The University of Arkansas School of Art hosts an annual week long overnight Summer Arts Workshop for rising high school students in grades 10-12. Students attend studio courses in School of Art facilities and visit local museums and arts organizations.
A formal application process is outlined below. Accepted students and their families will receive an itinerary in April and must submit all required online forms by April 25 to secure their spot.
Important Dates
- Applications deadline: Mar 22 at 11:59 p.m. (CT)
- Waitlist notifications: April 6
- Workshop dates: June 14-19
- Public exhibition: June 19, 5-7 p.m.
Applications can be found here.
FAQ
How much does the workshop cost?
There is no cost for students to attend the in-person workshop week, which includes housing, meals, and materials to participate. Students are welcome to bring funding for toiletries or conveniences on campus.
What will we do during the week?
Students will select their preferred area of interest for the afternoon course sessions taught by School of Art faculty who are also working artists, designers, and scholars. Throughout the week they will meet with current students, different offices on campus, learning about applying to colleges, scholarship options, and a career in the arts.
Students will meet with various organizations from the Northwest Arkansas area, expanding their networks and knowledge about being an artist and the opportunities here at the UA School of Art. In addition, there will be field trips to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary, and other galleries in the Northwest Arkansas area. Some activities will include physical movement such as walking around campus, walking through facilities, and others may include mobile transport by chartered bus.
Course sessions will take place within School of Art facilities with all materials provided at no cost. The workshop will conclude with an art exhibition featuring the work created by students throughout the week and be documented for their portfolio.
Where will we stay?
Students will be housed in Adohi Hall on campus. They will potentially share a room and have a community bathroom. Students will have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire about their roommate preferences.
How do we apply?
Rising high schoolers in grades 10 - 12 may apply at on the School of Art's SlideRoom application site.
Students must submit:
- An application on SlideRoom
- A digital portfolio with at least three original images of their work (can include photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, painting, sketchbook work, film/video, sound, fiber, jewelry, etc.)
- A letter of recommendation from a current visual arts or arts-related teacher
The application is currently open and will close on March 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CT). A waitlist will activate after spots are filled and the School of Art will reach out to the students on the waitlist if any spots become available.
Still have questions?
Contact our Coordinator of Student Recruitment, Audrey Vega, at amvega@uark.edu.