A summer photography session for High school students. Work from current students as well as graduates of the VAI are displayed on the walls.

What is Visual Art Institute (VAI)?
VAI is a nonprofit after school art program created for the purpose of fostering and preserving the creative voices of youth by assisting them in exploring their imagination and artistic abilities through in-depth training, independent study, and experimentation in all aspects of visual art.

What is VAI's Vision?
The vision of the Visual Art Institute is to provide exceptional visual art programs as a powerful tool in enhancing the educational experiences of the students we serve. Although our focus is on quality instruction in the visual arts, we hope participation in our programs will enhance all areas of our students' lives. We especially seek to reach out to undeserved youth from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Our ambition is to encourage excellence in their work and to develop positive mentor and peer relationships. We strive to accomplish this through giving them the opportunity to express themselves in a safe and nurturing creative environment, to work with traditional art media and new technology, to be instructed and mentored by dedicated professional artists from the community, and to interact with other youth interested in the arts. The desired outcome is to have students build life skills of problem solving, self-confidence, independent and critical thinking, and collaboration.

What makes VAI different from other youth art programs?
The innovative way in which VAI seeks to educate the whole person makes it a remarkable art program. This is achieved by developing each individual's unique creative voice, while teaching him or her to integrate their creativity into every aspect of their thinking, education, and life. This results in a greater thirst for knowledge in many areas of study, while at the same time strengthening their personal character - all of which are essential tools in today's world of constant change.

What are VAI's Aims?
    Expand knowledge
    Enlarge creativity
    Encourage community service
    Build character and
    Develop lifelong learners

What is VAI's History?
Stephanie Burn established Visual Art Institute in 1978. Stephanie started VAI after teaching art classes at Utah State University. During her experience teaching there she felt that college students had lost their ability to think creatively. VAI came as the result of her desire to teach children how to maintain and nurture their creativity throughout their lives. Since the founding of the institute, thousands of youth have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of local working artists in the community in a variety of media. Within the first ten years, students began to be offered scholarships from top art schools from across the country. In I998, Bruce Robertson took over as Executive Director. That same year, VAI began working with public schools and offering tuition assistance to provide better access to low-income youth. By expanding these programs, services, and instruction to more youth, VAI has become an essential part of Salt Lake's art community. In 2005, VAI's art library and media lab was created. Many students earn local, state, and national awards, with many receiving scholarships and entrance into top universities and art schools throughout the country. 2008 will mark VAI's 30th anniversary serving the community.

What is VAI's community involvement?
VAI is involved in several programs throughout the community. This past year, the institute exhibited in 15 art shows using 375 student pieces of artwork. VAI faculty members judged 20 school PTA reflection contests and assisted area high schools and community theaters in painting 4 theater production sets. Students, faculty members, and parent volunteers also participated at the Utah Arts Festival and other community events. The art shows, presentations and workshops at different public schools, and theater productions have a collective audience of over 40,000.

What is VAI's Teaching Approach?
Teaching at VAI is done through a non-directive teaching method. Students are provided with specific learning objectives without dictating step-by-step instructions, maintaining their individuality and unique creativity. Students are encouraged to generate their own original ideas from their imagination, observation, memories, and experience. We teach them skills, techniques, and experimentation in a variety of media. Students learn skills in independent thinking, problem solving, and critical assessment.

What Is the Curriculum taught?
VAI's comprehensive curriculum is designed to give deep learning in a broad variety of art concepts, media and techniques. Each course is designed to dovetail with the other courses to give students a strong visual language, resulting in award-winning portfolios. Alumni report that their experience at VAI has improved their ability to think creatively and learn in all areas of education.

VAI teaches 60 different art courses rotating every few years. Depending on the semester each course runs for 10-15 weeks. Classes are divided by age group, Studio Arts I (Elementary) classes are for ages 5-10. Studio Arts II (Jr. High) classes are for ages 11-14. Studio Arts III (High School) classes are for ages 15-18.

Examples of classes include:

When are classes held?
Each class is held once a week. Currently, classes are offered Monday through Thursday. All elementary classes are 1 1/2 hours from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. All Jr. High and High School classes are 2 hours from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

What are the age groups and class sizes?
Class sizes are generally no larger than 12 students. Classes are divided into age groups in the following manner: ages 5 - 10 year olds are in the Elementary classes together. When possible we separate students into smaller groups, placing 5 -7 year olds together and 8 - 10 year olds in the same class. Students ages 11 - 14 are in Jr. High classes together. Students ages 15 - 18 are in High School classes together. Depending upon class size and interest, Jr. High and High School students are sometimes combined.

What is the classroom climate like?
VAI's classes are highly stimulating, creative environments for the purpose of focused artistic and creative learning. Every part of a class is organized to enable students to expand their creativity and skills. While students do find a creative peer group, these classes are not intended as playtime or a social hour. Some of the values they must uphold include:

• Punctuality (be on time to class, students who are late disrupt the class).
• Respect (show respect to other students and faculty by being quiet during work time).
• Listening (listen carefully and follow instructions).
• Participation (participate in class activities in a positive manner).

What is the cost of tuition and payment process?
For 15-week Fall and Winter semesters, tuition is $285 per class. For our 10-week Spring semester it is $190 per class. The cost of classes works out to be $19 per weekly class session. (Taking this cost into consideration makes these classes a great deal when you compare the cost to music lessons, or sports leagues.)

Tuition is due on the first day of class each semester. If needed, we do offer a payment plan as follows: The first payment (1/3 of the full tuition) is due during class registration, about five weeks before a semester begins, the second payment is due the first day of class, and the third payment is due by the fifth week of classes.

What is the cost of supplies?
Art supplies for elementary classes are included in the cost of tuition. The students in Jr. High and High School classes provide their own art supplies. Instructors will provide supply lists. Some Jr. High and High School classes have a supply fee in lieu of finding and buying their own supplies. It is hoped that students will take good care of their supplies and over time they will build an ample supply of materials so they will only have to replace depleted portions periodically. This will allow students greater flexibility in completing works in and out of class.

Is tuition assistance available?
Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify based on need. If you are seeking to apply for assistance, specific guidelines and requirements can be requested from the Executive Director. VAI does not give talent scholarships.

How do I sign my child up for classes?
Registration is always ongoing, however, classes fill up quickly. Seats are granted on a first come - first served basis. To register, fill out a registration form and send in $85 to hold a spot in the class. This amount is applied toward the tuition for that class.

What Holidays are observed?
Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. A make up day will be provided for classes that fall on any of these holidays.

What if a student misses a class?
Missed classes are generally not made up or reimbursed. During Spring and Summer terms we understand that vacations, etc. may interfere with normal class scheduling. Upon registering for spring and summer terms, it is possible to subtract the cost of days that will be missed from the overall cost of tuition; however, a schedule of the specific classes that will be missed must be given to the administrative office by the end of the first week of classes. This policy doses not apply to Fall and Winter semesters, however, written appeals maybe addressed to the Executive Director for review if you have special circumstances.

What is VAI's refund policy?
The cancellation of class registration and a refund request must be done in writing. Refunds are calculated from the date a notification is received, not from the last day of attendance. A 10% processing fee is charged on all refunds.

• 100% of tuition may be refunded up to one working day before the class meets for the first time.
• A portion of tuition may be refunded up to one working day before the class meets for the fifth time. This refund will be prorated according to the number of classes left in the term from the time the notification is received. The 10% processing fee will be subtracted from the total amount of the refund.
• No refund is available after the date the class meets for the fifth time.

Where can I see VAI's students' work?
Student's artwork is displayed monthly throughout the community in galleries, libraries, businesses, restaurants etc. For dates and locations please contact the office or look at our calendar on the website.

What is VAI's student artwork ownership agreement?
Many students donate artworks to VAI for either its permanent collection or for fundraising purposes. These pieces are designated as such; otherwise all artwork belongs to the individual student that produces it. Students wishing to display their work in outside venues or promotional materials must have a signed Media Release Form on file. These can be obtained in the office.

What is VAI's liability?
While every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of your child, VAI is not responsible for personal injury, damage to or loss of property during, before, or after class, at the school, at off site locations, or in transit.

How can I help my student prepare a portfolio for applying to Universities and art schools?
Portfolio preparation begins by attending two classes per week from ages 11 to 18. This phase of the curriculum is designed to further develop student's technical and creative talent. Students who enter the program anytime after age 11 can still obtain help with preparing a portfolio.

Students interested in having help with developing a portfolio should register the first quarter of their junior year of High School for the independent projects course "Portfolio - Preparation". This course includes all documentation of portfolio pieces and technical assistance in producing a professional presentation of the student's artwork. Tuition for this course is $200 (Non refundable).

Students are generally accepted to art programs on the basis of an art portfolio, although a GPA of 3.0 or better is often required. Students working toward a scholarship generally need a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA and a unique portfolio showing personal interest and direction. In some cases an exceptional portfolio will compensate for a lower GPA.

Each portfolio is tailored to fit the needs, interests, and talents of each student. Portfolios generally require 12-20 pieces of art in multiple media that demonstrate the student's competence, proficiency, and understanding of the elements and principles of art. Sketchbooks are required to show student's individual growth and changes in their personal imagery. In addition, examples of personal interest and direction should be included. This is generally in the format of good quality digital images or slides of artwork.

Does VAI Need Volunteers?
As a non-profit organization, VAI relies on volunteers to help make it the dynamic learning experience that it is. The Guild is the group of volunteers that meet these needs. When a child enrolls in a class, their parents automatically become Guild members. Members contribute 4 hours per semester serving in various ways, such as: driving for field trips, cleaning, making phone calls, modeling for a class, fund-raising, helping with student art shows, etc. $50 may be substituted for each semester's time commitment.

How can I donate?
Donations checks can be made out to Visual Art Institute and given to the Executive Director. We appreciate donations of any size. For tax purposes, we are a 501(c)(3). The Institute would not be here today with out generous contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Where is VAI located?
The Institute is located in the old Garfield Elementary School in Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our address is 1838 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105.

What are VAI's office hours?
Office hours are generally 12:00 noon - 6:30 p.m. Monday- Thursday and 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Friday. Times may fluctuate. Call to schedule appointments. We are closed Saturday and Sundays.

About the VAI
Development & Portfolio
Classroom Climate
Guild Membership
Course Schedule & Tuition
Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions

Spring '08 Class Offerings
Elementary Classes
Junior High &
High School Classes
Adult Classes