First Nations Fine Arts | Diploma
Diploma
First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) is a vibrant, successful two-year Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art Diploma program that seeks to honour and support the rich culture and tradition of First Nations art in the Northwest Coast.
Founding instructors Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit), Stan Bevan (Tahltan/Tlingit/Tsimshian), and Ken McNeil (Tahltan/Tlingit/Nisga'a) are world-renowned master carvers who developed the Freda Diesing Program in honour of Dempsey's late beloved mentor, Freda Diesing. Freda Diesing (Haida) was a master carver and master teacher who worked with many nations during her career as a Northwest Coast artist.
Learners of First Peoples descent develop a solid foundation in First Nations Northwest Coast art while they learn and practice traditional design, painting, and carving from practicing artists' and instructors Ken McNeil and Nathan Wilson (Haisla). Nakkita Trimble (Nisga'a) teaches Professional Development skills with both first and second year students. Dempsey Bob and Stan Bevan are senior advisors to the program.
The First Nations Fine Arts program includes field trips to important cultural events and sites, museums, and galleries. Visiting artists, dignitaries and cultural advocates enhance the learning environment with their knowledge, wisdom and experience. Learners mount a number of public art exhibits each year to acquire the skills required by professional artists to display, promote, and sell their own creative work.
First Nation Fine Arts Diploma
Learners begin with fundamentals of two-dimensional Northwest coast art design, drawing, and painting basics, followed by building and using traditional tools, and traditional work carving techniques.
Learners carve a number of pieces to build their proficiency. These include small- to medium-sized plaques, spoons, portrait masks, and bowls. Learners are expected to participate in exhibitions throughout the year.
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Dates and locations
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Terrace |
| Winter 2025 | Terrace |
First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) is a two-year Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art diploma program. Learners begin with basic drawing and two-dimensional design techniques and the history of designs and crests, followed by tool-making and traditional wood carving techniques to develop a solid foundation in the traditions of Northwest Coast art. All learners are expected to participate in carving the program projects.
Diploma
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FNFA 204 | Professional Fn Artist Devel. II Design I | 3 |
| FNFA 135 | Intermediate Elements of Two Dimensional | 3 |
| FNFA 213 | Intermediate Elements of Two Dimensional | 4 |
| FNFA 206 | Exhibitons and Curating II Design I | 3 |
| FNFA 226 | Intermediate Wood Carving & Design - Intermediate Crest Spoon | 3 |
| FNFA 228 | Intermediate Wood Carving & Design - Portrait Mask | 3 |
| FNFA 230 | Intermediate Wood Carving & Design - Moon Mask | 4 |
| FNFA 232 | Intermediate Wood Carving & Design - Crest Bowl | 4 |
| FNFA 234 | Intermediate Wood Carving & Design - Crest Mask | 4 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
| Fees | Full-time domestic |
|---|---|
| Full-time: | 32 Credits |
| Tuition: | $5,102.08 |
| Student Union Fees:1 | $109.28 |
| Extended Health and Dental* | $285.00 |
| Mandatory Fees: | $256.00 |
| Total Tuition: | $5,751.56 |
| Additional Costs: | |
Books:2 |
$200.00 |
Supplies/Clothing:2 |
$200.00 |
Tools:2 |
$1,229.45 |
| *Total Program Cost: | $7,351.56 |
Fees are effective as of August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 academic year
- 1
These fees are term based and may vary due to the length of the program.
- 2
Tools are mandatory and can be purchased from the college or elsewhere. The published price is based on purchasing tools directly from the college. Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken
The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to offer Extended Health and Dental Insurance to all qualifying members. The plan is mandatory for all students enrolled in 6 or more credits or a trades program of 26 weeks or longer. Some students, including those studying overseas and those with existing extended health coverage, are eligible to opt out. Visit https://cmsu.studenthealthbc.ca/ to learn more about the plan or request to opt out. You will also receive a detailed introductory email no later than 6 weeks after your semester starts. For any inquiries about the plan, please contact the Students’ Union Organiser : Golnoosh Namazi, organiser@mycmsu.ca
Furthering education
NEW! First Nations Fine Arts Advanced Diploma
Graduates of the FNFA Diploma can now ladder into CMTN's First Nations Fine Arts Advanced Diploma. Our new 10-month Advanced Diploma specializes in business courses, jewelry and sculpture with a mentoring approach that increases confidence for students moving forward in their artistic careers.
Students who complete the First Nations Fine Arts Diploma with a GPA of B or better will also be eligible for acceptance into the third year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual or General Fine Arts major) degree program at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.