The Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts has been providing high calibre specialized workshops for artists, teachers and serious adult students since 1984. MISSA has a reputation for hosting  local, national and international  instructors who engage with students in an intense multi-disciplinary environment. MISSA welcomes students from around the world to participate in an artistic immersion for two weeks every summer. Let the magic begin!

Giving Tuesday

Hello fellow friends of MISSA.

I am writing to you today to ask you to consider MISSA as a part of your charitable giving this year. It is support like yours that helps keep MISSA the vibrant program that it is. With your donations we are able to offer bursaries to up and coming artists, keep tuition costs down, and manage a budget during the tough economic times.

Your generosity has meant that MISSA will continue to provide quality arts education well into the future.

There are many ways you can give. You can go to the Giving Tuesday site and choose the MISSA giving page. You can go to our web page and donate by following the DONATE button.
Or, for Provincial Employees, you can donate through PECSF and have your one time or ongoing donation come directly from your paycheque.

I opted to do the monthly contribution through the giving Tuesday site. I donate monthly because it is a way for me to contribute to a program that I strongly believe in and that has offered quality arts education to me for over a decade and to community for over 4 decades.

Consider becoming a monthly donor to MISSA and make a world of difference.

With appreciation to the creative family of MISSA friends.

Daniel Casey
President

MISSA MAGIC

 

Each year artists from near and far come together to share in a spirited creative exchange at MISSA’s Summer Arts Program. The Summer Arts Program takes place on Southern Vancouver Island, close to Victoria, B.C. This rugged natural environment is the perfect backdrop for artistic exploration and expression. It’s easy to see why many participants return year after year to be part of this ‘MISSA Magic’.

  • Exciting MISSA Update!

    Exciting MISSA Update!

    The Board is delighted to announce that we will be returning to Pearson College in 2026!  We had a very productive meeting with the College Administration, and they are happy to welcome us back. 

    Some changes to look forward to:

    • MISSA will be the only group on campus.
    • Four of the five dorms have air conditioning, with the fifth expecting installation by next summer.
    • The beds have new thicker, breathable mattresses.
    • No bunk beds.
    • A stunning waterfront campus located on beautiful Pedder Bay!

    As usual, the focus will be on providing high-calibre and thoroughly inspiring workshops to set your creative souls on fire!  To that end, after reviewing the facilities available at Pearson College as well as student feedback, we will be reaching out to the instructors who were scheduled for 2025 as well as other seasoned innovators and artistic practitioners, as we develop a program for 2026.  Marsha did an amazing job in creating 2025’s workshop schedule and we want to capitalize on this great work.

    Workshops 

    September 14th – Hand Building Workshop with Debbie Elkin.

    This is a great opportunity for all levels whether you are a hand builder or a thrower. For the thrower, learning the fundamentals of hand building is a great introduction to altering wheel thrown pots. Class and registration details will be out next week.

    September 28th – Water Colour Workshop with Jeff de Jong.

    This will be the second workshop for Jeff, in our weekend series and he promises a new and challenging class.  Comments from his first class were very positive including, “I learned more in the first 90 minutes of this class than in all my other workshops combined.”  This class is intended for all levels of painters, from beginners to experts. Stay-tuned for registration details.

    October – One day Polymer Clay Workshop with Wanda Shum

    This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn a new medium for those unfamiliar with polymer clay or to learn some new techniques for those already using polymer clay.  The date and further details will be released in the early Fall. For those who need supplies Wanda will put together kits for purchase.

    All workshops will be held at the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre on Happy Valley Road .  

    Workshops are an important fundraising initiative for MISSA.  Tax receipts, valued at half the workshop fee, are provided to participants and for instructors we offer a flat fee or equivalent tax receipt.  This allows MISSA to maximize what we can raise while keeping costs reasonable for students.

    If you have a fundraising workshop idea and/or can lead one, please contact me and we will see what we can pull together.

    Volunteer Opportunities!

    We are looking for volunteers who will assist with fundraising activities such as the upcoming auction, membership drive and grant writing.  We want to focus our attention on ensuring a long and sustainable future for the organization.  We are also looking for volunteers to sit on the Board of Directors.  

    If you have time, energy and skills, now is the time to step forward as MISSA embarks on a renewed and vibrant path into the future!  

    Thank you to everyone who has sent words of encouragement and support to the organization as we continue to regroup and make strides forward! The Board is excited to keep you informed with updates, as we make plans to return to our original home at Pearson College.  It is rather like “Back to the Future!”  

    Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

    Daniel Casey
    President
    MISSA Board of Directors

    missa@missa.ca

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