Jan 24, 2011

Studied art before and ready for more: Why not consider the Advanced Diploma of Fine Art?


The Advanced Diploma of Fine Art is a 1 year, full-time program for those wishing to develop their studio and professional practice in the fine arts.

The Advanced Diploma of Fine Art is suitable for those who have recently completed a Diploma of Fine Art (or equivalent, or higher qualification) or for those who are seeking a return to study after a break.

The Advanced Diploma allows students to focus their art practice in a single studio area. Students are immersed in studio practice and mentored in professional practice in small hands-on classes. Included in the program of study is a drawing component which supports the major area of study. History/ theory classes assist you in contextualising your art practice and further develop critical and reflective skills. The professional practice component of the course teaches valuable marketing and promotional skills. Plentiful site visits and guest lectures with art industry professionals helps to reveal inspiring potential industry pathways. Of course, creating a major body of work to a high standard suitable for exhibition is one of the main course outcomes.

If working with a small group of committed fellow students in classes taught by professional artists sounds appealing, call Head Teacher Cath Barcan for further info on 02 9208 9513. Limited places still available for 2011, but hurry!

To download a course leaflet, visit our course information page, and click on the link to course #19146

Jan 22, 2011

Cert III in Ceramics enrols Jan 25, 12.30pm

detail of ceramic works by recent students from a range of courses. From left to right; Ali Hutton, Kay Bazley, Katherine Kennedy, Peter Lewis, Raku firing, Ilona Ede.

Do you have an interest in handbuilt and wheelformed ceramics? The Certificate III in Ceramics is a full-time, 3 day per week ceramic speciality course, which is completed over 1 year, and enrolments are being taken at the Nepean Arts and Design Centre on Tuesday January 25 at 12.30pm.

The Certificate III in Ceramics will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience in a range of ceramic techniques including the use of the pottery wheel, the handbuilding of sculptural work, moldmaking, surface decoration, glaze technologies and kilns and firing.

For those with an interest in working with clay, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain comprehensive skills in many aspects of ceramics. Why not join other like-minded people in the best ceramic art facilities  in Western Sydney?

For full details, including course fees, location of enrolments and units covered, visit our course information page, and click on the link for Certificate III in ceramics at the top of the page. This will take you to an information leaflet for the course.

For more news and views from the ceramics department at The Nepean Arts and Design Centre, visit the ceramicsnepean wiki.

Jan 20, 2011

Cert IV in Visual Arts enrols Jan 25, 10.30am!

detail of works by 2010 CIV VACC students from left to right: Julieanne Bartolo, Barbara Hellman, Katherine Kennedy, Karl Hellman, Jorge Cusi and Lisa McKay 

The Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Arts is a full-time, (3 day per week) course which runs over 1 year, and gives students the opportunity to learn a range of visual art mediums and techniques. The course offers study in a range of studio areas: painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking and photography, and also has some art history and theory.

The instruction is studio-based and our teachers are all experienced artists. The classes have an emphasis on skills, techniques and creativity, and there is plenty of opportunity to practice under teacher supervision. In the second semester of their course, students have the opportunity to exhibit the best of their work in the NADC's Trapezium Gallery, where many students are surprised and delighted to see how much they have achieved.

To see more images of work produced by our 2010 Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft students, visit our flickr sets of ceramic artwork and drawings.

To be eligible for the course, you must have your HSC or be over 21, and have a willingness and interest to study the visual arts. You must also be available to study 3 days a week for the year (36 teaching weeks). 

Enrollments are being taken on Tuesday January 25 at 10.30am in Building P, Nepean College, 12-44 O'Connell  St Kingswood, enter via gate 2 in O'Connell St. Limited places available!

For more information including timetable, course fees, and units covered, visit our fine arts course info page, and scroll down to Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft, course # 19114. Click on this link for a full course information leaflet.
 Unleash your creativity! 

Jan 15, 2011

Carol Fitzgerald at the Paper Mill

'Waiting' by Carol Fitzgerald, 2010 has been selected for a graduate works on paper show at the Paper Mill

Congratulations to 2010 Diploma of Fine Art student Carol Fitzgerald, who has been selected to represent Western Sydney Institute at an upcoming exhibition at The Paper Mill, gallery in Angel Place, Sydney CBD. The exhibition, called 'Paper Planes' showcases 2010 graduates from Sydney art schools who have produced work on paper.

The Gallery is located at 1, Angel Place, Sydney CBD, and is an artist run space that specialises in the exhibition of works on paper.

Paper Planes opens on Tuesday the 18th of February, from 6pm-8pm at The Paper Mill. Hope to see you there!

Jan 12, 2011

FREE part time Fine Art intro courses enrolling Jan 25!

From left to right: details of work by Erika Glynn, Diploma of Fine Art 2009, Jane Ross, Certificate IV in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft 2010, Danielle Higham, Diploma of Fine Art 2010, exhibition by Diploma of Fne Art Year 1 students, 2010,  detail of work by Sean Sweeney, Diploma of Fine Art 2010, Matthew Mead, Diploma of Fine Art 2010.

Nepean Arts and Design Centre at Western Sydney Institute is offering the wonderful opportunity to enrol in a FREE part-time course in either ceramics, printmaking, painting or drawing. Each course runs for 3 hours per week for 18 weeks, and there are no entry requirements other than a willingness and a commitment to undertake the course.

Our teachers are all professional artists, and instruction is by demonstration and studio practice. Class sizes are limited which means each student has the opportunity for personal feedback, as well as the benefit of group instruction.

The courses are suitable complete for beginners of any age, but could also be undertaken by those who need a refresher for their art practice. As well as raw beginners they may also suit artists wishing to explore a new medium, or highschool art teachers wishing to undertake some professional development. It may be possible to enrol in more than one class.

Enrollments are being taken in person at The Nepean Arts and Design Centre from 10.30 am on Tuesday January 25. For a course information leaflet, which includes details on when and how to enrol, visit the course info page of our website, and click on the link to course # 9069 Statement of Attainment in Skills for Work and Training, for the area (painting, printmaking, ceramics or drawing) that you are interested in.

Jan 10, 2011

Teaching Excellence Award

Cath Barcan receives her Teaching Excellence Award, December 2010

Fine Arts Head Teacher Cath Barcan recently received a Teaching Excellence Award, at Western Sydney Institute's Staff Recognition Award  award ceremony held on December 15.

As well as announcing a range of awards, Institute Director Susan Hartigan used the ceremony to remark upon the high quality of delivery across all of WSI, and the recognition that has gained the Institute at state and national level.

"Through the contributions of staff we achieved the very high honour of being named 2010 Australian Large Training Provider of the Year. Through the contributions of staff, we achieved for the second year running, the title of NSW Large Training Provider of the Year. Through the contributions of staff we continued to provide high quality and accessible education and training to a record number of students".