top of page

Visual Arts Audition Guidelines

  • Writer: The Ellington Fund
    The Ellington Fund
  • Feb 6, 2024
  • 2 min read

What We Are Looking For

Ellington is looking for students with potential who demonstrate their passion for the visual arts. Successful students show strong observational skills and hand-eye coordination. They have the ability to create the illusion of a 3-D composition/objects/figures on a paper or canvas utilizing line, shape, form and value.

​

How to Prepare

Students must bring their portfolio in-person and submit their portfolio digitally the following form below: https://forms.office.com/r/jAFFSbS0Y5

 

Images of your portfolio pieces must meet the following criteria:

  • A portfolio of at least five (5) or more works of art - on white drawing paper, 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper or larger with at least one each in the following categories:

    1. A self-portrait

    2. A drawing of a bicycle 

    3. A drawing of an open closet in their home (use color: pencils, markers or watercolors)

    4. A drawing of a landmark in the city (DO NOT DRAW THE NATIONAL MONUMENT)

    5. Free choice of anything of your own creation.

  • ALL LISTED SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE REALISTIC (utilizing values | white, grays, and blacks unless otherwise specified) TO THE STUDENT'S BEST ABILITY EXCEPT FREE CHOICE. FREE CHOICE CAN BE INSPIRED BY CARTOONS + PERSONAL AESTHETICS. DO NOT SUBMIT AUDITION SUBMISSIONS ON LINE PAPER.

  • Please be sure you keep these pieces of art and have them ready for your audition interview.

  • The five (5) portfolio items above are mandatory. If you have additional portfolio items and/or a sketch book, you are welcome to bring these in as well.

​

The Audition Process Itself

  • All students auditioning in Visual Arts will be required to produce a drawing from still-life during the audition, write a short essay while in your audition session about the form and content of a work of art presented in their portfolio, and discuss their portfolio during their interview with a Visual Arts faculty member.

  • ​The Visual Arts Department will supply the materials needed for your audition. The audition process will take up to one (1) hour and forty-five minutes to complete.

​

Have a Successful Audition

  • Take time and care with your required sketches and artworks.

  • Be prepared to discuss your work.

  • Present yourself well – arrive on time, speak clearly and confidently.

​

Please note 504 and IEP accommodation is available. Please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org with any questions or concerns.

 
 
bottom of page