• Applicants will be required to draw (10 minutes) on-site, from observation, a still-life study as part of their adjudication.
• Students must bring a portfolio of 10-15 pieces of their most recent artwork- and should include both finished pieces and sketchbooks. Of the 10-15 artworks, 3 pieces must meet the following criteria: one drawing must be of a corner of an interior room, the 2nd drawing must include a still-life arrangement that includes 3 kitchen objects, and the 3rd drawing must include a personal object.
  
• Artwork may be 2-dimensional (drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, computer art, etc.) or 3-dimensional (sculpture, mobiles, crafts, architectural models, ceramics, fashion, etc.). Artworks may have made in art class, a summer exploration program, or on one's own. Artwork too large to bring to site can be presented in photographs, or on a digital device.
• Drawings from observation are preferred, rather from images on the Internet or from photographs. Examples include: still-life studies, landscapes, portraits, or interior scenes. Drawings done in a cartoon/anime/manga style or as a game character development are permitted but limited to 3 artworks.
  
• Select work that demonstrates originality, creativity, and skill in the use of materials and techniques, ideas/content, subject matter, consistency, and craftsmanship.
• A simple portfolio case made of 2 pieces of stiff cardboard, held together with tape or twine is adequate. Pieces of plain blank paper can be used to separate the works. Include your name, address, telephone number, grade, and current school written in clearly printed block letters on the outside of the portfolio. Label any photographs to identify those that are digital or processed by a commercial lab or those self-processed in a darkroom.
  

Visual Arts applicants will be evaluated in the following 5 areas:

Technique / Skills (Design cohesiveness. Proficiency in skills. Variety of media techniques. Sketchbook/Idea development. Craftsmanship.)

Artistic Vision (Originality in approach. Openness to experimentation. Curiosity. Creative composition. Individual expression.)

Drawing Exercise (Ability to create composition. Consistency with shown portfolio. Understanding of underlying forms. Interpretation of prompt. Line quality and control.)

Content / Theme (Appropriate subject matter. Clarity of ideas/ intent. Historical/personal context. Cross-disciplinary connections. Depth of exploration.)

Overall Assessment (Articulate about work during interview. Professional portfolio presentation. Demonstrates a passion for art. Comfortable in receiving critique. General knowledge of visual arts.)

General ARGS Admission Page
Department Brochure
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Here are some tips on how to perfect your portfolio and prepare for Adjudication Day!