PVA Visual Arts
Visual Art Program Description
Central’s PVA Art program expects students to act and think like an artist. In this program, you will be asked to develop your artistic skills through a series of courses that will challenge and encourage your inner Picasso. Art is learned through trial and error, mastery of technique, understanding fundamental principles and being able to incorporate them into meaningful and technically sound 2-D or 3-D pieces of art.
Students with a wide range of backgrounds enter our program to learn and practice the foundations that will lead them towards personal style and innovation by the end of Grade 12. This program is an intensive study in visual art and includes a wide range of media exploration, art history, art appreciation, and professional development in the arts. Students will explore drawing techniques and styles, colour exploration, painting, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. Having an art studio class every day of the school year helps to maintain your skill level and challenge your creative spirit. Students in PVA Art may also benefit from the Advanced Placement Studio Art program as well. This is a college-level program offered while still in high school. Please visit our Art Gallery to see some of the work created in our studios. Central also offers a general arts program for students that want to study art, but just not at the PVA level.
Please see Applying to PVA for audition/interview requirements.
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Advanced Placement (AP) is a College level program that offers students post-secondary course work while still in high school. It is offered across the United States and Canada, and most post-secondary institutions grant university or college credits for AP course work.
Advanced Placement Studio Art is when students learn and produce artwork that is considered to be College Level. Students accepted into Central Memorial’s PVA program are given the opportunity to pursue Advanced Placement Studio Art during their Art 30 and Art 35 Classes.
- Students work towards the creation of a portfolio that is sent to the AP College Board in New York for judging
- students who receive a qualifying grade for their AP portfolio may use that result as college credit
- once you are enrolled at a post-secondary institution, you may use these credits towards your degree
- students that agree to take on the challenge of AP will explore and develop their artistic skills beyond the high school level.
When do I decide if AP is right for me?
There is no pressure on students to commit to the AP Criteria until they are in Art 30 (Grade 12). A series of work is the most challenging and difficult part of AP Program, but students work closely with their teacher and have plenty of guidance. Students must complete a series of 12 images that relate together by not only a related concept, but by technical style and approach. Please see our Gallery and look for the images labeled AP for examples of student work.
For more information about the College Board or AP, please click here.
Visual Arts Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.How to Apply
All the information you need on one handy page.
PVA Application Form
Direct link to form
Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist
All PVA students are enrolled in one of two courses; Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist. These programs of study allow PVA students to explore how they see themselves as artists and become more aware of the process involved in preparing for the marketing and business aspect of being a professional in the arts community.
Students will experience a variety of teacher-led assignments/activities as well as a number of student-directed online projects.
Audition/Interview Requirements
for Visual Art
audition for PVA Visual Arts, students are required to have previously submitted all components of the PVA application process. Please see How to Apply for further information.
This year due to Covid 19 restrictions, PVA Visual Arts auditions will be held virtually.
The audition process consists of a 15-minute interview involving PVA applicants and our teachers. During this time, we will look at your portfolio and base some of the interview questions around your artwork. This process will also give you an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our program. That way, you’ll be able to determine if we are a good fit for you as well!
Interview Requirements
Be prepared to share 10-15 pieces of your artwork to the interview that demonstrate your skills, experience, and range of ability in art.
- Include art you created in junior high art class, at home, at camps, or other work you created with other programs.
- Include a wide range of work that demonstrates variety in your ability (pencil, pastel, paint, sculptures, images of people, landscapes, still-lifes, etc.).
- Sketchbooks are always a welcome addition to a portfolio.
- If possible, choose to share your most current work.
PVA auditions are friendly and supportive. This may be your first audition ever and we want everyone to have a positive and fun experience
Visual Arts FAQ
Our Teachers
Visual Arts Gallery
Project examples from the PVA visual arts program
Photography Gallery
Project examples from the PVA photography course
PVA Visual Arts Alumni
Several graduates of the PVA Visual Arts Program have gone on to post-secondary programs or are currently pursuing professional careers. Alumni include:
Alberta College of Art and Design
- Stephanie S.
- Renåe J.
- Felicity H.
- Jace L.
- David H.
- Olivia P.
Carleton University, Ottawa
- Adam P. (Architecture)
- Simon M. (Architecture)
Emily Carr University of Art and Design – Vancouver
- Ellena L.
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax
- Jessie L
Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto
- Rhyden B.
Ryerson University – Toronto
- Jeanine B. (Fashion Communication)
University of British Columbia Okanagan
- Naomi O. (Visual Arts)
University of Calgary
- Melissa D. (Visual Arts)
Vancouver Island University – Nanaimo
- Stephanie W. (Interior Design)
I was definitely worried about finding my own style but AP art sent me rocketing to a place where my style found me.
PVA art and Art studio AP is there for us to build our future and expand our techniques in art. It creates the foundation for our expression and is the building block of becoming an independent artist.
PVA Visual Arts student
I have learned a vast amount regarding art itself, and about my own capabilities.
Former PVA Visual Arts student
Don't be scared to try new skills!
I’ve developed so much since I’ve been here for three years. Let AP guide you for professions toward art.
Former PVA Visual Arts student