The Visual Arts Program attracts highly dedicated and talented faculty, staff and students from around the world. Together, they create an environment focused on ideas, craftsmanship and the exchange of artistic values. Courses are designed to build fundamental skills in the visual arts and develop students’ creativity.

All concentrations are offered in three-week sessions, but students who are seeking a more comprehensive experience are encouraged to attend for the entire six weeks. Students who attend for two sessions may continue in one concentration or choose a different one.

Choosing a Visual Arts Program

There are three program options available for high school visual artists at Interlochen Arts Camp:

Visual Arts Concentrations (3 weeks) emphasize a specific discipline in either two-dimensional or three-dimensional arts areas. Electives allow students to explore other skills for a more comprehensive experience. Students of all skill levels will be challenged by a flexible curriculum that encourages exploration and development. A portfolio is not required for admission.

Visual Arts Intensives (3 weeks) are focused and in-depth courses. Electives are not offered with the intensive courses. A portfolio is required for admission.

Visual Arts Portfolio Institutes (1 week) are focused classes that are designed to help students develop their portfolios. Electives are not included. A portfolio is not required for admission.

Concentrations

Although all concentrations are offered in both sessions, the specific curriculum will be different. For example, a student taking the ceramics concentration in the first session (June 20 - July 11) will take hand-building as their two-hour course. A student taking the ceramics concentration in the second session (July 12 - August 3) will take wheel-throwing as their two-hour course. For more information about what courses will be offered in each concentration during each session, please see the detailed program descriptions below.

CONCENTRATIONS		WEEKS	ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE DATES
	Ceramics	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Fibers	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Metals	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Sculpture	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Drawing	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Digital Arts	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Painting	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Photography	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Photography: Advanced	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3
	Printmaking	3	June 20 - July 11 July 12 - August 3

Intensives

Students in these three-week sessions participate in five hours of intensive course work and the Visual Arts Hour five days a week. There is no opportunity to take other electives because of the focused nature of these courses. Students who are interested in a wider range of opportunities are encouraged to take another three-week session in a different intensive or one of the many other concentrations.

Institutes

The Portfolio Institutes provide exceptional opportunities for students to construct and refine a visual body of work under the guidance of a visual arts faculty drawn from around the country.

All instructors have extensive experience in portfolio development and will guide students through portfolio preparation for college art programs or for Interlochen Arts Academy.

Institutes are designed for students who are actively exploring further education in the visual arts and have already started to compile works. Activities will vary by institute and will provide numerous opportunities to add additional work to the student’s portfolio.