This 18-week program is designed for students who are dedicated to the pursuit and study of visual art, and is aided by the generous support of the James Venner Russell Foundation, Emera New Brunswick, and private donors. A notable number of alumni from 19 past years of this important program have gone on to successful careers in the arts!

The program is open to students from grades 11 and 12 (priority is given to grade 12 students) and to students who graduated in the spring of the most recent past school year.

The purpose of this program is twofold: to provide students an opportunity to learn under the guidance of visual art teachers as they are provided with formal instruction; and to provide them an opportunity to develop a proper portfolio for presentation to a post-secondary school. The curriculum is designed so that master classes, workshops, studio time, critiques, curatorial experiences, and effective writing presentations are provided. The Saint John Arts Centre offers students an opportunity to expand their own personal style through problem-solving and creative expression through visual arts. Master classes are taught by local professional artists and educators. 

Admission to this program is limited. Submissions will be juried and made in person. Successful candidates will attend two sessions each week on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM and Saturday afternoons from 1-4 PM. Applications can be obtained in person from the Saint John Arts Centre, online from our website, or from your local high school in the Anglophone South school district or at École Samuel-de-Champlain.

Costs for instructors and studio space will be incurred by the Saint John Arts Centre and assisted through the generous support of the James Venner Russell Foundation.

Students will be required to incur a $150 fee for materials (can be waived in cases of financial need.)

Registration info for the 2026-2027 school year coming soon!