It is exciting to see that a growing number of Sacred Heart students are finding the arts to be an enjoyable and meaningful means of expression.  Some of our recent graduates have decided to attend colleges devoted to these areas, Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts and Emerson College.  Others have found their fine arts programs within liberal arts settings.  Whether your interest is in drama, music, photography, drawing or painting among others, your creative flow can continue at the next level of education.  For some, it may take the role of a hobby.  For others, it may become a minor or major course of study.  The degree to which you would like to pursue these endeavors depends upon your vision of the future and your commitment.

If you would like to focus upon the arts in college, you must decide on the type of institution that would best meet your needs.  Would you like to combine such a study with other fields in liberal arts and business, or do you see yourself in a setting that is exclusive to the arts?  There are benefits to both.  The art major within a liberal arts curriculum gives you the opportunity to learn the value of other disciplines.  This is the well-rounded approach.    The art major in a school that is devoted exclusively to the arts benefits from the intense focus of the curriculum.  This may be considered a professionally geared approach.  Whichever school of thought appeals to you, there are numerous institutions from which to choose.

The application process for the art student can differ slightly from the typical liberal arts candidate.  Here are a few matters to keep in mind as you go through your college search:

There are special college fairs for the performing and visual arts.  They can be wonderful opportunities to learn more about the schools, and the representatives can also provide feedback on the work you are assembling for a portfolio.   The portfolio can be crucial.  For the visual artist you may want to consider the following items.

Portfolios should contain a variety of your recent work with proficiency in one area.

• Drawings should include pencil, chalk, craypas and tinted papers.
• Consider drawings of organic objects such as plants, animals and people.
• Consider drawings of geometric objects (triangles), etc. . .
• Consider paintings of humans or animals from reality.
• Consider paintings of humans or animals from photos.
• Consider an abstract study which explores the capacities of paint and color.
• Consider paintings that come from your imagination.
• Consider paintings that explore line and color relationships.
• Consider paintings that explore color and form relationships.
• Paintings should be acrylic, tempra, goush or watercolor.
• Performing art majors may have to audition their talents for college faculty members, so finding and rehearsing particular songs and readings is advisable.  Teachers can be very helpful when it comes time to select these pieces.
• Participate in summer programs where you can work on your craft.
• Try to file your application early senior year.  Many portfolio reviews and auditions are only arranged after paperwork has been received.