Designed for young art students entering grades 9-11, this unique initiative offers personalized guidance from working artists, providing resources and opportunities beyond those typically available in K-12 educational institutions.
Held at the FIA Art School, the Pre-College program (formerly Pre-College Portfolio Development Program) began in 2009. “The instructional knowledge, studio spaces and equipment available at the Flint Institute of Arts allows us to provide exceptional art-making experiences,” says FIA Art 2-D School Programs Manager, Janice McCoy. The program is supported by grants from the James A. Welch Foundation and the Loeb Trust.
Students meet once a week for ten weeks across three sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring) to create artworks, discuss career aspirations and explore their creative potential. The program boasts a team of skilled teaching artists who create and exhibit work in various specialized media. The primary instructional faculty includes:
- Jeff Hageman, Ceramics Instructor and Technician
- Mike Mentz, Glass Programs Manager
- Amanda Edwards, 2-D Art School Instructor
- Alla Dubrovich, 2-D Art School Instructor
- Janice McCoy, 2-D Programs Manager
“Each instructor brings a wealth of professional experience in creating, exhibiting and teaching art,”McCoy shares. Under their guidance, students create works for their college application portfolios and explore new art media, including observational drawing, collage, illustration, painting, glassblowing, figure drawing and printmaking. “Participants also have access to additional funds for extra Art School classes to further hone their skills,” she adds.
Students interested in the program must submit an application that includes questions about their art experiences and interests, a recommendation from a teacher or non-relative adult, and 3-8 samples of past work, including observational drawings. Applications are reviewed by a committee of Art School administrative and teaching staff. The current application deadline is Monday, September 2 for classes beginning in Fall 2024.
The program provides students with valuable networking opportunities by hosting community and regional artists who share insights about their work and professional journeys. Additionally, college representatives are invited to discuss their bachelor’s programs, including specializations, campus life, artistic rigor and financial aid. The program also organizes trips to regional locations for National Portfolio Day and visits to college campuses.
“Graduates of the program who apply for college art studies are consistently accepted into their first-choice institutions,” McCoy states. “Many alumni have gone on to study at prestigious schools such as the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and Pratt Institute.”
The program has helped many students achieve significant success in their fields. McCoy highlights the personal growth she witnesses in students: “Many go on to do extraordinary things in their fields. But what I enjoy most is seeing their confidence and ideas grow. Initially, they may be introverted, but as the weeks pass, they build a creative community and develop friendships and relationships that are crucial in the professional realm.”
McCoy adds, “It can be isolating to be an artist and a creative kid in high school, especially without advanced skills classes. This program brings together teens from different backgrounds who share a powerful interest in art. It’s fulfilling to witness and be a part of their journey as they grow both as individuals and as developing artists.”
The Pre-College at the FIA program continues to inspire and nurture young artists, helping them to realize their full potential and prepare for successful futures in the arts.
Success Stories
“During my time in the program, I gained invaluable practice and instruction that set me up for success in pursuing a degree in fine arts! The four-year portfolio I built, starting from my freshman year in high school, included diverse works such as still life drawings, ceramics, metal shop examples and the beginnings of a conceptual practice, all of which provided a strong foundation for college admissions. This program also connected me with peers who shared my interests, fostering artistic connections and enhancing our ability to discuss each other’s art. I highly recommend this program to any young artist who enjoys creating and to grow their skills!”
Cassidy Barnett, BFA, College for Creative Studies, Practicing Artist, Commercial Screen Printer
“The Pre-College program at FIA truly set the foundation for my arts career. I attended a high school with no art classes, but pursued top notch visual arts programs in college and had tremendous success getting into those programs and securing merit based scholarships. This is definitely something I attribute to the portfolio I developed as an FIA student. My instructors continued to support my career well beyond my time as their student, writing letters of reference and offering mentorship as I sought out jobs and exhibition opportunities. I can’t express enough gratitude for the program.”
Emily Legleitner, BFA, Penny Stamps School of Art and Design, University of Michigan, MFA, University of Alberta, Curatorial Assistant, Flint Institute of Arts, Lead Studio Assistant, University of Michigan
“I am currently in my second year attending College for Creative Studies for illustration and art education. I was in the Pre-College program for around four years and I can confidently say that this program is one of the main reasons I am pursuing art as a career today. PDP does an amazing job of exposing young artists to different mediums, and maybe even more importantly, surrounding them with mentors and professional artists that are always working towards the success of their students.”
Lucie Orozco, BFA, College for Creative Studies (In Progress),
To apply or find more info, visit flintarts.org or call the FIA Art School Office.
