital cameras and non-linear editing as powerful tools to create video projects. Students will learn to use digital video as an experi-mental medium and they will develop a working proficiency with editing software and video shooting techniques.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ performance
installation artists
/ video effects producers
/ digital effects animators
/ multimedia artists
Mixed Media I // FBRE 212
This course introduces students to the experi -mental stream within the Fibre program. There is an opportunity to explore var-ious media and approaches including earthworks, installation, wearable art, performance, video, etc.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ textile artists
/ fabric designers
/ costume designers
/ textile purchasers
GlassOur Glass program is an inclusive, creative learning environment based on the combined principles of play, experimentation, and discov-ery. Students are exposed to a diverse range of processes, working methodologies, and theoretical concerns as they acquire skills, material understanding, and commu-nity involvement centered on creative practice.
Practical studio instruction is presented in a workshop style environment and skills are developed through an accumulation of experience. Although aspects of the curriculum are structured sequentially, students are encouraged to take a self-directed path during their fourth and final year. The visiting artist program attracts high- profile international glass artists that lead short-term workshops to complement or augment the curriculum and connect students with the broader international glass community.
SAMPLE COURSES
Glass Casting // GLSS.101
This course will introduce students to contempo-rary glass studio practice through mold-making and casting. Students will explore ideas related to representation/abstrac-tion, repetition/modular construction, material shifts and progressive distortion of a basic form.
Alternative Processes // GLSS.222
This course is designed to be a responsive workshop where ideas, topics and interests of students in the class can be approached uti-lizing glass in experimental and non-traditional ways.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ glass blowers
/ glass designers
/ production artists
/ curators
Jewellery + MetalsOur Jewellery + Metals program is a rich and intellectually challenging program that balances creative problem solving, technical proficiency, and entrepreneurship skills, with context, currency, history and meaning. As students’ progress through the program, they learn small-scale metals skills and hone their design and drawing abilities. They con-centrate on building skills using samples and work that develops proficiency in gemstone setting, casting, chasing, tool making, mold-ing, anodizing, and multiple techniques for one-of-a-kind production work.
“ The Fibre department at ACAD has always felt like a tight knit community. The instruc-tors have pushed me to look further into material and process in order to develop my ideas into resolved projects by offering invaluable knowledge. Fibre is a specialization that can be applied to so many areas and I know I will carry the skills that I have learned into many aspects of my life.”
MADISON POTTER, 4TH YEAR FIBRE STUDENT
“ My favourite part of teaching at ACAD is being a collaborator in my students’ educa-tion. The caliber of work my colleagues make, in craft, design, art, history, theory, or graphic novels… well it’s amazing.”
NATALI RODRIGUES, FACULTY, GLASS
“ I really like the way ACAD’s community extends beyond the building itself, and the way relationships between administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are not solely determined by the roles we play in the institution. Events in the art world often seem to have a quality of the carnival, exceptions to the usual social order where you have people of radically different ages, backgrounds, and social status mixing and engaged in passion-ate conversation. In fact, that’s probably closer to the norm.”
PAUL ROBERT, FACULTY, MEDIA ARTS
/ Leah Kudel, The Space Between Myself + I
/ Lusia Stetkiewicz, View
/ Melony Stiebe, Contained
/ Jennifer Scheirer, Everyone’s Been Paying Attention
/ Fei Su, Heavy Heart
/ Visiting Artist Raul Nieves and MADT Students, ART HACK II – 3D Printer Build
26 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA
SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Students in our School of Visual Arts explore evolving developments in their field while meeting visiting artists, participating in student exchange exhibitions, travel scholarships, field trips, and technical research. They also have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a number of student-run galleries on campus and participate in the curation of these spaces.
DRAWING PAINTING PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT MEDIA
SCULPTURE
STUDIO ENVIRONMENTOur studio environment encourages conceptual development and intellec-tual growth through experimental and new approaches to creating. Freedom and flexibility are emphasized throughout the program, with students choosing to specialize or expand their studies across disciplines, often collabo-rating with majors in other programs. Courses are designed to support learning outcomes through individual attention, group engage-ment, and critique.
28 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS
Drawing Drawing is a dynamic and open program of research, critique, and intensive studio practice with a post-studio exploration tailored to each student’s unique voice. Students explore a wide variety of media and forms, from traditional materials and modes of representa-tion to video, performance, sound, installations, and more. From the beginning, students are encouraged to discover and explore what’s meaningful to them through intensive studio work and research. At the early stages, this explo-ration is directed through observational, thematic, and conceptual research based projects. Studio work is self-directed at the upper levels, with supporting input concerning research and contemporary con-texts. At all levels, critiques, one-on-one tutorials, and self-directed work form the core of the experience.
SAMPLE COURSES
Drawing: Anatomy // DRWG.212
This study of the human body emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between skeleton and muscle to enhance the understanding of surface anatomy and to develop skill and confidence in drawing the figure. Practical exercises are supplemented by studies of the skeleton, individual bones, and the live figure, and by lectures and demonstrations.
Drawing: Social Issues // DRWG.206
This course will address social issues and themes explored through the medium of Drawing. Topics will include art & social change, war & peace, propaganda art, art of con-science, and the response of artists to poverty, hunger and catastrophic events.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ medical illustrators
/ tattoo artists
/ architects
/ art conservators
Painting Our Painting students learn within a dynamic commu-nity of peers and faculty and explore a diversity of media and approaches to contemporary art. Empha-sis is placed on conceptual development and intellectual growth through experimen-tal and new approaches to creating. They situate their activities within the contexts and networks of current international contemporary art.
Painting strives to provide a safe, inclusive learning environment for a diverse student community. Courses are designed to support learning outcomes through individual attention, group engagement, and feedback. Students exper-iment with a wide range of media including video, photography, sculpture, performance, print, installa-tion, and interdisciplinarity. While pursuing their artistic goals, our students may also access the many different facilities at ACAD exhibit their work in a number of student-run galleries on campus and participate in the curation of these spaces.
SAMPLE COURSES
Media Extension // PNTG.316
Media extension is an exploration and elabora-tion of student research into visual materials and communication devices. Open-ended non-traditional concepts are explored along with methods of achieving contemporary visual imagery in both old and new materials.
Modern and Contemporary Painting: Popular Culture and Media // PNTG.214
This course is a studio exploration of issues in modern and contemporary painting, with emphasis on the influence of popular culture and media.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ fine artists
/ muralists
/ art dealers
/ university professors
RENOWNED FACULTY Our School of Visual Arts Faculty are respected, experienced artists who actively engage in con-temporary practices and bring an extraordinary level of dedication and passion to their teaching. Each has a robust personal practice that includes a wide range of experience exhibiting work internationally and creating research in their field.
“The on-site studio spaces, opportunities to sell work and network are great at ACAD, and being part of a diverse community of open-minded, socially aware individuals.”
ARKATYIIS MILLER, DRAWING ALUMNA
/ Svea Ferguson, Future Classic
/ Nick Austin, Dinner Plate
/ Hannah Petkau, Masking
/ Carlin Brown, The Artist in Her Studio
/ Larissa Costella, My House is a Pink Cake
30 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS
Print through Drawing I // PRNT.304
This course provides the opportunity for students to integrate both print media and drawing to produce images. Combin-ing traditional printmaking methods such as intaglio and relief printing with drawing, students will utilize both approaches for image-making, material exploration and expression of ideas.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ print makers
/ press operators
/ layout artists
/ book illustrators
SculptureOur Sculpture program explores a huge range of possibilities, from traditional figure modeling, contem-porary installation and performance art, kinetic and interactive objects, and digital media. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to exper-iment, question artistic conventions, and develop critical approaches as they pursue their personal vision. Students learn to try a range of methods such as modeling, casting, carving, welding, fabrication, and are encouraged to explore performance art and digital media. Third and fourth year students have dedicated studio space, and focus on developing and refining their personal approach to art making through studio work and research, individual tutorials, seminars, lectures and critiques.
SAMPLE COURSES
Rethinking the Body // SCLP.215
The human body is perhaps the oldest and most prolific subject in the visual arts and continues to evolve as an area of artistic inquiry. ‘Rethinking the Body’ places an emphasis on interpre-tations of the human body and considerations of the body and technology.
Performance and Installation // SCLP.316
Students will explore performance and installa-tion in site specific, political and social contexts, as well as the relationship of performance and installation to interdisciplinary practice.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ furniture designers
/ sculptors
/ 3D prop designers
/ custom manufacturers
PhotographyProfessional faculty, creative curriculum, and ample studio space and equipment provide a dynamic, support-ive learning environment for our Photography students. Throughout the program, students develop their own unique photographic eye and voice, while acquir-ing the knowledge and tools they need to prepare them for a wide range of careers in industry, the arts, education, and for graduate school. Challenging assign-ments balance concepts and techniques with liberal studies that enable students to understand photography from social, cultural and historical perspectives, speak and write about it effectively, and execute work at a professional level. The program supports the use of photography from multi-ple perspectives as a vehicle for commercial activity, visual communication, social commentary, self-expres-sion, creativity, cultural awareness, experimentation, and collaboration. Our Photography major program is a competitive entry major, and is part of the Bachelor of Design degree program.
SAMPLE COURSES
Location Photography and Lighting // PHTG.217
This course introduces the student to small format camera operations and basic professional photographic techniques “on location” using both natural and artificial lighting.
Photographic Illustration I // PHTG.418
Students will explore how digital image construction, manipulation, retouching and collage techniques as well as digital printing processes can be used to create powerful and memo-rable photographic images that communicate an idea or illustrate a concept.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ photo journalists
/ photo illustrators
/ fashion photographers
/ editorial photographers
Print MediaStudents of Print Media explore the rich traditions of printmaking, experiment with historical and con-temporary processes, and devise new and innovative forms of expression within the medium. New students become familiar with tradi-tional techniques and the unique potential inherent in intaglio (etching), lithog-raphy, silkscreen, and relief/collograph. Collaboration is encouraged, and students often work with practi-tioners in other programs, including Design, Fibre, and Photography. Print majors gain proficiency with their chosen processes while they establish a program of individual investigation and develop a body of work using one or more printmaking techniques. In their final semester, students exhibit their work in a professional venue and present a graduating paper.
SAMPLE COURSES
Print through Platemaking // PRNT.103
This course will address a variety of methods for constructing plates as supports, combining printmaking methods and techniques, drawing, collage, recycling materials, found objects, mixed media, and various ways of printing diverse surfaces with and without a printing press.
“The photography course at ACAD has been the launching pad for my photographic practice. The instructors have incredible insight and know just how to push each individual student to create their best work. ACAD offers so many opportunities that are just waiting for you to take advantage of and these have really progressed my practice. It’s a lot of work but completely worth it.”
KATIE MOUNTFORD, PHOTOGRAPHY MAJOR
“Print is a medium that is based in drawing which is my forte, and print gives my work a refined, finished quality. Everything printed seems so intentional and I love that in printmaking the technical aspect is highly important along with concept. But the best part of print is the comradery of printmakers. Everyone is so supportive!”
KEN LI, PRINT MEDIA MAJOR
“I felt like I’d been speaking a different language my whole life, that I didn’t even know that I’d been speaking, and all of a sudden people were talking back.”
MORGAN SCULLY, SCULPTURE ALUMNA
/ Nicole Brunel, The Bottom Outing 2 Mid-air Eclipse and Aftershock of Rudeness
/ Nicolas Laroche-Humby, Lust
/ Philip Kanwischer, Taking a Stand
/ Taryn Nakamura, Twenty
/ Sally Mayne, Dancer
/ Scott Baird, Influence
/ Shandrie Woodward, The Modesty of Retention
/ Emily Allison, My Mother Calls Me a Rabbit
32 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DESIGN
STUDIO ENVIRONMENTThe studio environment prepares students for their professional careers in advertising, graphic design, illustration, and character design through specialized program streams grounded in practice, solid drawing and visualization skills, and industry relevance. In spacious classrooms with colour-balanced lighting, students are able to engage in rigorous coursework that prepares them for real-world experiences.
RENOWNED FACULTYFaculty in the School of Communication Design are leading figures in the international design industry and passionate educators dedicated to mentoring and developing Canada’s next crop of award-winning design thinkers. In studio, students work closely with award-winning, practicing profes-sionals who bring years of industry experience and innovative teaching to the classroom. Frequent guest speakers, work experience through our Public Design program and external partnerships, field trips, and student exhibitions enhance the student experience and bring depth and diversity to the curriculum.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Our students in the School of Communication Design collaborate with a range of clients on a variety of exciting public and private projects, including designs used by Bobsled Canada on their Olympic sleds in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, window displays for the Holt Renfrew luxury depart-ment store and J.Crew – a first for Calgary – and illustrations for Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, in collaboration with the City of Calgary.
ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION CHARACTER DESIGN
34 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Visual Communications Design Our Visual Communications Design program prepares students for successful careers as culturally aware and responsible profession-als that lead the disciplines and practice of Graphic Design, Advertising, Illustra-tion and Character Design. The relevance of curriculum and program standards for professional practice is aligned to top industry standards as defined by organizations like Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC).
ADVERTISING
Our Advertising stream prepares graduates to excel as ethically responsible and provocative designers, art directors, and creative directors in the vast and highly competitive adver-tising industry. Students study concept development, writing and storytelling, the power of craft, and design. The Advertising stream focuses on origi-nal thinking, which entails conceptual inventiveness in mediums that speak to contemporary culture.
SAMPLE COURSES
Advanced Advertising I / Memorable Campaigns // VSCA.412
This course will develop integrated campaigns for advertising media includ-ing print, television, on-line and outdoor. Students will develop an understanding of ‘audience insights’ and explore emotion/humour narratives in their conceptu-alization and development of memorable campaigns.
Time-Based Advertising // VSCA.331
Time-Based Advertising emphasizes storytelling and narrative strategies. Students will focus on the process and principles of creating original and persuasive stories.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ marketing directors
/ brand managers
/ creative directors
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Our Graphic Design stream prepares students to be clear and creative visual communicators who provide powerful strategic solutions for business and society. Students learn problem-solving methods and critical design thinking, typography, editorial and book design, and brand-ing. Students learn to see graphic design as a powerful strategic business tool that provides a positive and tangible contribution to industry and society.
SAMPLE COURSES
Typography IV – Expressive Typography // VSCD.328
Students will explore the relationship between language, text and typog-raphy. An emphasis will be placed on the experimen-tal and conceptual aspects of typography.
Advanced Information Design // VSCD.410
This course focuses on creating integrated information campaigns. Students will further develop their ability to translate a complex body of informa-tion into an effective form for a specified audience and purpose.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ graphic designers
/ typography designers
/ information designers
ILLUSTRATION
Our Illustration stream ignites the imagination, incorporating storytell-ing, psychological insight, problem solving, analyti-cal thought, and creative interpretation of information and ideas. The leading role illustration plays in visual communication, advertising, graphic design, storytelling and narrative structure is studied and supported by a breadth of pertinent studio and liberal studies courses, as well as interaction with industry professionals. ACAD offers an Illustration minor that makes it possible for students to diversify their degrees.
SAMPLE COURSES
Storytelling and Environments I // VSCI.317
This course explores contemporary and historic context and processes that relate to the creation of a broad range of environment illustrations.
Advanced Illustration I: Corporate/Cultural // VSCI.415
This is an intensive study of advanced illustration, stressing conceptual approaches to visual problem solving in corpo-rate and cultural contexts.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ commercial illustrators
/ children’s book illustrators
/ art directors
CHARACTER DESIGN
The Character Design stream prepares students to excel in character creation, illustrated storytelling, and sequential narrative. This field encompasses the creation of graphic novels and comics, children’s storybooks, and concept art for film and digital media such as video and online games. Students study traditional and contem-porary narrative structure and are encouraged to write original scripts and create their own intellectual property.
SAMPLE COURSES
Advanced Character Design I: Children’s Book // VSCH.427
This is an advanced course for character development and design as it pertains to children’s narrative illustration.
Advanced Character Design III: Gaming // VSCH.429
This is an advanced course focused on character design for gaming, multi-media and motion graphics. Profession-als from the gaming industry are active participants in the course, providing projects and feedback for students throughout the process.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ game designers
/ animators
/ video game
concept artists
/ comic book illustrators
“ACAD’s community starts here in Calgary but has tentacles extending all over the world. To me, that builds a creative culture that is truly inspirational.”
MARK KAMACHI, FACULTY MEMBER
“We are a school of practitioners – a community of makers. This is the most import-ant commonality that connects students, faculty, and industry. Even as a senior faculty member, I can still bring in my instructors/men-tors as guest lecturers. It is fantastic to see my students get so incredibly inspired by my instruc-tor’s work. This is ACAD culture.”
DENNIS BUDGEN, PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DESIGN
“The atmosphere in the school is the best part because everyone is working together and it is always easy to be creative at school.”
MARCUS ORIENTE, CHARACTER DESIGN STREAM
“The best part about ACAD is that there’s lots of hands-on experience and time with instructors to develop your skills.”
VICTOR UZUNOW, VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN MAJOR
/ Morgan Smith, Nike Free Rebirth
/ Amy Pon, Hot Diggity
/ Lauren Shipton, How to Make a Chocolate Cake
/ Blake Figol, Pricked by a Desert Rose
/ Gladzy Kei Zuniga, Isle of A, Market
/ Sarah Angeli Gonzales, Self 1
36 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DESIGN
SCHOOL OF CRITICAL + CREATIVE STUDIES STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Through participation in public symposiums, visiting artist events, publishing projects and faculty research proposals, students find themselves immersed in a rich array of academic opportunities that inform their studio practice and prepare them for future careers.
RENOWNED FACULTY Faculty of our School of Critical + Creative Studies represent a broad range of academic specializa-tions. Our faculty members include studio artists and researchers in art and design professions, creative writers, curators and academic scholars. Faculty members thrive on the creative environment at ACAD and are actively engaged in creative practice and academic research.
ENGLISH LITERATURE + CREATIVE
WRITING
HUMANITIES + CULTURAL
STUDIES
MATERIAL CULTURE
+ CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
NATURAL SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
ART HISTORY + VISUAL CULTURE
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENTThe courses offered by our School of Critical + Creative Studies are supported by the Luke Lindoe Library, dedicated classrooms, and an array of student learning resources and services, including learning man-agement systems and our Writing Centre. Students can also access resources at other Calgary post-sec-ondary institutions, including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
38 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF CRITICAL + CREATIVE STUDIES
Liberal StudiesThe informed study of art and design requires familiarity with a broad range of historical, critical and methodological per-spectives. To ensure our students are grounded in these important areas, the School of Critical + Creative Studies offers an integrated series of courses that create direct links with studio practice. The diverse courses offered provide students with a historically aware, critically engaged and socially responsible understanding of the study and practice of art and design in the contemporary world. Students gain context for creative work in con-temporary society, and are supported in becoming confident art and design practitioners.
ACAD ALUMNI CAREERS
/ curators
/ art historians
/ museum directors
/ art librarians
ART HISTORY + VISUAL CULTURE
The history of art is presented in multiple ways including survey courses, unique topic courses and program specific history courses.
SAMPLE COURSES
Modern and Contemporary Canadian Art: Landscape and Identity // AHIS.310
This course selectively examines a critical range of modern and contem-porary visual arts histories from a Canadian perspective through a detailed, critical consideration of the relationship between land-scape and identity in Canada from 1900 to the present.
ENGLISH LITERATURE + CREATIVE WRITING
English is an integral part of the creative process and complements the students’ studio practice.
SAMPLE COURSES
The Graphic Novel // ENGL.333
This course introduces students to the diversity of contemporary comics narrative represented by the graphic novel form, and to major elements of the history from which this contemporary practice has emerged.
HUMANITIES + CULTURAL STUDIES
Designed to support a studio-based education, studies in Humanities and Cultural Studies emphasizes current conceptual and critical approaches and practices.
SAMPLE COURSES
Contemporary Discourses: Current Curatorial Practice // HUMN.324
This course will explore developments and shifts in contemporary curatorial practice with a particular focus on the Canadian context. Diverse approaches to curating – including those involving museums, public galleries, artist-run centers, publishing, web-based activities, site-specific proj-ects and community-based initiatives – will be examined.
MATERIAL CULTURE + CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Understanding the many aspects of society and culture and how we affect and are affected by it is an integral part of what artists, designers and makers do to understand their place in the world.
SAMPLE COURSES
An Anthropological Introduction to Material Culture // SOSC.301
This course will introduce the student to the study of material culture in social and cultural context. Topics may include traditional technologies, museum studies, consumption, anthropology of technical systems, design, art, materiality, ethnography, archaeology, and ethno- archaeology.
NATURAL SCIENCES
Students take Natural Science courses to ensure that they obtain the specialized skills unique to a technique intrinsic to their major.
SAMPLE COURSES
Introductory Gemology // NASC.315
This course introduces the students to the principles of gemology necessary to evaluate, identify and differentiate gem species.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Courses offered within Professional Practices encourage students to understand the professional issues and responsibili-ties artists and designers encounter in their practice.
SAMPLE COURSES
Professional Practices for Artists // PPRL.200
This course helps students to develop the confidence, skills and awareness of support systems necessary to thrive in the artist’s community.
“I love the vast number of events, discussions, talks and exhibitions which augment ACAD’s classes and studio time. Every day provides new opportunities for learning, new speakers and new potential.”
DEREK BEAULIEU, FACULTY MEMBER
“One of the best parts about liberal stud-ies courses at ACAD has always been the quality of instruction and diversity of faculty. It really gives you a well-rounded experience and challenges your critical thinking in a multitude of ways.”
TYLER HALLETT, DRAWING MAJOR
/ Jessica Lauzon, ENGL214
/ Hannah Lacrampe, ENGL214
/ Karen Christensen, ENGL214
/ ENGL315
/ Jennifer Herring, ENGL217
/ Monika Askevold, ENGL214
40 \\ DEGREES + PROGRAMS \\ SCHOOL OF CRITICAL + CREATIVE STUDIES
WELCOME
TO LIFE
AT ACAD
ACAD is where creativity thrives. It’s a haven for makers, designers, and artists. A testing ground for a future shaped by your unique vision and drive and a place where anything is possible.
42 \\ ACAD EXPERIENCE
WHY CHOOSE ACAD?
TOP 10 REASONS SUPPORT FOR STUDENTSEveryone needs a hand sometimes. To make sure you get the help you need, ACAD offers academic support, writing assistance, and professional counsel-ling services for all students, free of charge. All students, including international students, also receive government health care, medical prescription coverage, and dental benefits.
AFFORDABLE TUITIONAs a critically acclaimed, NASAD-accredited institution, ACAD’s tui-tion and fees are among the least expensive of North American art and design colleges. We also award hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to students through scholarships and awards, accept government student loans, and provide mul-tiple financing options to ensure everyone can access our programs.
TOOLS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREERAt ACAD, you’ll not only develop critical-thinking abilities and advanced creative skills you need for your career, you’ll also be mentored by accomplished, active professional artists who’ve been there. We provide career development courses and programs to help you acquire the practical tools and business skills you’ll need for a successful career.
MFA PROGRAM IN CRAFT MEDIAOur MFA program in Craft Media brings graduate students to campus, enriching ACAD with new energy, a higher level of research, and creating new conversations about contemporary craft.
STUDENT TRAVEL PROGRAMSGot a travel bug? Our students can enrich their studies through student travel programs. Spend a semester studying elsewhere in North America, the UK, continental Europe, or Australia, do a studio residence, or use a travel grant to create your own voyage of discovery.
ACCLAIMED, PRACTICING ARTISTS AS FACULTY ACAD’s classes are led by some of the most talented and prominent practicing artists in the country, with some of the smallest class sizes (we’re talking a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1). These excep-tional practitioners and dedicated teachers make studying at ACAD a rich, inspiring, and personal experience for emerging artists and designers like you.
AMAZING ARTS FACILITIES + STUDIO SPACEAs an ACAD student, you’ll enjoy one of the best and biggest arts facilities Canada has to offer, with each of our shared studios supervised by skilled professionals. So you get a helping hand when you need it, as well as your own studio space in your third and fourth year.
VISITING ARTIST PROGRAMStay put and have the world come to you. ACAD’s well established visiting artist program brings some of the world’s top creative minds to campus to speak and conduct workshops.
DIVERSE DEGREE PROGRAMSACAD offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bach-elor of Design, as well as Master of Fine Arts (Craft Media), degree programs. With 11 areas of concentration and the flexibility to work across disciplines, you can expand your skills or hone right in on the details that inspire you. Because having options is a good thing.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONClose to stunning mountain parks and full of arts and culture, Calgary is a safe, sunny city with a small-town heart. Plus, as Calgary’s economy becomes increasingly diverse, the potential for finding meaningful employment and a market for your work here is high – for both students and graduates.
44 \\ TOP 10 REASONS
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT ACAD?
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT ACAD?
ACAD BY THE NUMBERS
GALLERY OPENINGS ON CAMPUS It’s like a brand new place
every Thursday
20+30%
BEING ON THE C-TRAIN LINE MEANS BEING CLOSE TO EVERYTHING
PLACES TO GET COFFEE AROUND CAMPUS including the surrounding area, North Hill,
and beautiful, eclectic Kensington
PERCENTAGE OF ALUMNI THAT CREATE THEIR OWN BUSINESS
AVERAGE ACADEMIC CLASS SIZE
AVERAGE STUDIO CLASS SIZE
$ AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIPS + AWARDS + BURSARIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS PER YEAR
STUDENT TO FACULTY AVERAGE RATIO get as much help and attention in studio classes as you want
STUDIOS ARE OPEN perfect your craft day and night
STUDENTS LIVE IN RESIDENCE that’s up to 200 new best friends you can live with
7AM - 1AM16:110-15%
GALLERIES ON CAMPUS take every opportunity to show your work
AVERAGE TUITION COST for a domestic student with a full course load
12
$5,483
3,000+PEOPLE ATTEND
the Student Association Show + Sale each year
126+
12 MIN CANDY STORE // The Candy Kid in Kensington
8 MIN GROCERIES // Safeway at North Hill
6 MIN CHOCOLATE CROISSANT // Sidewalk Citizen
9 MIN YOGA // Bodhi Tree on 14th street
11 MIN MOVIE THEATRE // Plaza in Kensington
2 MIN COFFEE // Around campus
4 MIN BEER // Gateway Restaurant at SAIT
10 MIN RECORD STORE // Hot Wax in Kensington
4016
46 \\ ACAD BY THE NUMBERS
STUDENTS ARE REGISTERED FOR FALL 2015
1158
30+ ACADSA sponsored/ organized events on campus including:
ARTIST IN RESIDENCY
FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
FIRST AID TRAINING
LUNCH + LEARNS
PUPPY ROOM
FREE BREAKFAST POPCORN EATEN BY STUDENTS AT ACAD EVENTS LAST YEAR
7%
59%
24%
10%
CALGARY
WHERE ARE ACAD STUDENTS FROM?
WITHIN ALBERTA
INTERNATIONAL
OTHER PROVINCES
ONE HOUR
TIME IT TAKES TO GET TO THE MOUNTAINS
SCULPTURE LOVE
QUEERIOSITY
COMMUNITY GARDENING CLUB
CRAPPY CINEMA CLUB
ANIMATION AND GAMES CLUB
COMMUNITY ART SHOW
Just a few of the awesome student clubs you can join at ACAD. Not interested?
Start your own!
FIRST YEAR STUDIES
VISUAL ARTS
UNDECLARED BFA
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
CRAFT + EMERGING MEDIA
20
11 11 16
42
AVERAGE AGE OF ACAD STUDENTS
23PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS
IN EACH ACAD SCHOOL
48 \\ ACAD BY THE NUMBERS
WHAT’S IT REALLY LIKE TO STUDY AT ACAD?
LIFE ON CAMPUS
THE BIG PICTURELife on campus is also about being a part of something bigger. It’s about joining a global conver-sation about art, design, and its impact on the world. With visiting artists, travel programs for students, and a rich and active research culture that fosters new ideas and collaboration, ACAD is a hub of arts and culture events all year round. What will you contribute?
THE CREATIVE SPACESpanning nearly 300,000 square feet, ACAD’s facilities include professionally equipped studios, plus lots of room just for you, including your own studio space during your third and fourth year.
Our internationally recognized, professionally run Illingworth Kerr Gallery is on campus too, and sure to keep you inspired with amazing exhibitions from Canada and around the world. You need to be here!
You’ll also have the unique opportunity to exhibit your work through ACAD’s student-run galleries, giving you real-world exhibition experience and an insider’s view of the professional art world.
THE PEOPLEStudying at ACAD means joining a community of people who are passionate about creativity, people who just “get it,” and who will encourage and challenge you to find your unique way of expressing yourself. Whether they’re faculty, students, studio technicians, or administrators, you’ll find accepting, enthusiastic, and talented people everywhere you look. It’s what we’re all about.
50 \\ LIFE ON CAMPUS
CALGARY IS CANADA’S SUNNIEST CITY
LIFE OFF CAMPUS
LIVING NEAR CAMPUSYou can live at neighbouring Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Residence, an easy ten-minute walk across campus. With floors dedi-cated to ACAD students, SAIT Residence offers fully furnished student apartments with a variety of floor plans and a communal on-site studio, cafe, and easy access to and from other parts of the city via public transit. The amazing amenities include apartment style units with private bedrooms, internet and cable, recreation lounge and roommate matching services. And did we mention we’re a just a few minutes’ walk from the popular Kensington neighbourhood and less than an hour’s drive from the mountains?
Check out liveatsait.com for more information on accommodation!
DID YOU KNOW?
/ A whopping 120 languages are spoken in the city.
/ Only in Calgary can you walk 18 kms (11 miles) throughout downtown, without having to step outside. Connecting over 100 buildings, the Plus 15, consists of a series of bridges 15 feet above the ground. It’s a great way to get around!
/ Calgary has over 8,000 hectares of park land within the city limits and the beautiful Canadian Rockies are just an hour away.
/ There are more than 80 festivals in Calgary; some of our favourites include Sled Island Music Festival, Calgary International Film Festival, and of course, the world-famous Calgary Stampede.
local, national, and interna-tional artists and is part of the dynamic and growing arts district in Calgary’s downtown core.
And if you need a little room to explore, Calgary’s 300 kms of urban pathways and ample green space give you lots freedom to bike, hike, rollerblade or simply wander.
LIVING IN CALGARYCalgary offers the best of all worlds, a vibrant, cosmopolitan urban centre, a safe and friendly atmo-sphere, and outstanding potential for adventure in the natural areas of the nearby Canadian Rockies.
Culturally and artisti-cally diverse, the sunny city enjoys numerous festivals ranging from the well estab-lished to the many new and growing influences in art, theatre and music. As home to one of the three major art centres in Canada, Calgary’s Arts Commons showcases
AMENITIES FOR YOUR LIFESTYLEAlong with amazing galleries and world-class studio space, you’ll find a library dedicated to art and design, a cafeteria, and easy access to and from other parts of the city via public transit. We have access to all the great things the neighbouring Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) campus has to offer with full access to their wellness centre, gym, swimming pools, ice rink, food courts and on-campus restaurants.
MONEY MATTERSOur tuition and fees are among the least expensive of North America’s art and design colleges and each year we connect students with hundreds of thousands of dollars in bursaries, awards, scholarships, and prizes to help fund their studies. We offer a generous Scholarships and Awards program that is available to students in their first, second, third and fourth years including entrance awards, bursaries for finan-cial need, academic awards and juried awards. Last year we gave out over $450,000 in scholarships and awards.
52 \\ LIFE ON CAMPUS
JOIN US FROM ABROAD
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AFFORDABLE TUITIONACAD offers affordable International tuition and fees at $15,502.55 per YEAR! As an accredited public degree-granting institution, we work with international funding agencies. ACAD also participates in the US Direct Loan Program for US students eligible for Federal Student Aid. To register, fill out the FAFSA student loan application, using ACAD’s institution code: G32983.
“You’re able to grab inspiration from a differ-ent culture to push new ideas in your work to make yourself an even more well-rounded person and artist!”
LOGAN ELIOTT, SECOND YEAR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FROM THE US
$ IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ALONE
THE NUMBER OF HOURS PER WEEK AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CAN WORK!20
AVERAGE TUITION COST for an international student
$15,503
LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN CALGARY
120 / After graduation you can apply to stay in Canada with a post-graduation work permit to stay and work and apply to immi-grate to Canada if you fall in love with it, like we know you will!
/ ACAD has an incredibly active and inclusive Inter-national students group. They make annual trips to Alberta tourist sites.
INTERNATIONAL BENEFITS / International students at ACAD are eligible for government health care, medical prescription coverage and dental benefits.
/ Explore the city using your Universal Transit Pass included with your fees
/ Full time International students at ACAD receive study permits that make them eligible to work off campus up to 20 hours a week during regular classes and full-time during the spring, winter and summer breaks.
4ANNUAL TRIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS including Lake Louise and Banff, Jasper National
Park in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and Dinosaur Provincial Park, the world’s richest
deposit of dinosaur bones.
54 \\ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Ready to become part of the ACAD community? Let’s get started!
APPLYING TO ACAD
WE ARE HERE TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION as easy as possible. Our student recruitment team is available online, in person, and over the phone to help you with answers to any questions you might have.
You will apply to First Year Studies unless you have completed one year of a studio-based fine arts/design program at a post-secondary that meets the equivalent of ACAD’s foundational year.
PHONE
403 284 7617
EMAIL [email protected]
TOLL FREE
1 800 251 8290 (in North America)
56 \\ HOW TO APPLY
ACAD.CA
To follow these steps please review the full application process in the Future Students section on the ACAD website.
FIRST YEAR APPLICANTS
The application process at ACAD consists of three easy steps.
STEP 1: APPLICATION + SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Submit your application form and pay your appli-cation fee via the Apply Alberta Post-Secondary Application System at applyalberta.ca (a secure online application system) by February 1st.
ACAD automatically receives both in-progress and official transcripts for applicants from Alberta high schools through the application process. If you currently attend a high school outside of Alberta, you’ll need to send your in-progress transcripts to ACAD for evaluation. All documents must be in English. If you need to have your transcripts translated, they will also need to be notarized before you can submit them.
Application Priority Deadline: February 1st
STEP 2: PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
Because the faculty com-mittee reviewing applicants won’t have an opportunity to meet you during the admissions process, your portfolio serves as your personal introduction to them. Ensure yours is the best it can be by reviewing our portfolio requirements on page 60. Applicants MUST submit their portfolio and statement to us online at acad.slideroom.com
Portfolio Priority Deadline: February 15th
STEP 3: OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS + ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY DOCUMENTS
All final transcripts must be forwarded directly from your educational institution to our admissions office by August 1st. All transcripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by notarized English translations. If you attended a high school where the primary language spoken was not English, you’ll need to also demon-strate that you meet English requirements for Bachelor degree programs.
Deadline for finalized and official transcripts and English proficiency documents: August 1st
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Canadian applicants must possess a High School Diploma and have achieved a final grade of at least 60% in four separate grade 12 subjects. One of the four courses must be either:
/ English 30 or English 30-1 (ELA 30-1) with a minimum grade of 60%; or
/ English 33 or English 30-2 (ELA 30-2) with a minimum grade of 65%.
Applicants who are from outside Canada must submit official transcripts (translated and notarized if not in English) which verify that the applicant possesses the equivalent to an Alberta High School Diploma with a minimum average of 60% or its equivalent in the final year of study, as determined by the Admissions Office.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents/landed immigrants who are 21 years of age or older may be considered for admission as mature appli-cants provided they possess one of the following:
/ English Language Arts 30-1 with a minimum grade of 60%; or
/ English Language Arts 30-2 with a minimum grade of 65%; or
/ Equivalent courses as determined by the Admissions Office
If you are from outside of Alberta, please review our equivalent requirements on our website.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) + INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) COURSE
ACAD accepts IB and AP courses for transfer credit. At ACAD students have the option of receiving transfer credit for approved IB courses where they have achieved grades of “5” or above in Higher Level IB subjects. Transfer credit is also awarded for approved AP courses with grades of “4” or higher.
For more information please review the full application process in the Admissions section on the ACAD website at acad.ca/admissions
TUITION + FEES
ACAD assesses tuition and fees on a per-credit basis. The following tuition and student fees reflect a student taking an average course load of 30 credits (or 10 courses) per year.
DOMESTIC STUDENT (CANADIAN CITIZEN + PERMANENT RESIDENTS)
$5,482.55
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
$15,502.55
ESTIMATED MATERIAL + BOOK COSTS
$3,340
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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
The language of instruc-tion of all ACAD courses is English. All applicants must possess an adequate level of proficiency in English as demonstrated by one of the following:
/ Successful completion of at least two years of full-time instruction in a school where English is the language of instruc-tion including a passing grade in a grade 12 English course or its equivalent.
/ Successful completion of at least one year of full-time instruction (18 credits) at a post- secondary institution where English is the language of instruction, including at least one transferable course in English composition or literature.
/ Achievement of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 83 on the Internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four testing sections.
/ Achievement of a score of 70 or higher on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) assessment.
/ Achievement of a score of 6.5 of higher on the International English Language Test (IELTS).
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS + ENGLISH PROFICIENCY DOCUMENTS
To attend a Bachelor’s degree program at ACAD, you must have the equiv-alent of an Alberta high school diploma, with a minimum average grade of 60% (or equivalent) in your final year of studies including a senior-level English course. All tran-scripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by nota-rized English translations.
If you attended high school in a language other than English you’ll also need to meet our English proficiency requirements for undergraduate students.
International trans-fer applicants seeking credit from international post-secondary institutions must have their transcripts assessed by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). Please note the processing time for IQAS assessment could take up to 12 weeks.
FIRST YEAR STUDIES PORTFOLIO + STATEMENT OF INTENT
Here’s where you get to really show us your stuff! Choose samples that best represent your abilities, and your personality. Present 12 to 15 of your best pieces as professionally as possible. The work should be a critical selection of recently produced origi-nal artworks that show us the full range of your most skillful and ambitious achievements.
Your portfolio should include a variety of media, some examples might include:
/ Photographs, collage, or mixed media work
/ Observational drawings, paintings or print media
/ Animation, video, or audio recordings
/ 3D work such as sculpture, textiles, glass, jewellery and ceramics
/ Designs for websites and other forms of digital media
/ Documentation of perfor-mance or installation art
/ Sample of creative or critical writing
If you enjoy working in a sketchbook, or have other ways of keeping track of inspirations and research, you can include a 5 to 10 page PDF of your sketchbook.
In your Statement of Intent, of approximately 500 words, write about why you would be a great student at ACAD. It’s up to you to define the criteria!
PRESENTING YOUR PORTFOLIO
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take pictures of your artwork, but these tips will help ensure the quality of your work shines through.
/ Make sure the lighting is adequate for your photo. Avoid using a flash – natural lighting typically looks a lot better than overpowering flashes that will wash out your work. Watch for bright spots of glare on your photos, and move your artwork around or change your position to avoid overly bright areas on portions of the work.
/ Get rid of clutter or busy backgrounds. Don’t let details distract from your work – photograph your work with a neutral background.
/ Photograph each piece individually. Try to fill the camera frame with your work, so the focus is on one piece at a time.
/ Take three photos of 3D items. If you’re taking a picture of a 3D piece like sculpture or jewelry, take three photos: one straight-on shot from the front, one shot from above (“bird’s eye view”), and one shot from a side angle.
/ Use a tripod. Using a tripod will reduce motion blur, give you the oppor-tunity to frame your shot carefully, and help ensure your photo is crisp and in focus.
/ Avoid using the zoom. It’s better to simply get closer to or stand back from your artwork instead of using a digital zoom. The zoom function on some cameras can cause pixelation in the image.
/ 2014 Show Off Award Winner, Robyn Shouldice, The Creature
/ 2014 Show Off Award Winner, Kyrsten Lofts, Collapsing
HOW TO APPLY60 \\
COME FOR A TOUR
Sat-TOUR-days are special, student-led tours of the ACAD campus that happen on – you guessed it! – Saturdays. One Saturday a month you can spend about an hour and a half with us, getting an insider’s tour of our studios and facilities by current students who’ll tell you what it’s really like to go to school here. To find out which Sat-TOUR-day you can register for, check out our website!
MEET ACAD ON THE ROAD
Can’t make it to Calgary for a visit? Don’t worry – you can also catch us on the road. Check out our website to find out if we’re coming to a city near you!
OPEN HOUSE + PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAYS
You’ll get first-hand experience of what it’s like to attend ACAD – meet student artists, participate in fun workshops, take part in activities, take a tour around campus, and more. The recruitment team will be there to answer your questions and walk you through the application process.
You also have an opportunity to review your portfolio with our faculty, who will sit down with you and provide some construc-tive feedback. It’s a great way to get some one-on-one time with them, learn how portfolios are evaluated, and get some helpful tips on how to make your portfolio even stronger.
Our Open House and Portfolio Review days usually run from 10:00am until about 4:00pm, and include a mix of scheduled as well as drop-in activities.
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 28, 2015
Book your portfolio review: acadfall2015openhouse.eventbrite.ca
PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY Saturday, January 23, 2016
Book your portfolio review: acadwinter2016portfolioday.eventbrite.ca
COME SEE FOR YOURSELF
OPEN HOUSE
+ PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAYS
ACAD STUDENT RECRUITMENT OFFICE
1407 – 14 Avenue N.W.Calgary, AB Canada T2N 4R3
PHONE
403 284 7617
TOLL FREE
1 800 251 8290 (in North America)
/AlbertaCollegeofArtandDesign
@acadonline
ACAD.CA
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