High School Programs

Pre-Collegiate Visual Arts Portfolio Workshop 2024

In the summer, the Hartford Art School hosts a unique educational experience through its Visual Arts Portfolio Workshop. This opportunity connects high school students* with other artists, challenges them to think in new ways, and teaches them to creatively problem solve over the summer break—all while creating new artwork to build their portfolio!

This in-person program takes place at the Hartford Art School on the University of Hartford's campus.

July 8 - August 2, 2024

Why you should attend

• You are serious about studying art
• You are considering a college track in art or design
• You are looking to connect with like-minded peers
• You would like to develop skills and work building towards your college application portfolio
• You want to develop a strong studio practice to enhance your ability to work more independently
• You would like to increase your visual communication skills
• You want to gain the ability to speak about your work and the work of others
• You want to engage with experienced instructors who are professional artists

Learning outcome

The primary objective of this workshop is to provide an educational experience that allows students to connect with each other, challenge themselves, think critically, and problem solve over the summer break. 

APPLICATION INFO + Deadlines

• Our application window is now open, with limited spots.  Anyone who has any additional questions can reach out to artschool@hartford.edu
• Scholarship awardees are typically notified mid June. 
• Once apply, you are committing to participate for the entirety of the program, Monday – Friday, July 8 - August 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.. If anything changes after notification of acceptance, please call 860.768.5486 and leave a message no later than June 31, 2024.

Classes

Observational Drawing (figure & still-life)

Focusing on both the figure and the still-life, you will sharpen your observational skills working from professional figure reference materials and tabletop constructions. You will investigate the nature of drawing as a way of seeing and developing technical skills through the exploration of understanding line, tone, form, and composition. Both gestural warm-ups and long-finished drawing approaches will be employed. 

Faculty: Brandon Brownlee

Brandon Brownlee is an artist currently living and working in Connecticut. He holds an MFA in Painting from New York Academy of Art. He completed his BFA in Illustration at UHart’s Hartford Art School and his AFA in Visual Fine Art from Manchester Community College. Brownlee's work, which has been exhibited nationally and internationally, is held in private collections in the United States. 

Photography

A traditional analog film photography workshop including experience with 35mm cameras, film developing, and B&W printing practices. We will utilize the University of Hartford campus for group photo sessions, and gain knowledge using professional photographic equipment in the lighting studio and hand printing in our darkroom. 

Faculty: Tom Prutisto

Your instructor, Tom Prutisto, is the visual arts media technician and an adjunct instructor at the Hartford Art School. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with 40+ years of experience in photography, he has worked in all photographic formats, films, and technologies in commercial, industrial, and educational environments. 

Ceramics

A class exploring the use of clay through wheel throwing and hand-building methods. Basic glazing and firing techniques will also be covered.

Faculty: Stephanie Lanter

Stephanie Lanter has worked in clay for twenty-five years. She exhibits her sculpture internationally and has had artist residencies and given workshops at numerous institutions across the country. Since 2020, she has been an Associate Professor of Ceramics at Hartford Art School. Prior, she taught at Emporia State University (KS) and received an MFA from Ohio University.

Additional High School & Middle School Programs