OUR VISION: Expression and connection through the arts.
OUR PURPOSE: To provide a centre for study in the arts, that inspires, explores, and encourages artistic practice.
OUR MANDATE: To inspire serious students and professional artists – in a stimulating natural environment – through workshops, hands-on demonstrations, mentoring, and studio practice.
OUR VALUES
Community: colleagues creating and sharing artistic knowledge and practice.
Creativity: exploration and connection inspiring artists and serious students.
Diversity: programs representing varied artistic disciplines.
Environment: a secluded natural environment inspiring artistic expression.
Generosity: reciprocity between instructors and students.
Partnership: local, national and international relationships supporting art and creativity.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Accountability: frame financial, human resource and governance structures around best practices.
Excellence: bring together high-caliber instructors in a fiscally responsible manner.
Experiential: offer hands-on, process-based arts programs.
Relevance: pursue emerging artistic ideas, techniques and concepts.
Transparency: clearly communicate what we offer and what we expect.
* Updated from the MISSA 2019-2022 Strategic Plan
Missa is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, colour, disability, gender identification, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or veteran status. All are welcome.
It all started with the seeds of a vision and fueled by the passion of a small group of dedicated artists. That first summer in 1984 started with art instruction by, Robin Hopper (ceramics), Flemming Jorgensen (painting), Cheryl Samuel (tapestry and First Nations Art), Carole Sabiston (textiles) and Rona Murray (writing). Between them they offered five workshops to 53 participants. Over the years, MISSA has expanded to offering over 40 workshops to more than 400 national and international students and maintained a high caliber of instruction from visiting instructors.
Robin Hopper (1939 – 2017) – Founding member, Order of Canada (2016), ceramics
Flemming Jorgensen (1934 – 2009) – Co-founding member, painting
Cheryl Samuel – First instructor, weaving
Carole Sabiston – First instructor, textiles, Order of Canada (1992)
Rona Murray – (1924 – 2002) – First Instructor, writing
It was in 1984 that a small group of dedicated artists had a shared vision to bring together established artists and adult students to learn together in a unique west coast environment. On the campus of Pearson College UWC, in Metchosin, BC, the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (MISSA) began. The first summer started with five courses and 53 participants and over the years has expanded to over 40 workshop offerings with more than 375 national and international students attending from as far away as Israel, South Africa and Mexico.
Through the years, MISSA has developed an excellent reputation for the calibre of its instructors, including local, national and international artists who form the foundation from which MISSA continues to operate year after year.
Since its inception, MISSA has adapted to meet the growing demand for resources and personnel. MISSA set up an office at Pearson College and since the early 90’s an Executive Director has been hired. The “Friends of MISSA” was established to build an on-going body of support and fundraising continues with the help of draws, auctions, grants and special events. These undertakings and activities have enabled MISSA to establish a bursary program that has allowed both established and emerging artists, to benefit from MISSA’s programs.
As a not for profit arts organization MISSA relies heavily on volunteer involvement and is ever-grateful for the large cadre of volunteers whose commitment and enormous support, in so many ways, has contributed immeasurably to MISSA’s success.
This year, after three summers at Shawnigan Lake School (2022-2024), MISSA is returning to the campus of Pearson College on the glorious shores of Pedder Bay in Metchosin. Our long history with the campus and community of Metchosin makes this move a homecoming, and we can’t wait to get back to the place where it all started in 1984. 2026 will be our 40th year of providing unique, west coast art programing, with high calibre instructors, a loyal following of returning students, and new learners attending for the first time. The MISSA community is poised for another season of MISSA-magic!
MISSA Board Members for 2024-2025 (AGM is held in March)
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Daniel Casey, President. Daniel Casey has been working in clay for the since 2010. He is inspired by the works of Harlan House, Judi Dyelle, Ann Sneath and traditionalJapanese and Chinese ceramic forms. By day he is a mild mannered Clinical Social Worker who uses art to work with children and adults who have experienced trauma. He has studied with local potters Muriel Sibley, Allison Gladwell and Judy Dyelle. He has participated in workshops at MISSA since 2011. Daniel is the past -president of the South Vancouver Island Potters Guild. His work can be viewed on his website: Daniel-Casey-Pottery.com
MISSA would not be able to function without the help of its amazing volunteers but no other volunteers are as vital as the techs that return year after year. Techs hit the ground running helping to set up MISSA and are there at the very end helping to put everything away. There is a tech assigned to each class so that the instructors and class participants have everything they need and that everything runs safely and smoothly. These folks are the secret source of that “MISSA Magic.”
Keith Bacus, “Walla Walla” is a long time MISSA student who recently joined our tech team. He’s also responsible for bringing the Walla Walla sweet onions that make the excellent onion rings at Bodacious Gumbo Night. In “real life”, Keith is a BioMedical Electronics Technician, working for a hospital.
Dan Severance, is a long time MISSA student and supporter.
Island Arts Magazine
GoWestShore Magazine
Victoria News
Pearson College Newsletter
BC Local News
Goldstream News Gazette
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