SENIOR VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM

From grade 8, visual arts courses focus on developing students’ artistic voice, technical skills, conceptual approaches to their work, and exposure to a variety of artistic techniques.

In grades 11 and 12, students can specialize in design electives such as Drafting 11 and 12. Our architecture courses are designed to give students hands-on practice in model building, hand drafting and computer software. AP Studio Art Drawing 12 and Art Careers 12 are offered to students who are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree in visual arts and design; these courses further develop a student’s artistic voice and help them create a portfolio of their work for submission to postsecondary institutions.

Our alumni have studied fashion design, industrial design and architecture at renowned institutions such as Parson’s, Parson’s Paris, University of Arts London, Rhode Island School of Design, Emily Carr, OCAD and SCI-arc.

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  • Courses

    • Visual Arts 8, 9, 10
    • Art Studio 10, 11, 12 
    • Art Careers 12 
    • AP Studio Art - Drawing 

  • Student Showcases

    • Arts Week: Arts Week  in April hihglights the arts in all forms—music, visual arts, and theatre. The student-run event includes dramatic performances, concerts by our musical ensembles and guest performers, workshops by students and visiting artists, and opening and closing assemblies. 
    • Visual Arts Celebration: The Visual Arts Celebration takes place in the Upper Gym in June, when students showcase their art to family and friends in a gallery-type setting. The event includes a fashion show, with clothing and accessories created by students focused on that year's theme. 
    • Student Gallery: Founded in 1999, our Student Gallery highlights select K-12 artwork every year. One student's artwork from each grade is framed and represents the artistic accomplishments of their grade level.  

Margot Harms
HEAD OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Margot has been working in the field of education for over 20 years, and the 2024-2025 school year marks her 22nd year teaching at WPGA. A three-time graduate of UBC, Margot graduated first with a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on visual arts and art history, a Bachelor of Architecture (now a Master of Architecture) from the Faculty of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on visual arts.

Margot started her career as an architect and practiced architecture in various firms in the Vancouver area for 13 years. When her daughters were little, she switched careers to become a teacher. Her first and only teaching position has been at WPGA, where she teaches Art 8 through 12, AP Drawing 12, and Drafting and Design 11 and 12.
 

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    As Head of the Fine and Performing Arts in the Senior School, Margot coordinates the school's signature Arts Week every April, which showcases all forms of the fine and performing arts through student-led workshops, concerts, professional artists and guest presenters. The week also celebrates our students' talents in the arts, with performances, fairs, and art shows.

    Margot is an advisor to the student-led Arts Council, who meet weekly to plan arts-related events such as Open Mic, Arts Week, the Visual Arts Celebration and Fashion Show, and other events in music and drama departments.  

    When asked what motivates her teaching practice, she can’t say enough about her continued enthusiasm and passion for design, painting, drawing and creativity. However, her students are who inspire her most – helping them to hone their skills and creativity and develop their understanding of design, architecture and visual artistry.


   

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750