FAQ

When are the registration dates for your courses? 
Registration opens (in general) 6 to 8 weeks prior to the start of courses. For specific dates, see the registration date section.

Do I have to register for the whole session? 
Yes, our courses are progressive, and certain techniques are necessary to continue learning.

Can I register after the session has started?
Yes, we accept late registrations but only during the first two weeks of the semester and when there are spaces available in the course.

Can I add my name to a course waiting list?
You can join a course waiting list via the regular registration process. You will not be charged for your course, but you will have to proceed through checkout to be placed on the waiting list. You'll receive an e-mail informing you that you've been added to the waiting list, and you'll be notified if a place becomes available.

How many weeks do the sessions last? 
Sessions last between 8 and 12 weeks. We also offer workshops that last from half a day to one-week intensives.

Do I need to already know how to draw/paint/sculpt to register for your courses?
For beginner classes, no. You will learn basic, beginner techniques. For classes requiring a prerequisite, you should have taken those courses either at the VAC, or elsewhere.

How quickly will I progress?
That depends on the individual. If you do the exercises in every class and take the time to do the suggested homework, you will learn the skills covered in the course.

Do students take the same course more than once?
Yes. You can continue learning and strengthening techniques in the same course. As new subjects are used, it is not a repetition from one session to the next.

Will I need to buy materials?
Yes, unless otherwise indicated, material lists are provided at the time of registration for you to purchase before the session begins.

Can students bring in clay or glaze materials purchased outside of the VAC?
No. Technicians will only fire clay and materials that are offered at the VAC for kiln equipment safety.

May students build work at home to be fired at the VAC?
No. Technicians will only fire work that is made during class or open studio hours.

How do I register for Open Studio?
Students are required to register over the phone (514) 488-9558, to reserve their 3 hour time slot.  Registration begins every Tuesday at 9:00 am for any day the following week. A maximum of 18 students are allowed in the studio Equipment such as pottery wheels will be on a first come first serve basis. A maximum of (2) slots per student per week. During holidays and the last 2 weeks of courses, this is reduced to one (1) session per week.

Do you offer Art courses for Teens? 
Yes, we offer Drawing, Illustration, Jewellery, Ceramic, and Mixed Media courses. We also offer one on one sessions for teens wanting to create a portfolio to apply for undergraduate programs.

Do you offer art classes for kids?
Yes, we offer courses allowing kids to experiment and explore all artistic mediums. We also have art courses specific to drawing or painting techniques.

Do you offer a day camp for kids?
Yes, we have an Summer Arts Camp for kids (6-12 yrs) that runs all summer (8 or 9 weeks)

Can my child come to Summer camp for more than one week?
Yes, the themes and projects change every week.

Can my child be paired with a friend?
Yes, we accept paired requests when reasonable.

Do I need to bring lunch for my child?
Yes, your child must come to camp with their lunch and two snacks.

Do the Campers go outside the Visual Arts Centre?
Yes, every day! We go to the park and once a week we go to the swimming pool at the Westmount Recreation Center, in Westmount Park. In case of heavy rain or thunderstorms, we organize a games session inside.

What are the counselor/campers ratios?
Our ratio is 1 counselor for 7 or 8 campers. In addition, we have a camp coordinator who alternates from one group to another.

My child has special needs or accessibility requests, can they come to your art camp?
We go case by case depending on our resources and the needs. Get in touch as soon as possible info@visualartscentre.ca

How can I propose an ARTreach project?
If you are part of a community group or group with special needs, fill this form to start the process.

How do I submit work to the gallery?
Please see our submissions page for all the details.

Is the McClure Gallery accessible?
Yes, please see our accessibility page for more information.