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.
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.
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