Get Hands-On Fine Arts Education from Centennial College
“This is a hands-on program and the
slogan I have for the Fine Arts Studio program is ‘Get your hands
dirty,’” says David McKilmen. coordinator of the Fine Arts Studio
program at Centennial College, in which students receive a fine arts
education, “because you’re definitely going to get your hands dirty with
charcoal paint, clay and more. When you apply, book yourself an
appointment to come meet with me and bring your portfolio. I’m looking
for two things. On the technical side. I am looking for people who have
had experience drawing and painting. And I have to say, for me, what’s
important is some sense of commitment, passion, dedication to the fine
arts.”
David offers a great overview of what is expected of
students but let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits of this
Fine Arts Studio offering. First and foremost, to apply to the two-year
program, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary
School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They also
need to have the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or
equivalent credit. However, possession of minimum admission requirements
does not guarantee admission to the school Fine Arts
Studio program. There also artistic requirements that students must
meet, such as attending a program admission session and presenting a
portfolio of no less than four and no more than 15 pieces. Within the
portfolio, students are encouraged to have figure drawings, colour work
(abstract, figurative or objective), perspective (demonstration of your
ability to apply basic principles of linear perspective in free-hand
drawing and or painting), and sketchbooks.
This unique fine arts education
program allows students to: develop advanced skills to work
independently both in and out of the studio environment and nurture a
lifetime of growth as a professional visual artist and storyteller; have
a progressive learning experience led by a collaborative team of
teachers who share a commitment to the central philosophy of excellence
through meaningful skills development; develop personal directions and
approaches to build their own unique voice and style in visual
storytelling; find inspired new careers paths in the art world as
exhibiting artists or in the visual art industries including animation,
illustration and design.
This is achieved through a number of
courses such as: Figure Drawing, Drawing + Composition, Paining
Techniques, 3D Figure Modeling, History of World Art from Prehistoric to
17th Century, Figure Painting, Digital Art, Drawing Painting and Thesis
and more. All classes are held in two large state-of-the-art studios
and include aspects such as art-relevant lectures, seminars and
excursions that are offered throughout the school year. Small class
sizes guarantee one-on-one attention from instructors. Classes are three
to six hours in duration. Mural seminars and an illustration class to
broaden students’ job skills are also available.
The fine arts
education received in the program allows students seamless entry into
more specialized art-based program such as Digital Animation, Graphic
Design, Game Design and more.