About Textile Arts

Students learn about textile arts by exploring many different processes. Projects reflect a wide
range of approaches from sculptures and wall pieces to wearable garments and textiles for the
home. Textiles have a rich and varied history and reflect these diverse cultural practices.
This is reflected in historical textiles and by contemporary artists across the world. Today Textile
Arts and other Crafts media represent a response to computer technologies and global production.
This can take many forms, from a renewed interest in hand and local production, an awareness of
recycling or using materials responsibly, as well as web based knitting bees and experimenting with computer technologies in weaving, sewing and printing

The core content of Weaving and Textile Surface Design is complemented by courses in Drawing, Design, 3D Mixed Media, Visual Literacy, Communications and Textile History. Courses in "Professional and Business Skills in Arts and Crafts" and "Precision Dyeing" provide students with information and hands-on experience that will facilitate entering a professional career. A critical and analytical approach to their own work will enable graduates to be proficient in a range of professional activities.

Gallery and studio visits, as well as guest lectures by visiting artists and other professionals working in textiles or related areas, augment regular teaching sessions. They show distinct approaches to an artist's work and also provide practical information on how careers are built.

Field Experience

Field experience with artists, crafts people, costume rental houses used by the film industry, costume artists for theatre and film as well as other related businesses or organizations take place as part of the course in "Professional and Business Skills". They provide useful experience for students in the Textile Arts program.

Graduates

Past graduates are working professionally as artists, crafts people or designers in fashion or interior design. Some graduates have found employment in film or theatre productions or work for arts organizations or related businesses. See careers 

Transfers or Degree Completion

The Textiles Arts Program can also be a stepping stone toward further studies in degree granting programs. Previous students have transferred to institutions across Canada and the USA to pursue studies in Visual Arts, Design, Fashion, Textile Conservation and Aboriginal Arts. Options also exist to combine Textile Arts with studies in academic areas such as Anthropology and Art History. See also Degree Completion page

In addition to the two-year diploma program, students also have the option of continuing their studies in the College's Advanced Textile Certificate program.

Information Sessions

These sessions are essential for students interested in attending the program and
give interested applicants and/or their families an opportunity to meet with faculty
and current or past students. These meetings are scheduled generally between
January and May and during the student grad exhibitions.
See the Information Sessions page.

Awards

Students can apply to several awards given to the Textile Arts program students
as well as general awards available to all students.
See Scholarships page.

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