Q
Lonny Harrison, Director of Theatre at Saint James School
and Emily Thomas, Photography Instructor at Booker T.
Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery offered
their best advice for students interested in art scholarships.
Q
Do students have to be an active member in
an art organization to land an art
scholarship?
Emily Although many colleges and
universities do not require you to be an active
member of an Arts organization, it won’t hurt. It can improve
your resume and actually increase scholarship opportunities. For
example, the National Art Honor Society offers scholarship funds
for seniors who are active members in their school’s chapter.
Lonny Grades and test scores DO play a
significant factor for many college departmental scholarships.
However, there are many scholarships available through local,
state and national competitions and searches that are simply
based on your talent alone. Talented students can most definitely
find and receive scholarships without stellar grades.
“Don’t wait til the last minute to get your house in order.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your craft.”
—
Q
When is the best time to start preparing your
portfolio for an arts scholarship? What’s the
best way to prepare?
Emily Most portfolio-based scholarship
deadlines range from December to February, so
start the college admission process early. Students should search
the Fine Arts or Liberal Arts department websites for the schools
they’re interested in to see what scholarships are available. They
should also plan to attend National Portfolio Day (NPD)
(www.portfolioday.net) to meet college reps and get feedback on
their portfolios and learn about schools and scholarships.
“I tell my students to ‘educate your eyes’...Go to
museums and galleries to find artists and artwork that
inspires you. Consume and produce as much art as you
can.”
— Emily Thomas, Photography Instructor at
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
Can gifted students with C+ grades and
average standardized test scores land art
scholarships too?
Lonny Harrison, Director of Theatre at Saint James School
Q
What advice would you give to
students to ensure that they’re on track to
land an arts scholarship in the future?
Lonny Keep diverse styles in your
repertoire. Listen to criticism and use it as a tool to excel. Never
consider criticism to be a list of things you did wrong, but rather
a vehicle to help you improve and hone your craft.
Ultimately, some of the best resources to land art scholarships
are right nearby. Ask fellow art students, teachers, guidance
counselors and schools you’re interested in attending about
upcoming institutional, organizational or art scholarship
competitions.
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