Each year UBC Okanagan visual arts and media studies faculty open their doors for Creative Day to host a series of free workshops for prospective incoming students.

Led by several professors in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, Creative Day provides an opportunity to learn more about a variety of subjects and media such as animation, drawing and printmaking.

Creative Day workshops are a chance to find out more about UBCO’s Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Media Studies programs and facilities through fun and interactive projects, explains Visual Arts Associate Professor and Department Head Shawn Serfas.

“We offer a hands-on experiential learning environment where students can develop their own artistic voice, and we encourage students to cross disciplines while refining their specialized practices,” says Serfas. “This is something we want to share with prospective students, and Creative Day is a great opportunity to make that happen.”

Options this year include a drawing workshop, a chance to try printmaking, a tour of the on-campus gallery and an information session about the media studies program with a chance to assess current student projects.

Professors will also review portfolios from prospective applicants who will receive advice on assembling their entrance portfolio to submit for approval before the final deadline on January 31. If a person has already completed their portfolio, they can receive approval on the spot.

“Putting a portfolio together can be a daunting task. We are offering a chance to meet with professors who will provide feedback to prospective students. We see great value in this activity, which helps to build confidence in these budding artists,” says Instructor Andreas Rutkauskas.

The portfolio requirement is an important part of the application process and gives the reviewers a chance to learn a bit more about each application and get a sense of what kinds of art-making these students are working on, he explains.

Creative and Portfolio Day takes place January 13 starting at 10 am. There are limited seats available for some of the workshops and portfolio reviews, and pre-registration is encouraged. To register or find out more, visit: fccs.ok.ubc.ca/creative-portfolio-day

If you have questions about Creative Days workshops, please email creativestudies.ubco@ubc.ca.