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“There are opportunities here that I don’t think would exist at a larger school.”
– Shawn Moriarty,
2010
National Portfolio Day
At the Corcoran College of Art + Design
Saturday, December 5, 2009, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Directions and Parking
What is the National Portfolio Day Association?
The National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) was created solely for the organization and planning of the National Portfolio Days. Since 1978, NPDA members have been hosting portfolio days and careers in the arts events throughout the country. The Association consists of accredited art colleges and university art departments that are members of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It is the only organization of its kind, and its membership represents the highest standard of visual arts education available in the United States and Canada (www.portfolioday.net).
What is a National Portfolio Day?
National Portfolio Days serve a variety of purposes. Most importantly, they help further the artistic development of young artists by bringing together experienced college representatives to review your work and offer critique. You will hear many different opinions about your work. Do not hesitate to explain how you develop your ideas and where you want to go with them. It is understood that some people make certain kinds of art more successfully than others. Do not be discouraged if you see work that is more advanced than yours. A National Portfolio Day may be the first time you have seen so many people in one place who all share a powerful commitment to the arts. This experience is a small taste of what attending a professional art program can be like. We hope you will enjoy the intensity of this experience.
National Portfolio Days are also about exchanging information: about your work, yourself, your college plans, and your concerns. They are not an examination or a competition. The college representatives are pleased to discuss their programs with you.
No admissions decisions will be made at National Portfolio Day. Some colleges may accept your portfolio as the visual portion of your application. Other colleges have review structures that prohibit them from making a definitive portfolio decision during your review. All expect your art to progress in the coming months. We urge you to discuss your work with as many representatives as possible.
What should you bring to a Portfolio Day?
A portfolio of your artwork would be helpful. Your portfolio should include your best work to date; but it can also include work in progress, sketchbooks, and tear sheets. Do not spend an inordinate amount of time matting or framing your work—it is the work itself that is important. Whenever possible, bring your original artwork. If you bring slides of work that is too large or fragile to carry, or digital media of work that is time based, such as video, animation, or performance, it is your responsibility to ensure that the work can be viewed. You may choose to bring your own slide viewer, video camera and/or laptop to show your work. Be advised, however, that you will not have access to an electric outlet.
Bring questions!
This is your opportunity to learn as much about each school as you can without having to travel great distances.
Bring your ideas!
Be prepared to discuss your work.
Design at (202) 639-1814, (888) CORCORAN, or admissions@corcoran.org.
Participating colleges
Alfred University, School of Art & Design, NYSCC
Art Center College of Design
California College of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
Center for Art and Design at the College of Saint Rose
Center for Design at Lawrence Tech
College for Creative Studies
Columbus College of Art & Design
Corcoran College of Art + Design
Delaware College of Art And Design
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology/SUNY
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford
Hartwick College
James Madison University School of Art + Art History
Kansas City Art Institute
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus
Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Maryland Institute and College of Art
Memphis College of Art
Minneapolis College Of Art and Design
Moore College of Art and Design
New Hampshire Institute of Art
New York School of Interior Design
Otis College of Art and Design
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Parsons Paris School of Art + Design
Parsons The New School for Design
Penn State School of Visual Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pratt Institute
Pratt Munson–Williams–Proctor Institute
Ringling College of Art and Design
Rhode Island School of Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Rowan University College of Fine & Performing Arts
San Francisco Art Institute
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
School of Visual Arts
Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts
The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University
The Cleveland Institute of Art
The Cooper Union School of Art
The New England School of Art + Design at Suffolk University
The University of the Arts
University of Bridgeport Design Programs
University of Michigan School of Art + Design
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
Washington University College of Art in St. Louis
Important Dates
October 9
Graduate Open House
October 15-16
American Printing History Association Conference
October 16
Undergraduate Preview Day
October 29
Visiting Artist: Paul Johnson
November 5–7
Family and Alumni Weekend
November 6–13
FotoWeek DC 2010
December 4
National Portfolio Day
500 Seventeenth Street NW Washington, DC 20006
Gallery: (202) 639-1700
College: (202) 639-1800
© 2010, All Rights Reserved