Portfolio Development
At Lista, we believe a strong portfolio is the product of creative exploration and self-expression, rather than simply technique. For both our middle and high school portfolio courses, we emphasize the process of art making rather than just the outcome. Whether preparing a portfolio for high school or college, our students gain the tools to express themselves with intention and the confidence to share their vision with the world.
Middle School Art Portfolio Prep
8 Weeks / 2 Hours per week on Saturdays, 12pm – 2 pm
Course Dates: May 2nd – June 27th (no class May 23rd)
Instructor: Teresa DeBerry
Age: Middle School students
Pricing: 8 weeks – $367
*enrollment is accepted even after session starts. Contact us for updated pricing.
Course Overview:This 8 week portfolio class is designed to prepare middle school students for NYCDOE public art high school auditions. The program will engage children in the arts while demystifying the audition process and building strong, authentic portfolio pieces. Students will develop foundational observational drawing skills, explore three dimensional work, and gain confidence presenting their artistic voice. The course will emphasize process, growth, and craftsmanship rather than “perfect” final products.This class is designed for middle school students (grades 6-8), including beginners through advanced artists, interested in applying to NYC public art high schools. *We recommend parents share a short description of their child’s experience to contact@listastudios.com prior to registration to better plan program content for each unique group of students. While we recommend starting the course at the beginning, registration will remain open on a rolling basis.
Program Goals:Clarify NYCDOE art high school audition expectations and portfolio requirementsPresent public art high school options, including schools that do not require portfoliosStrengthen drawing from observation using traditional materialsIntroduce figure drawing and basic sculptural thinkingSupport students in completing required and commonly requested portfolio piecesBuild confidence, artistic vocabulary, and independenceEnsure each student leaves with cohesive portfolio ready pieces for auditions
Students Will Leave With:3-5 portfolio-ready artworks Strong observational drawing skills Experience working with diverse materialsConfidence preparing and presenting their work for art high school auditions
Teaching Artist - Teresa DeBerry
Teresa DeBerry is an art educator and portfolio coach with over a decade of experience supporting young artists in developing strong, authentic works of art. She currently works as a middle school art teacher with a focus on portfolio development, has served as an instructor with the NYC DOE’s Middle School Art Bootcamp, and provides individualized and small group tutoring that center’s on student experience through the rigorous application process.
Her approach centers on helping students build technical skills, clarify their creative voice, and demystify the admission process. Over the past five years, many of Teresa’s students have been accepted to competitive art schools including LaGuardia High School, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Art and Design High School, and more. Whether working with middle school students just beginning their portfolio journey or high school students preparing for college applications, Teresa strongly believes that young artists should enjoy the experience of creating their first portfolio. She is eager to meet each artist where they are and help them grow with intention, confidence, and care. More information can be found on her website: www.gigideberry.com.