MCPS VISUAL ART CENTER
APPLICATION PROGRAM
Before students can apply to the VAC they must complete the MCPS Regional/Countywide High School Common Application FIRST
VAC Application Timeline
October 10th : Countywide Programs Application Opens
October 19th: VAC Open House- Einstein High School, 6pm
November 3rd: Countywide Programs Application Closes
Applicants who indicated interest in the VAC on the Countywide Program Application will be invited to apply and attend an information session about the application
November 15th: VAC Information Session, virtual at 6:30pm
January 5th: Portfolio Submission Due
January 13th: Virtual Drawing Session
Decision letters will be sent via email in February
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE VAC!
Established in 1974, the Visual Art Center (VAC) is a nationally recognized portfolio preparation program at Albert Einstein High School. The VAC offers students a broad perspective of the visual arts and deepens their understanding of the opportunities for art-related careers through exposure to art history, contemporary artists and artwork. This rigorous and comprehensive program enables students to realize and achieve their full potential in visual art. Daily instruction consist of lectures, demonstrations, slide presentations, studio activities, assigned research, and group critiques. Most graduating students advance to study fine arts or commercial art at a higher level.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Any student who resides in Montgomery County and is currently enrolled in grades 8-11 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this magnet program if they are interested in a rigorous advanced level portfolio development program. The VAC program is open to applicants from all high schools in the county. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, students accepted into the VAC program will need to transfer to Albert Einstein High School. VAC students accepted in previous years will be able to continue their current cross schedule until they complete the program. Downcounty Consortium (DCC) resident students who have been assigned to Einstein through the choice process and have been accepted into the Visual Arts Center will be provided transportation from Consortia neighborhood stops.
Students not assigned to Einstein HS are responsible for providing their own transportation.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
Students need to prepare a portfolio that reflects their best artwork. This should include:
1 Portrait, 2-3 still life artworks, 5-7 completed artworks in any media and an artist statement. Submit these materials using the provided portfolio template by January 5th, 2024.
By submitting an online application, the student is required to attend a virtual drawing session on Saturday, January 13, 2023 from 9:00am to 11:00am. If students are unable to attend this session please let the VAC team know ASAP. A virtual meeting invite for the drawing session will be sent to applicants who submitted a portfolio on Wednesday January 10th.
If the student requires accommodations, a copy of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or English Language Learner (ELL) Plan that specifies the accommodations MUST be submitted to the VAC faculty by January 5, 2024. The faculty will contact the parent/guardian to discuss accommodations.
PORTFOLIO CONSIDERATIONS
Students are encouraged to show their unique talents and to bring a portfolio that may include: sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, sculptures, mixed media work, photographs and digital artwork.
Students must provide evidence of observational value drawing by including representations of one portrait and two-three still life drawings. Students may choose to include an additional observational drawing that represents a subject of choice.
Cartoon or Manga style artwork must be original and not copied from other artists.
When evaluating portfolios, the Selection Committee is looking for:
Creativity & Content – does the artist express a personal statement and/or communicate ideas in an innovative way?
Composition & Design – does the artist demonstrate an understanding of fundamental art elements and design principles?
Craftsmanship & Media Manipulation – does the artist demonstrate skill and technique when utilizing various art media?
SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
Admission to Visual Art Center is very competitive. There are about 35 seats available each year, a waitlist is generated from the applications and offers to waitlisted applicants are determined by the acceptance/rejection of seats . For candidates applying for seats in 10 grade or above, the number of open seats is determined based on vacancies for the following school year in that particular cohort. Acceptance and waitlist order are generated by scores of multiple criteria including portfolio content, artist statement, and drawing session artwork.
Decision letters will be sent by the end of February
VISUAL ART CENTER at Albert Einstein HS
11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington, MD 20895
For More Information Contact VAC Faculty:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/vac/
Contact MCPS Fine Arts Office: