Northwest College of Art

Location

Northwest College of Art is located at the Mains Manor Estate in Poulsbo, Washington, on the Kitsap Peninsula, nine miles from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. From there, it is just a 35-minute ferry ride to the heart of downtown Seattle. Our picturesque 26-acre campus serves as a constant source of visual inspiration. Students are surrounded by a magnificent view of the Olympic Mountain Range and shimmering Liberty Bay. Students may sketch and paint in the gardens and fields just a few steps from the classrooms. These natural surroundings are special elements not found on urban campuses. Due to Northwest College of Art’s unique location, our students benefit from Seattle’s city excitement, the rural beauty of Kitsap County, and convenient proximity to charming downtown Poulsbo and other thriving municipalities. The Kitsap Peninsula is home to a wide variety of restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques, and major department stores. Less than an hour away, Seattle offers an array of museums, galleries, and a variety of other cultural destinations.


Mission

The primary objective of Northwest College of Art is to play a significant educational role in preparing individuals for rewarding career opportunities in the creative arts. Our faculty of professional educators, working artists and designers guide students through a curriculum that is designed to develop technical expertise and encourage creative excellence. Classes are kept small (maximum 30 students per instructor in a typical class setting) to ensure a personal approach to education. While the average NCA student is between the ages of 18 and 25 and typically first career bound, NCA also welcomes returning students who are ready to fulfill their creative ambitions.


History

Founded in 1982 by Craig N. Freeman as Northwest Art Center, NCA has been since its beginning a specialized school of art. Originally located on the waterfront of Liberty Bay, Northwest College of Art began its journey with a small student body and a two year certificate program.

As the years went by the College grew in size and the demand for a degree program prompted the Founder to expand the curriculum to an associate degree level. In the early nineties NCA said good-bye to the beautiful waterfront, and relocated to a 26 acre estate where the College could continue to expand its facilities without losing the outdoor beauty that had become essential to our students. This bold move allowed the College to modify its program once more to create the B.F.A. degree program in Visual Communication and later expand it by adding multiple majors.

Today, NCA continues its history of positive growth. For over twenty five years NCA has maintained its mission to educate and prepare individuals for the creative arts world. We invite you to be a part of our exciting and challenging future.


Facilities

The Northwest College of Art facilities consist of an upper and lower campus, each with classrooms equipped for lecture and studio work. Ample parking is available.

The Lower Campus is equipped with 10,000 square feet of classrooms, painting studios, a photographic darkroom, computer labs, gallery space, administrative offices, and an art supply store. A copier with full size reduction and enlargement capabilities is also available for student use.

* The college currently has two fully equipped computer labs that include Apple Macintosh computers, scanners, and CD/DVD burners. Wireless internet is also available. Computer software in word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, photo manipulation and multimedia are available.
* The darkroom has developing and printing work areas for black and white photography.
* Our pottery studio contains a 4˝ Super Duper Clay Extruder, three Shimpo basic potter’s wheels, one 23˝ Crucible electric kiln, a steel drum raku kiln, 100K BTU propane burner assembly with baso safety system, and an analog pyrometer.

* The Freeman Gallery prepares exhibits for professionals, NCA students, and faculty. The halls are reserved for current student projects in photography, computer graphics, illustration, fine art and design. The school maintains a library with collections for each of the program majors, color print collections and annual publications of design, illustration, fine art, and photography.
* The student lounge is open to students throughout the day and includes space and furniture that facilitates student studying and relaxation during their time on campus.

Our Upper Campus offers approximately 3,600 square feet of space. The building houses 2 large painting studios, a lecture room, and a gallery tiled in beautiful Brazilian black slate. One of the painting studios offers a garden view and southern exposure. Both studios offer ample light and vaulted ceilings. Other equipment for student use includes easels, drafting tables, and drawing horses.


Accreditation and Approvals

Northwest College of Art is an independent, degree-grant­ing college that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). NCA is authorized by ACCSCT to confer a Baccalaureate of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), 134 semester credit double major degree.

Northwest College of Art’s academic program of study is approved by a Washington State Approving Agency for enrollment of those eligible for benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.

The NCA programs are approved by the Department of Education. Northwest College of Art is also certified by the Department of Labor and Industries and is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.


Programs

The Visual Communication Program

The B.F.A. program in Visual Communication offers a well-rounded experience in the arts. NCA's double major policy allows flexibility for students to specialize and develop a unique style within fine art, design and/or multimedia. This concentrated study focuses on technical skills, creative logic and the development of original concepts. Students implement experimentation and communicate ideas through professional quality projects with the final goal of a presentation portfolio.


Design Major

Design is a vital tool for businesses competing in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. NCA Design students begin their training with a balanced foundation that includes drawing and painting, color theory, photography, computer graphics, and design courses. Further studies in graphic design, typography, web design, and illustration help students develop the strong technical and conceptual skills they will need in a competitive job market. The Design major prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions in careers as print designers, web page designers, package designers, digital artists, or illustrators.


Fine Art Major

Our Fine Art major prepares serious students for entry-level careers in fine art or illustration. Fine Art majors work towards becoming freelance illustrators, studio artists, and fine artists who may contract with publishers and design firms, or work with galleries. The curriculum begins with foundation courses in drawing, photography, painting, and media. Further study in drawing and painting in studio courses with a focus on personal development and technical ability will prepare students for a career in the fine arts. As skills and confidence increases, students are encouraged to explore greater independence, to use critical thinking skills, and to develop their own personal style.


Multimedia Major

The job opportunities in multimedia are diverse and expanding. In this ever-changing industry, professionals must be ready to explore new technologies, new attitudes and new mediums. The Multimedia student begins with foundation courses in drawing and painting, photography, animation, computer graphics, and design. Upper division courses include web animation techniques, media development, 3D digital animation, and motion design. The Multimedia major prepares students for entry-level positions as motion designers, web animators, storyboard artists, digital artists, or illustrators.

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