Summer Programs
Summer Portfolio Day
The Summer Portfolio Day program, now in its third year, offers academically and artistically gifted high school juniors a chance to spend a half-day at the University of Michigan’s School of Art & Design as guests of the School. Students schedule their Summer Portfolio Day between June and August at a time that is convenient for them. They meet with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Mary Schmidt, who reviews and critiques their work; tour the School and its facilities; have lunch in the Pierpont Commons Student Center with a current Art & Design student; and meet with the Director of Undergraduate Services or the Admissions Coordinator to discuss the college application process. The Summer Portfolio Day program is limited to qualified applicants.
Applications include the Summer Portfolio Day application form, a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s art teacher and a copy of the high school transcript. Application deadline is April 15. Students will be notified by May 15 whether they have been accepted. Students will then select a date for their Portfolio Day.
Detroit Day Camp
New this year is Detroit Day Camp (DDC), a week-long exploration in art and design methods and materials, academic skill building, and college preparation for current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from Detroit area schools. DDC meets at the University of Michigan Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. In addition to classes at the UM Detroit Center, students enjoy field trips to the Detroit Institute of Art, local artists’ studios, and to the University of Michigan School of Art & Design in Ann Arbor, where students will explore fibers and printmaking studios. Studio work focuses on observational drawing and 3-D design and construction skills. The weeklong experience includes sessions about college preparation, college options, careers in art and design, and financial aid. At the end of the week DCC students will exhibit their work at a reception for them and their families at the School of Art & Design’s Work•Detroit gallery at the Detroit Center.
There are two sessions available, July 7 - 11 or July 28 - August 1. Each is limited to 20 students and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch and snacks provided. Students must be current 6th, 7th or 8th graders enrolled in a Detroit or Detroit area school. Application deadline is May 1; students who are accepted for DDC will be notified by May 15. Applications must include the Detroit Day Camp application form, a school transcript, and a letter of recommendation from the student’s art teacher. Students who are not enrolled in an art class in school may request a letter from another teacher. There is no fee for this program. All DCC students will receive a certificate and a t-shirt.
BFA Prep
BFA Prep is an intensive two week residential program for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors that offers the opportunity to experience the studio intensity of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree curriculum and to find out whether a studio rich college experience is right for them. Participants immerse themselves every day in two three-hour studio classes “Thinking Construction in the Third Dimension” and “Two Dimensional Concepts,” following a schedule that closely replicates the BFA college experience. They will develop a more competitive portfolio under the direction of University of Michigan faculty and enhance both their technical and conceptual skills. The program includes field trips to Ann Arbor and Detroit galleries and to the studios of various local artists. Participants will explore the local art and design scene, attend the Ann Arbor Art Fair, tour the University of Michigan, and attend lectures by visiting artists. They will also 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 the University of Michigan, a world-class university. By the end of the program, participants will have a head start on their admission portfolio and an understanding of their potential for pursuing a BFA in art and design. The two week session culminates in an exhibit of their work and a reception for the participants and their guests. Admission is limited to 20 high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
BFA Prep runs from July 13 through July 26 on the campus of the University of Michigan. Students live two to a room in Bursley Residence Hall near the University’s School of Art & Design. The $1800 fee for BFA Summer covers room and board, fees and supplies, and transportation associated with field trips. Students should budget additionally for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and entertainment.
Application deadline is April 1. The application includes the BFA Prep application form, a portfolio, a high school transcript, and a letter of recommendation from an arts educator. Portfolios must include 5-10 images of the applicant’s best work. The School of Art & Design accepts portfolios in any of the following formats: slide, photo, CD-ROM. All portfolios must include a typed, numbered list that identifies each image by title, date, medium, size, and other appropriate information. Applicants will be notified of their admission status by April 15. There is no application fee.
Admitted students will receive an information packet that includes enrollment material (i.e., housing information, class schedule, liability and health forms). Complete application materials and a $250 non-refundable deposit are due May 15. Final payment is due July 1. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the UM School of Art & Design.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Applicants wishing to apply for financial support must include the following with their application: a copy of the family’s 2007 tax return; and any other supporting documentation such as proof of unemployment, an AFDC medical card, or a statement of need from the high school counselor.
