“I was interested in art but wasn’t sure where to start as an international student. VAE classes were the perfect way to start my artistic journey!”
Gabriel, Visual Arts Enrichment alum
International Student Portfolio Preparation
Visual Arts Enrichment
International Student Portfolio Preparation // Visual Arts Enrichment
International Student Portfolio Preparation Visual Arts Enrichment
Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation
Students who successfully complete the required hours of study will receive a Certificate of Completion: Portfolio Preparation, which serves as a testament to their dedication and the skills they have developed during their time with us.
In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete either:
- 960 hours within 50 weeks
(approximately 1 year)
OR
- 2,700 hours within 135 weeks
(approximately 3 years)
Our Visual Arts Enrichment track is open to all non-immigrant students, regardless of skill level. It’s ideal for those who are not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but wish to explore introductory-level subjects in art and design.
In our Visual Arts Enrichment classes, students gain exposure to different art mediums and techniques. These introductory classes provide a solid foundation that students can further develop into their own projects.
Led by qualified instructors who are active artists from top art and design programs across the nation, this program is designed to nurture and stimulate students’ artistic interests.
No prior art experience is necessary to join our class!
Whether you have prior art experience or are just beginning to explore your passion for art, our course will guide you in developing the best version of your art portfolio, project by project.
We accept students year-round based on the International Students school calendar. Please refer to our program start dates.
Have questions about the track option?
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We recognize and nurture each student’s strengths, potential, and talent, empowering them to reach their artistic aspirations. Build a strong foundation in art and creative thinking, and develop a standout portfolio for the admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Our course options are structured by the number of sessions, allowing students to schedule classes according to their availability.
Experienced Team
Our instructors are seasoned artists and designers with years of knowledge and experience in portfolio development and preparation, who offer pinpoint guidelines catered to your interest and intended schools.
Class Structure
Course Duration
We operate on a quarter-based calendar, with each quarter lasting 12 weeks. Each class is 4 hours long.
After each quarter, if the student wishes to continue their study, they can enroll for another quarter.
You can customize your class schedule based on your availability. Classes are conducted in-person at our school location in Midtown Manhattan.
Subjects
Intro to Drawing
Students will understand fundamental concepts in visual arts and drawing, such as shadow, tone, color, space, and value, through a variety of observational and imaginative projects.
Intro to Mixed Media
This course explores the creative possibilities of combining traditional art materials such as watercolor, graphite, ink, and collage. Students will learn to experiment with various mediums and techniques, focusing on how to integrate them into cohesive compositions. Emphasis is placed on creative exploration, layering, and personal expression.
Intro to Design
This course introduces the core principles of visual design, with a focus on color theory, composition, and the elements and principles of design. Students will explore how to create balanced, visually engaging work through hands-on exercises and foundational design thinking.
Intro to Watercolor
Students will explore basic watercolor techniques and materials, learning how to manipulate water and paint to create various visual effects, including transparency and washes.
Intro to Illustration
This course introduces the fundamentals of illustration, focusing on visual storytelling, drawing techniques, and composition. Students will explore various styles and mediums while learning how to develop concepts, create characters, and communicate ideas through imagery. Emphasis is placed on both creativity and technical skill.
Intro to Garment Making
This course covers the foundational skills of garment construction, including fabric selection, basic sewing techniques, pattern reading, and assembly of simple garments. Students will gain hands-on experience and build confidence in creating wearable pieces from start to finish.
Intro to Painting
Students will understand the basic techniques, materials, and expressive methods used in painting, as students explore how to convey ideas and observations through both observational and imaginative projects.
Intro to Photoshop
This course provides an introduction to Adobe Photoshop, focusing on the basic tools, interface navigation, and essential functions for editing and creating digital images. Students will learn how to work with layers, make selections, adjust color, and apply basic effects to enhance their visual projects.
Student Work
Schedule & Tuition
Available upon registration
* There is a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $500 for any International Students program.
| Quarter Option | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 1 Quarter | $1,925 |
| 2 Quarters | $3,750 |
| 3 Quarters | $5,575 |
4 Quarters (plus 1-Quarter Vacation) * Students receive 13 weeks of vacation with this registration option | $8,660 |
- Register quarterly
- One week vacation after each quarter of 12 weeks
- Receive $100 off each additional quarter when you register for more than one quarter at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ Who is this program designed for?
The Visual Arts Enrichment program is tailored for international students seeking to explore foundational art and design concepts. It’s ideal for those not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but who wish to gain exposure to various art mediums and techniques.
➔ What will I learn in this program?
Students will engage in introductory classes that provide a solid foundation in different art mediums and techniques. These classes are designed to help students develop their skills and can serve as a stepping stone for further artistic endeavors.