Visual Arts Summer Programs

Thank you for your interest in our Academy Program! The application period is now closed and will reopen in September 2019 for summer programs in 2020. Please join our admissions email list and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to receive useful notifications about our programs and admissions information.

Application Process

If you already have an account from a previous year, then you can login using the same login credentials. If this is your first time applying, then you’ll need to create an account in our online application system. The application has several different components, and you don’t have to complete it in one sitting. Once you create an account, you can pick up where you left off at any time.

Applicants may apply in one or up to two art areas.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete the online application.

ID Photo

A passport-style photo of yourself from the shoulders up. This will be used as your student ID photo if you are accepted.

Grades and Attendance

A copy of your most recent report card can be uploaded to the application on the Current School page. If attendance is not part of your report card, you will also need to include an attendance report.

Teacher Recommendations

You’ll complete a short online form that will let us request grades and attendance and send the appropriate recommendation forms to your teachers while you continue to work on your application. You’ll need names and email addresses for:

• Arts Teacher Recommendation
• Academic Teacher Recommendation
• Homeschool Recommendation (if applicable)

Arts Experience

List any classes/training/experiences you have had in the past two years. Not having any of these experiences does not hurt your chances.

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

General contact information about your legal guardian(s).

Mail-In Portfolio

The following two (2) pieces are part of the application and should be mailed to the address below so they are received by January 8, 2020. All work must be 8.5” x 11” with your name on the back of each piece.

Mail the two (2) pieces of artwork to:
SCGSAH - Office of Admissions
15 University Street
Greenville, SC 29601

Note: Emailed submissions of these pieces will not be accepted. All artwork will be returned to you at the audition.

Pencil Drawing of Two Unrelated Objects

One 8.5” x 11” pencil drawing of two unrelated objects drawn from direct observation. Please do not draw from a photograph, memory, or imagination.

• Draw your selected objects as you have arranged them in front of you. (The surface on which your objects are placed does not count as one of the two objects and should be included in your drawing.)
• Ask yourself how your objects are or are not related.
• Beware of pairs that seem unrelated but actually have a strong common connection – a hat and a shoe are both worn on the body; a shoe and a pencil sharpener, as an example, might be a better choice.
• Include your name on the back of the drawing.

Collage Representing Something You Learned In School

One 8.5” x 11” collage that clearly represents something you have read about or learned in school.

• A collage is a two-dimensional composition made of different materials attached to a surface; do not simply draw a variety of images on the page.
• Use both text and images in your collage.
• On the back, write your name and three (3) sentences about the academic connection.

Note: You are also expected to bring additional work to the interview portion of the audition. (See “Academy Audition” for more details.)

Once you have submitted the application, you can login to your account at any time to view the application checklist. When all required application materials are received, you will receive an email confirming your audition. Audition locations fill up quickly, so please submit your completed application as early as possible.

The Admissions Office will notify you if information is missing from your application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Preparing for the Audition

Your audition day will include a drawing workshop and interview. Be prepared to discuss your work, and don’t forget to ask any questions you may have about the program.

Your Sketchbook

Bring a bound sketchbook (no loose pages) containing 20 or more drawings done from direct observation in the past 12 months. This component is not a portfolio of finished and highly refined work. Your audition sketchbook should demonstrate your interest in art and art ideas as evidenced in the drawings, images, and ideas collected inside.

Twenty full-page drawings should be considered the minimum; more work will be considered more favorably.

One Additional Piece

Choose one of the following options that best demonstrates your artistic skills.

• A 2-D or 3-D piece. Your work may be of any reasonable size and material(s) as long as you can easily transport it to your audition.
• A drawn storyboard. Storyboard sheets should be neatly compiled and in order.

         Storyboard Template

• A motion picture (live-action or animation) no longer than two minutes in length. Work must be in Quicktime-compatible format (.mov, .mp4, etc.) and should be emailed to applications@scgsah.org by January 8, 2020.

Make your choice based on your strengths. More complex works are not always the most successful. If you feel more successful making a two-dimensional piece, then bring in a two- dimensional piece for your interview. Be prepared to discuss why you chose to bring that particular piece.

Please note: Applicants are responsible for any digital/electronic needs in showing work.

The Drawing Workshop 

In the drawing workshop, you will draw from a still life and be instructed by Governor’s School Visual Arts faculty. The workshop will include a review of visual arts terminology.

This may be a new experience. We encourage all students to be open to instruction and feedback during this time! We are more interested in students who are highly teachable as opposed to students who simply draw at a very high level.

Please note: Workshop materials will be provided.

The Interview

You will bring your sketchbook and one additional piece (see above) to your interview. Be prepared to talk about the formal qualities of your work (such as positive/negative relationships, texture, balance, etc.). Also be prepared to talk about your own artistic experiences, interests, and goals.

Don’t worry! The interview is your chance to speak with instructors in the program and to talk about your interest in the Governor’s School experience. These conversations help our faculty members to determine your commitment to arts training and allow us to get to know you as both an individual and an artist.

Your interview is also a good opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of the program. Look through the our website before the audition as a way of developing these questions.

Academy Program

Application Deadlines

• November 30, 2019 - Application fee waiver deadline
• January 8, 2020 - Application deadline 
• After January 8, 2020 - Applications will be processed on a space-available basis.

Teacher recommendations, grades, and attendance must be submitted by the above deadlines in order for your application to be considered complete. 

Audition Dates

• February 1, 2020 - Midlands - Columbia College
• February 8, 2020 - Lowcountry - College of Charleston
• February 22, 2020 - Upstate - SCGSAH

Admission Decision Notification

• April 1, 2020 - Decision notifications sent by email 

Note: Decision status will not be given over the phone.

Arts Odyssey Program

Spaces in the Arts Odyssey program are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you an advantage. Students do not audition for the Arts Odyssey program.

• December 13, 2019 - Application deadline
• After December 13, 2019, applications will be processed on a space-available basis.
• February 14, 2020 - Admission decision notifications sent by email

* Teacher recommendations and other art area specific requirements must be submitted by December 13 in order for your application to be considered complete.