BFA Prep

Dates: July 8 - 21, 2012
Cost: $2100

The BFA Prep Program, a two-week long residential program for current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, prepares high school students to enter a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program. Participants live in Bursley Hall on the University’s North Campus, a short walk from the School of Art & Design. Participants will learn the methodology of creative work and develop their creative thinking skills under the direction of University of Michigan faculty and staff. Participants immerse themselves in studio work, producing a series of projects and using a variety of media in innovative ways to explore and to experiment with the process of creating.  The program will emphasize the conceptual and the unconventional. 

The program includes field trips to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Arts’ contemporary collection. Presentations by area artists encourage them to think of their own work in a professional context. Participants will learn about the college admission process, financial aid and scholarships, career choices in the visual arts, and the special opportunities inherent in earning a BFA degree at a world-class university.  By the end of the program, participants will have a more sophisticated understanding of art-making and an appreciation of their potential for pursuing a BFA in art and design. Finally, participants mount an exhibition of their work in the Slusser Gallery and host a reception for their friends and family.

Dates: July 8 - 21

Cost: $2100

BFA Prep: How to Apply

To start your application, please go to https://um.slideroom.com and create an account.

Once your Slideroom account is created, click "Start a new Submission", and select Summer Programs. You will be asked to fill out application questions and upload the following:

1. A representative portfolio containing 5 - 10 images of your original work in .jpg format. All images must be identified by title, date, medium, size, and other appropriate information.
2. A high school transcript.
3. If applying for a need-based scholarship: enclose a copy of your family’s most recent tax return, along with any other supporting documentation (such as: proof of unemployment, an AFDC medical card, or a statement of need from your high school counselor).

In addition to the online steps (above), you'll need to ask an art teacher to write a letter of recommendation and email it to a&dsummer@umich.edu before the deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact the Summer Programs staff by email or call (734) 764-0397.

Early Response Application Deadline - March 24th (Receive a response by the end of April) 
Final Application Deadline - May 4th (Receive a response by May 27th)

Portfolio Prep

Dates: July 22 - 28, 2012
Cost: $1000

The Portfolio Prep Program, a one-week residential program for current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, focuses on producing a first rate admission portfolio. Under the direction of the School of Art & Design faculty and staff, students spend a minimum of six hours each day in intensive studio instruction, honing the drawing skills that will give their portfolio polish and sophistication. The program stresses life drawing, and the use of colored pencils, graphite and charcoal will add variety and depth to the portfolio.  Students also learn how to select works for a competitive portfolio and how best to present their work. By the end of the week, students will understand what goes into a strong portfolio and will have the foundation for their own successful admission portfolio.

Dates: July 22 - 28

Cost: $1000

Portfolio Prep: How to Apply

To start your application, please go to https://um.slideroom.com and create an account.

Once your Slideroom account is created, click "Start a new Submission", and select Summer Programs. You will be asked to fill out application questions and upload the following:

1. A representative portfolio containing 5 - 10 images of your original work in .jpg format. All images must be identified by title, date, medium, size, and other appropriate information.
2. A high school transcript.
3. If applying for a need-based scholarship: enclose a copy of your family’s most recent tax return, along with any other supporting documentation (such as: proof of unemployment, an AFDC medical card, or a statement of need from your high school counselor).

In addition to the online steps (above), you'll need to ask an art teacher to write a letter of recommendation and email it to a&dsummer@umich.edu before the deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact the Summer Programs staff by email or call (734) 764-0397.

Early Response Application Deadline - March 24th (Receive a response by April 15th) 
Final Application Deadline - May 4th (Receive a response by May 27th)

In the Middle

Dates: August 6 - 10, 2012
Cost: $300

In the Middle is a week-long exploration in art and design methods and materials, academic skill building, and college preparation for current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. In the Middle meets at the University of Michigan’s School of Art & Design on North Campus in Ann Arbor. Students spend most days in the School of Art & Design studios, but they also enjoy field trips to the Detroit Institute of Art and other area museums and galleries. The experience includes sessions on college preparation, college options, careers in art & design, and financial aid. Students enjoy supervised work in the School’s studios, creating 2-D projects in even numbered years and 3-D in odd numbered. Cost includes all materials and a snack.  Students will want to bring a sack lunch. 

During the 2010 session of In The Middle - a week of teaching about art books, silkscreen printing, linoleum print making, collage, drawing, and a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts - recent A&D grad Ashley Elander was able to show the students a hands-on lesson about stop motion animation. Check out this compilation animations created by middle school students:

Scholarships are available to students who qualify for free/reduced price lunches.

Dates: August 6 - 10 (Monday-Friday), 9 am - 4:30 pm

Cost: $300

In the Middle: How to Apply

To start your application, please go to http://art-design.umich.edu/forms/summer_programs/middle

Early Response Deadline: March 24, 2012
(you will receive a response by the end of April)

Final Deadline: May 4th, 2012

If you have any questions, please contact the Summer Programs staff by email or call (734) 764-0397.