Portfolio Requirements – Department of Art

All USM Art majors must submit a portfolio of their artwork to be reviewed by the Art Department faculty prior to enrolling in 300-level and above coursework. Students are eligible to submit their portfolio during the semester in which they are completing the Art Foundation courses: ART 141 (Surface, Space, Time 2D), ART 142 (Surface, Space, Time 3D), ART 151 (Fundamentals of Perceptual Drawing) and at least one of the required ARH 111 or ARH 112 Art History Survey courses.

Portfolios must be submitted no later than one semester after completing the foundation courses. Transfer students who have completed the equivalent of the foundation courses at another institution are still required to submit a portfolio at the next scheduled opportunity and no later than their second semester at the University of Southern Maine.

Students should follow portfolio guidelines carefully, and are encouraged to attend the portfolio preparation workshop offered approximately two-weeks in advance of the portfolio review each semester. Criteria for acceptance include: ability to draw in a variety of ways, to create successful compositions, to use a number of media, and to think imaginatively.

BASIC FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO REVIEW REQUIREMENTS:

The portfolio should consist of no more than twelve (12) works within specific categories.

3 – Two-dimensional design
2 – Three-dimensional design (mounted photographs – must have at least 2 views)
3 – Drawing
1 – Self-portrait (drawn from life)
3 – Open Submissions

Each student will mat two peices, selected by Faculty during the initial review process, with white, off-white or ivory mat board and backed with firm backing. These matted works will be exhibitied in Kidder Gallery in Robie-Andrews Hall.

Students must successfully complete ALL phases of this process to pass the Portfolio Review.