PNCA : programs : ce : precollegedetails

July 16 - August 3, 2012

Download the scholarship application →
Register for the Studios →

Coursework

“All of the people involved in this program are obviously passionate about art. Being surrounded by people that truly care about what they’re doing is not only inspiring, but a beautiful environment to be in.” -PCS Student, 2011

The Studios

PNCA’s Pre-College Studios is a rigorous portfolio-based preparatory program structured to give participants a true undergraduate experience. Students choose from one of two studio courses including Painting and Design + Illustration. Students then work within their chosen studio to develop their craft through technique-focused exercises and the exploration of varied methodologies and approaches. During the third week of the Pre-College Studios students are asked to expand on their conceptual and aesthetic understanding through the completion of a final project and formal critique.

(schedule is subject to change)

Foundation

All students take 2 weeks of foundation courses where they can immerse themselves in the core principles of art, and art making. Students will investigate concepts intrinsic to figure drawing, perspective, color theory, and composition. In addition to our foundation classes a three week Art History series is presented over the course of program in order to ground students in classical and current artistic practices.

Pre-College Foundation Electives

Figure Drawing:

This class introduces young adults to the basic techniques of drawing the human figure. Students learn to incorporate line, shape, and texture to create images of the human form from observation. Techniques are based in foundation drawing principles, and will increase students understanding of form, composition, negative and positive space and drawing materials.

Perspective:

This class will cover perspective in its practical aspect. Emphasis will be placed on understanding real space and the different relationships that objects have to one another. This hands-on class will introduce different models of documenting both interior and exterior space. Lectures will present basic concepts and techniques, which will then be applied in the field.

Visual Elements:

This class acts as an introduction to the fundamental elements of two-dimensional design. Students will focus on formal components of line, form, value, surface, composition, color and space. Students will explore various ways of mark-making, learn how to use different types of materials and develop methods for creative problem solving.

Art History:

This class offers an opportunity for students to understand current artistic practices, ideas and contemporary visual culture. Through lectures, readings, group discussions and collaborative projects students will develop new ways of understanding the role of art in contemporary society.

Portfolio Workshops

This Series of 1-hour presentations and workshops are specifically structured to prepare students to apply to art school or an undergraduate art program. Emphasis is placed on understanding the application process as well as portfolio development. Students will learn how to photograph and edit their digital portfolio, write an artist statement, and much more.

Critique

Critique plays an important role throughout the duration of the Pre-College Studios. Students are asked to thoughtfully consider and evaluate both their own work and the work of their peers. Our 3-week program culminates in a final critique, where students are asked to articulate their ideas, aesthetic choices and motivations. These critiques take place within a students chosen Studio focus. After the final critique students present their projects to the other studio cohorts and celebrate the conclusion of our program with a pizza party.

College Credit

Students can earn 3-credit hours at the undergraduate level. These are accredited, college semester units that are transferable between institutions of higher education. In most scenarios, the three credits earned will count toward elective requirements.

Costs

The tuition costs listed below include all basic supplies and any expenses needed for required field trips. All students have the option of earning three transferable elective college credits. There is no deadline for registration, but each studio track and the entire program may fill by early May 2012. Please call 503.821.8967 for more information.

Tuition
$1295 – Without college credit
$3555 – With 3 college credits
$495 – Department Fee

Housing
$1395 which includes breakfast, dinner, wi-fi, full-time resident advisor and group excursions. Payment due with registration.

Scholarships

Limited merit-based scholarships are available toward attendance in the Pre-College Summer Studios. Scholarship applications are due by May 9, 2012. Students who complete the Pre-College Summer Studios with a passing grade and enroll in PNCA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program are eligible for a $500 tuition award toward a degree in PNCA’s BFA program. Instructors and jurors also select several students to receive a scholarship of up to $3,000 toward tuition expenses in PNCA’s BFA program.

Download the scholarship application →

Residency

Student housing is located near campus and is supervised by a Pre-College Summer Studio Resident Advisor. Housing with PNCA’s Pre-College Program allows students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the full college experience of living away from home while still being in a safe an comfortable environment. Residency with PNCA’s Pre-College Program also allows students a chance to explore Portland, both through individual exploration and supervised activities with our RA.

PNCA staff meets all students at the airport and transports them to their residence hall and at the completion of the program students are accompanied to the airport. Students use Portland’s safe TriMet system for transportation between campuses.

Parent Orientation

Parents meet the faculty and staff and can ask any question they might have. This is also an opportunity to gain insights into the projects and curriculum and finalize credit options for the students. This meeting is held at the conclusion of the student orientation.