Visual Arts
Visual Arts Audition Requirements
Visual Arts applicants must prepare a portfolio containing samples of their original artwork. The artwork should be presented in a professional manner, neatly and readily viewable, preferably in a presentation binder or artist's portfolio. Make sure your name, grade level and phone number is clearly printed on the front of your portfolio. Students applying to the Visual Arts Department must provide a recommendation from a present or recent art teacher as well as a present or recent academic teacher.
Portfolio Review: Visual Arts applicants must submit a completed portfolio with the application by the required deadline. Student portfolios are reviewed by the Visual Arts Director with the assistance of SOTA's artists-in-residence and an invitation to audition will be sent based on this review. Portfolios that do not pass the review will be available for pick-up in the main office; please note that portfolios not picked-up within one month of notification will be disposed of.
Portfolios: Portfolios must contain the minimum of 10 pieces, but must not exceed the maximum number of 15 pieces.
Required pieces include the three (or more) of EACH of the following samples of artwork:
- Portrait or self-portrait from life (NOT from a photo) - any medium.
- Still-Life (objects arranged for drawing) - any medium.
- Landscape (from life - NOT from a photo) - any medium.
One item in each category must be in black and white, one in color and the other(s) are the artists choice. Any medium can be used, but your portfolio must contain as much variety as possible: pen and ink, pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, charcoal or acrylics. If a student has a sketchbook, please submit it with the portfolio Any work from photos will not be considered.
Optional items for the portfolio: Photographs of any three-dimensional items such as ceramic or sculptural pieces with a brief written description.
Audition Day: Students will be asked to complete a typical classroom drawing assignment and discuss their work. Reflection and analysis of artistic work are important to the development of a complete artist. Make sure to practice sketching and drawing before your audition.
About the Visual Arts Department
SOTA's Visual Arts curriculum focuses on drawing, painting, sculpture, graphics and, at the senior level, experimental art with a strong emphasis on the mastery of technique and observational skills. Students are inspired to discover their own personal style and find profound meaning in all aspects of art and creativity. Students must demonstrage strong observational skills, originality, personal expression and an individual creativity that is expressed in strong artistic choices and bold use of light, color and shape. Students will participate in many national contests and develop portfolios for college and art schools. Strong Visual Art Students are focused, responsible, disciplined and able to work independently.