Portfolio Development
Portfolio Development pairs 7th and 11th graders 1:1 with mentors who help them build stunning visual arts portfolios, dive into researching prospective schools, and navigate the challenges of applying, interviewing, and auditioning for high schools and colleges. Over the course of 8 months, participants spend 90+ hours preparing for their creative futures.
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Teresita Fortin
2021, Colored pencil
“Representation is important; in my childhood I never felt connected or relevant. The only Honduran artist I could find was Teresita Fortin. She was a female artist, which was rare in Honduras. She was one of my first role models that I felt connected to.”
—Merlin, 12th Grade
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Essence
2022, Photography
“This piece represents the natural hand movements involved within Desi culture. It combines the art of multiple extruding limbs within some of the deities in my culture.”
—Yeasin, 12th Grade
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Blooming Summer Dreams
2023, Ink & colored pencil on paper
“Warm weather reminds me of how I would spend Summer with my mother and two brothers. One of my favorite places is the New York Botanical Garden. I wanted to capture that feeling through this artwork by bringing together some of my favorite flowers.”
—Anai, 12th Grade
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Third Rail
2023, Oil on canvas
“This piece depicts a young child walking on the third rail as if it was a tightrope. I wanted to show the hopefulness and imagination that childhood brings juxtaposing the foul world children are born into.”
—River, 11th Grade
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Free Fall
2023, Digital
“This piece is meant to highlight the magic within us all. It is a representation of my growth, both as a person and an artist.”
—Bee, 11th Grade
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Rose-Colored Bathroom
2022, Acrylic on canvas
“Before I felt that as an artist everything had to have a huge meaning but when making this, I was just happy and I had a reference I liked and I started painting. There wasn’t a rush. I’m happy because I made it and it’s mine.”
—Paola, 11th Grade
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Whale Shark Bud
2023, Paint & paper clay
“It's a shark pencil holder.”
—Asher, 7th Grade
In This Program
Students Receive:
Dedicated support of an adult mentor with access to creative networks
A selection of art supplies and a stipend for additional art materials
Exclusive access to artists and creative professionals
Travel and lunch stipends for all program related, in-person meetings
Paid internship eligibility upon successful completion of the program
Scholarship eligibility for college bound seniors upon successful completion of the program
100%
Accepted
to a school of their choice*
100%
Demonstrated
gains in positive self-esteem & self-management
95%
Employed
in their first paid internship
87%
Increased
social capital via positive bonds with peers & industry professionals
*2023–2024 School Acceptances Include:
Adelphi University, Binghamton, Brooklyn College, California College of the Arts, City College, College of Staten Island, Cooper Union, Hunter College, Kansas City Art Institute, LaGuardia Community College, MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art, Moore College of Art & Design, Pratt, Queens College, Ringling College of Art & Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Stony Brook, SVA, University of Albany, University of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, York College
“Free Arts is one of the most amazing, considerate, professional, supportive, and creative programs for any young person in New York City. If anyone needs guidance with a great community, Free Arts is the perfect program. They give security and amazing support. The program helped me figure out through experience, meetings, artist visits, and more what I want to do. Being in the program since I was a teenager helped me build a professionalism that I am beyond grateful for. Free Arts has given me the time and space to figure myself out.”
—Colby, Senior at Lehman College, Aspiring Animator
Achievements
• 5 Years in Program
• Internships at Getty Images, Cynthia Rowley, Rema Hort Mann Foundation, Maharam Studios & Free Arts NYC
• Included in two youth exhibitions at Sotheby’s
• FUTURA For the Future Scholarship recipient
• Led two workshops with Tiffany & Co. employees
Through studio visits and field trips, students dive into NYC’s dynamic creative landscape, experiencing renowned art fairs, galleries, artist studios, and institutions. These excursions ignite inspiration and cultivate a strong sense of awareness and connection while empowering participants to build their own vibrant communities.
Field Trip to Armory Show
Exhibition Tour with Bony Ramirez at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery
Portfolio Closing Ceremony Exhibition at Fleiss-Vallois Gallery
Program Overview
Timeline: May through January
Participants: 7th and 11th graders affiliated with our community partners are welcome to apply.
Setting: Hybrid program, with a mix of virtual and in-person workshops across NYC.
Commitment: Mentors and mentees meet at least twice a month for 1:1 sessions and group workshops.
Objective: Upon completion, participants have a visual arts portfolio and applied to arts high school or college.
Workshops: Intro to Painting, Figure & Still Life Drawing, College & High School Applications, How to Photograph Artwork
*Students are invited to apply through our Community Partner sites.
I love working with my mentor Annie, going to the MET, and learning about art.—Alyssa, 7th Grade