Instructor: Gigi DeBerry
Dates: Tuesday – Friday, July 7 – 10, 14 – 17
Time: 10 am – 12 pm (early drop of option)
Price: $300
This program is designed for: middle school students, including beginners through advanced artists, who are interested in applying to specialized art high schools or simply want to deepen their artistic skills in a fun, creative environment!
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Overview:
This two week summer portfolio course is designed to support middle school students preparing for NYCDOE public art high school auditions, while exploring their artistic voice. The program will emphasize play, risk-taking, and exploration through hands-on exploration across mediums.
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.
Each session may include:
- Creative warm-up or sketchbook prompt
- Exploration of a theme or artist
- Studio work time and experimentation
Program Goals:
- Clarify NYCDOE art high school audition expectations and portfolio requirements
- Present public art high school options, including schools that do not require portfolios
- Strengthen drawing from observation using traditional materials
- Introduce figure drawing and basic sculptural thinking
- Support students in completing required and commonly requested portfolio pieces
- Build confidence, artistic vocabulary, and independence
- Ensure each student leaves with cohesive portfolio ready pieces for auditions
