Jessica Auer is a documentary-style landscape photographer from Montreal. Her work is largely concerned the study of cultural sites. From the beaten track to the frontier, she explores places where history and mythology are woven into the landscape, and where contemporary landscape issues emerge. Jessica received her MFA in Studio Arts from Concordia University in 2007 and is the recipient of several awards such as the W.B. Bruce European Fine Art Travel Fellowship and the Roloff Beny Prize, as well as grants from the Quebec Arts Council (CALQ). Her work has been exhibited in Canada and the United States and is held in various private and public collections, including the Musée des Beaux Arts du Québec, the Canada Council Art Bank and the Cirque du Soleil. Jessica is a co-founder and a board member at Galerie Les Territoires in Montréal and teaches photography at Concordia University. She is represented by Patrick Mikhail Gallery in Ottawa.  Talk is in the Slide Room Gallery at the lower level of VISA.

The focus of this workshop is on using architecture as a source for the development of subject matter and dynamic compositions. The day will include three projects involving drawing, collage and watercolour. 

Starting with methods used by the Russian Constructivists to create geometric drawings, students make an abstract drawing based on a few simple parameters. The second project involves creating an architectural collage and making a drawing based on this composition. For the final project, images of room interiors and architectural drawings are traced to create a layered complex surface similar to the work of Julie Mehretu.

All these projects start with simple step-by-step instructions suitable for people with little or no experience in art, but who are willing to go on a creative adventure. 

All materials are included so you just need to show up and be willing to devote six hours to uninterrupted creativity.

Instructor: Wendy Welch

Cost: $100 +$25 material fee (all materials included)

To register on-line

Did you ever collect rocks as a kid or perhaps you still like to collect them as you walk along the ocean? 

Geology, or the study of the earth's surface provides an incredible source for the visual artist. This workshop focuses on three components of geology: striations, rock formations and crystal structures as subject matter for drawing. 

Examples of artists whose work is inspired by geology will be shown. Projects include using pencils, watercolour and collage. No experience necessary and all materials are provided. 

Of course just when you think you have a 'new' idea, something comes along to remind you that if its a good idea, chances are other people have thought of it. Check out this book called: Geology in Art

Instructor: Wendy Welch

Cost: $100 +25 material (all materials included)
To register on-line 

Gouache (pronounced "gwash") is an expressive, opaque water-based paint favoured by 20th century artists such as Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and Francis Bacon. Similar to watercolour, it contains an inert white pigment. The result is paint with a smooth, matte finish that is almost velvety in appearance. Gouache is popular today with many contemporary artists such as Olaf Hajek, Anish Kapoor and Maira Kalman, who appreciate gouache for its lush, saturated colours, and ease of use. It is compatible with other water-based media such as acrylic, watercolour, ink, and markers; as well as the dry media of pastels and coloured pencil. In many ways gouache embodies the finer qualities of watercolour, oils and acrylics while avoiding many of their limitations. Participants will work through a series of imaginative assignments exploring the creative possibilities of painting with gouache. No previous drawing or painting experience necessary. 

Instructor: Kate Scoones
Tuition: $100 + $25 material fee (all material included) 

To register on-line

All working artists struggle to balance creativity and accuracy. Though a series of working exercises that reveal what is going on during the act of drawing, this workshop will clearly explain what you're up against. The workshop consists of four days of intensive drawing from a life model, and offers practical solutions that will help any artist draw better as well as overcome creative blocks, unhelpful drawing habits and common preconceptions. This is a unique opportunity to experience the teaching of the Denmark-based Canadian artist and writer, Heather Spears. Heather is a renowned drawing instructor and regularly teaches in Europe, Canada and the UK. This course is based on her book The Creative Eye. No previous drawing experience necessary.  

Tuition: $320 + $75 model fee (there will be a model everyday all day long)

To register on-line

As many of you know, we are not hosting our annual Art Incognito fundraiser in September. Instead we are going to have a festive garden party fundraiser this summer as well as some bigger gala events in 2014 to celebrate our 10th Anniversary.

If you like the idea eating and drinking in a beautiful garden stetting while contributing to VISA's financial well-being, then buy a ticket for yourself and a friend for this festive events.

Tickets are available at the office for $50. You will receive a $25 donation receipt for purchasing a ticket. Ticket price includes food and complimentary beverage.

Music by the Stomp Club Trio

Original art will be available for purchase.

Location: 3185 Norfolk Road in the lovely Uplands area of Greater Victoria