Morning Session
All students in our Pre-College Programs—Portfolio Plus and Architecture Discovery Program—will participate in an intensive, combined drawing course. In this class, students learn to recognize and manipulate fundamental elements of composition, line, form, space, and modeling. Emphasis is placed on working accurately from observation, with an introduction to other methodologies. Some projects will take place on site during field trips to local landmarks such as the Gateway Arch and the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Afternoon Session
During the afternoon, students take an elective in art. As part of the application form, students select from a menu of courses for this elective, making three choices in order of preference. We make every effort to give students their first choice.
Ceramics This course is an introduction to the design, building, and firing of materials used in creating functional pottery as well as sculptural objects. Students will be exposed to traditional as well as contemporary ceramic forms. Exploration beyond established surface treatments and forms is encouraged.
Communication Design This course combines principles of graphic design, illustration, image construction, and typography. Through studio exercises and lectures, students are exposed to the broad range of conceptual and aesthetic issues related to the field.
Painting Students work on-site and in the studio exploring oil painting techniques. They look at examples from art history as well as from contemporary artists who are painting in innovating ways.
Printmaking/Book Arts This course takes advantage of the Sam Fox School's state-of-the-art printmaking facilities and illustrated book studios. Students develop a project from conception to completion while exploring topics of theme, sequence, image, and text using traditional and digital printmaking processes, as well as letterpress and bookbinding techniques.
Textile Design Students explore basic fibers used in textile production and learn about processes such as weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing, and finishing. The class includes, lectures, field trips, garment study and a variety of creative projects.
Group Activities
Special programming that complements course work will take place during the evenings and on weekends. In our portfolio development and writing workshop, students will learn how to document the work produced throughout the program. You will also take advantage of films, special projects, field trips, a sketchbook workshop, open studio hours, and lectures by visiting architects, artists, and designers.
Tuition & Housing
Estimated cost for our Pre-College Programs is $4,215. An additional $250 should be budgeted to cover the cost of books, supplies, and equipment. You will be notified upon acceptance to the program, and a non-refundable deposit will be required to confirm your admission. If a student withdraws from the program after classes begin, no portion of tuition will be refunded.
You will live in one of our secure modern residence houses and participate in organized weekend activities with other members of pre-college programs. There are study rooms, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, floor lounges, and a computer lab available for use. Program Assistants (PAs) living in the halls provide advice and information, in addition to leading weekend activities and ensuring the rules and regulations of the program are maintained. A meal plan will allow you to enjoy a variety of food choices available across the campus.
Application
You must submit the following application materials for our Pre-College Programs:
1. Completed application form; to download the form, click here.
2. A 500-word essay expressing your interest in the program.
3. A letter of recommendation on official letterhead from an academic teacher, art teacher, principal, high school counselor, or artist/architect who knows you well.
4. Official high school transcript (most current).
5. (Optional) Copies of official PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores.
6. A check, made payable to Washington University in St. Louis, for a $35 non-refundable processing fee.
You will be notified upon acceptance, and a deposit will be required to confirm your admission to the program.
Please print the application and submit with all materials by May 15, 2013, to:
Pre-College Programs
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1031
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis MO 63130-4899
If you prefer to receive a printed copy of the application and guidelines, please call or e-mail:
Belinda Lee
Assistant Director of Special Programs
lee@samfox.wustl.edu
Phone: 314.935.4643
