Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) (PFA)

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and Nipissing is an inspiring location for a Fine Arts program. The scenery is breathtaking and the University is idyllically tucked into a beautiful wooded escarpment that overlooks the city. North Bay has a vibrant arts community with public and private galleries, gallery hops, and arts festivals, affording students many opportunities to exhibit their work and participate in arts related events. 

Most drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography/digital media, art history, and film classes take place at Monastery Hall or the Jane Street Studio, and both are just a short walk or commute from the main campus and residences. Students will find their creativity level and imagination fully fueled by the natural scenery, full bounty of wildlife, 20 kilometers of on campus walking rails with waterfall and ponds, and colour that rivals any paint palette – especially in the Fall! 

Nipissing's award-winning professors come from diverse backgrounds, and all are working, exhibiting artists who are eager to help students develop their artistic practice. The program values experimentation rather than conformity, and professors work collaboratively to help students develop as an artist. Visiting artists provide artist talks and workshops throughout the year so that students can meet and learn from professionals with a variety of artistic interests. Whether into painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography/digital media, art history, or a combination thereof, students will be able to concentrate on their discipline(s) of choice while learning new skills and techniques. Film is also offered as an elective, and available as a Minor. The printmaking studio accommodates intaglio, relief, screenprinting, lithography, and monotype processes, while shared-use studios are equipped with sinks, easels, tables, and individual storage and presentation spaces. Sculpture facilities support a wide range of mould-making and fabrication processes, and digital facilities support photography, video and time-based media, including digital cameras and a green screen.

First- and second-year studio courses focus on technical instruction and exposure to art of all forms, developing a strong practical foundation and exploring the vast range of materials and tools available. In third year, students will specialize in their areas of interest and explore opportunities for cross-disciplinary approaches to art-making. A year-end assessment delivers a professional critique, assists in identifying areas of strength, offers strategies to enhance skills, and prepares students for professional practice in the arts. The fourth year will be completed independently with the guidance of an advisor, and will culminate in a full body of work.