Fall 2026 - CA 460 D100

Studio in Visual Art V (4)

Class Number: 5202

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    DT VSAR

  • Instructor:

    Sessional
  • Prerequisites:

    CA 361, 367 and status as an approved major in visual art.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course permits students to work in an open studio situation. Students propose an independent program of work in the media of their choice at the beginning of the term and develop it in critical dialogue with the instructor(s). A course materials fee is required.

COURSE DETAILS:

This studio class is devoted to students working entirely on self-directed projects in consultation with the instructor. It is designed to facilitate a critical studio practice and stress the skills required for group critique of art works at all stages of production. Students will complete at least three substantial finished works for critique in time for group critique deadlines. Finished works are to be installed with attention to presentation values such as prepared walls, floors, lighting and spatial considerations and any other factor deemed significant for the work. Each student must keep a sketchbook (or equivalent) with appropriate records of project research and development such as theoretical notes, sketches, material samples, photographs, models, as well as entries

This semester students will be expected to work on multiple projects continuously in a simultaneous manner. You will be required to submit documentation of three works for consideration in assessing your accomplishment this semester. If you make four or more, you are to submit the three that best demonstrate what you set out to achieve. If you make three and only three works, you risk achieving only a marginal or satisfactory grade.

During individual feedback sessions, you must be prepared to outline what you are trying to accomplish and what feedback you are seeking. General feedback will be offered but this will supplement the feedback given in response to your specific requests. If the professor tells you they need to see more work, that indicates your level of work can be increased and success is not guaranteed.

Work will be assessed on ambition of the project, relation to existing practice (your work may affirm an established direction or deviate meaningfully from previous work), material handling, quality of presentation decisions, the level of documentation submitted.

Students will write a comprehensive 250 word artist statement about their practice relevant to previous work, current work, and potentially future work. This statement should be particularly concerned with the work made during the semester. The statement is meant as a contextualization of the student’s work demonstrating their ability to situate their work in relation to contemporary art. It should note the material traditions you are working within and the questions guiding your practice.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Growth and development over the course of the semester

• Resourcefulness (thoughtful and inventive problem solving)

• Tenacity (especially the ability to pull oneself out of a place of disappointment with a stage in the process and move on to a place of interest)

• Collaborative skills (using the classroom as a community of peers as part of problem solving and knowledge development

• Ability to keep up with projects by working outside of class when necessary.

• Timely completion of studio project and other assignments

• Proper handling of studio tools, equipment

Grading

  • Projects 60%
  • Participation 10%
  • Preparedness 10%
  • Artist Statement/Documentation 10%
  • Work Ethic 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students will be expected to possess general tools for use in a studio environment. Some are available though these are limited. Materials are assessed on a project to project bases and students are responsible for the purchase of any material that may be needed for the completion of any project.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.