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Dante Hoyos

To allow students to work to their full potential, they will be allowed all day access to a number of professional art studios. With state of the art equipment and a skilled staff students are sure to have everything they need in order to work on their artistic abilities.

This summer from July 10th through July 31st, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is offering a three-week summer art program for students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Students in the summer program will get the chance to work side-by-side with professional art instructors, work in professional studio settings and explore artistically enriched the city of Minneapolis.

The MCAD summer art program is an opportunity for students to receive three additional college credits as well as an eye-opening peak into the world of artistic education. The program includes a fairly large workload with substantial amounts of homework and required class involvement. The program is open to students of all artistic ability, but is not recommended for students who are not willing to put forth the needed effort for this intense experience.

Anyone is welcome to apply for the program but there are some recommendations. Director of Continuing Education, Lara Roy said “students do need to submit a portfolio of 5-10 pieces of artwork for acceptance into the program, students come in with a wide range of skills; everything from significant formal training to mostly self-taught. Curiosity and excitement about learning and honing artistic skills is the primary prerequisite!”

The program focuses on giving students the complete college immersion experience. During the three weeks of the program students will live like actual college students and are able to stay on campus in the same MCAD apartments used by real MCAD students.

The campus only style of the program can seem intimidating to students but can prove beneficial in the long run. The MCAD website claims “Time spent with your peers will create some of the most fun and educational experiences you will have here. On-campus living also prepares you for college, when you will be required to balance the excitement of independent living with the work that it takes to be a successful student.”

Students participating in the MCAD summer program choose one of four majors to pursue during the three week course. The four offered majors are: animation, comic art, graphic design, and painting. Each individual program offers students a unique and informative course involving the keys to success in that field of art.

The cost of the program is $3,300. This fee covers all aspects and benefits of this program including but not limited to: full room and board, three meals a day, all required supplies, equipment, and all day access to fully staffed professional studios.

Students are given leisure time in the evenings and on the weekends. They are given the option to tag along on any of the multiple excursions to artistic and cultural points of interest throughout the Twin Cities.

Students will be able to spend time around other participants with similar interests to them. It as an extremely positive environment. according to Director of Continuing Education, John Edman “Student work closely together in the classrooms, labs, and studios and bond as they work on a variety of projects throughout the three week program. They support and encourage one another. The instructors care about the students’ success and spent time with them helping them to foster their artistic growth.”

The excursions are strictly optional but are usually quite fun. According to the MCAD website “Excursions allow you to get a taste of the Twin Cities and all they have to offer. Trips may be taken to local museums, landmarks, and more.” Choosing to attend these day trips can serve extremely beneficial to students interested in the artistic culture of their state. By allowing students to take a peek into the adult world of art and design the programs excursions offer inspiration and entertainment to participants.

The program is brought to a beautiful finish by hosting a student art exhibition ceremony. Four students will be chosen from this exhibition for their proficiency in the field of art, these students will receive $1,000 towards an undergraduate education with MCAD. Not all students will win this prize, but each an every student will leave the program with an abundance of new knowledge and multiple pieces that will greatly improve their portfolio.