This is Your Creative Calling! The University of Saint Francis is excited to invite high school juniors, seniors, and transfer students to showcase their creative talents at our upcoming Talent Scholarship Day on Saturday, November 8 from 1-5 PM at the Rolland Art Center located at 1014 Leesburg Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

This event is designed to help you explore your potential! Come connect with our dedicated faculty, learn how to launch a successful career in the arts, and earn a scholarship to support your creative journey here at Saint Francis! Awarded scholarships are renewable for eight semesters in addition to any academic scholarships or need-based grants you might also receive.

At the University of Saint Francis, you will experience so much more than learning; here you will be on a journey of discovery and purpose. We know your creative endeavors are more than a hobby; they’re a calling. Our majors are designed for students with the passion and persistence to build a meaningful career in the arts, helping you turn your talent into a professional vocation.

TALENT SCHOLARSHIP DAY SCHEDULE

1:00pm – FACILITY TOUR/MIX & MINGLE: Get ready to connect! Kick off the day by meeting the people who make our creative community so special! Our Executive Director will provide a brief welcome and introduction to our division. From our main entry you can join our guided tour to get a firsthand look at our studios, classrooms, and gallery spaces. Already been on a tour? No problem, stay back and mix and mingle with the rest of our crew or immerse yourself in our current exhibition Figure Now;  a collection of contemporary figurative paintings (and drawings) showcasing artists represented by Gallery Victor in Chicago.

1:30pm – WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS DEGREE? Where can your creative endeavors take you? We'll answer this question by highlighting the diverse and amazing career paths our graduates are pursuing. From fine artists and designers to curators and art directors, discover the real-world impact of a creative education and how your calling for art can become a fulfilling and successful career.

1:45pm – MAJOR TALK- DEEP DIVE INTO OUR PROGRAMS: Get the details you need directly from the experts. Our creative arts faculty will walk you through the specifics; from curriculum, skills, and unique opportunities within each of our creative arts majors. This will help you see which program aligns best with your goals and give you the full picture of what your education will look like.

• Studio Art – Tim Parsley: Painting & Drawing / Eric Carlson: Foundations, Ceramics, Sculpture, & Jewelry / Steve Garst: Foundations and Printmaking / Ashley Beatty: Darkroom & Digital Photography
• Graphic Design  – Jeremy McFarren
• Art Education and Pre-Art Therapy – Teresa Vazquez
• Animation – Patrick Riggle: 2D Animation / Jake Nolt: 3D Animation

2:45pm – LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: Your education won't be confined to a studio or classroom. We believe real-world experience is essential to your growth as a creative. We'll share details about exciting opportunities like our semesterly Art History Bus Trips and annual Europe Trips. You'll also learn about our required internships that build professional experience and how our clubs foster a vibrant creative community. Lastly, learn about our Community Arts and Service Engagement (CASE) minor and how this program empowers students to translate their creative passions into meaningful community impact.

3:00pm – ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID Q&A: Discover all the amazing things SF has to offer beyond your major. Learn about additional scholarship opportunities that can boost your financial aid package and make your dream of attending SF a reality. Don't miss this chance to get all your questions answered!

3:15pm – VISUAL ART OPEN PORTFOLIO REVIEW- EARN A TALENT SCHOLARSHIP: This is your chance to impress our faculty with your portfolio and earn a scholarship to support your creative journey. Awarded scholarships are renewable for eight semesters and can be stacked with any academic, athletic, or need-based aid a student might also receive. See below for for a complete guide on what to include, what to expect, and tips for a successful review.

As the event winds down, we hope you'll take some time to explore Fort Wayne! If you're new to the area, it's a great opportunity to check out the city. We're happy to share our favorite local spots and recommendations for a great meal.

Why choose the University of Saint Francis? At SF, we prepare our students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy through our Catholic identity, Franciscan charism, and liberal arts tradition. Our dedicated faculty, supportive community, and commitment to excellence provide the perfect environment for you to thrive. Our personalized instruction and creative atmosphere will inspire you to reach new heights. So, what are you waiting for? Come discover your place in our vibrant creative community!

VISUAL ART PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDE

Your portfolio should be a collection of your best work—a snapshot of your artistic journey. Faculty are eager to explore your artistic journey, your current skills, and your future goals in visual art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, digital artist, graphic designer, or mixed media master, we want to see your work! From traditional mediums like oil painting and sculpture to cutting-edge techniques like digital art and animation, there's a place for every creative at USF. 

What to Include (If Applicable):

• A Strong Foundation: Include pieces that demonstrate your fundamental skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and other core techniques.
• Personal Style: Showcase works that reflect your unique artistic vision and interests.
• Variety of Media: Experiment with different materials and techniques to highlight your versatility.
• Process: Consider including your sketchbook, studies, or work-in-progress pieces to reveal your creative process.
• Classwork and personal projects: Anything goes, but please only include work from the last two years, we want to see what you are currently working on!
• Digital images: If your work is too big or heavy, capture it digitally.

What to Expect:

• Feedback: The faculty will provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
• Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your work, your artistic goals, and your interest in the program.
• Portfolio Evaluation: Your portfolio will be evaluated based on technical skill, creativity, and overall artistic merit.

Tips:

• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on presenting your best work rather than including a large number of pieces (15 pieces max).
• Presentation Matters: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to handle. No need for fancy framing or matting. Just let your art shine!
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Practice talking about your work and be ready to articulate your artistic intentions.

Visual art portfolio reviews take place at the Rolland Art Center located at 1014 Leesburg Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808. For parking, please turn into our parking lot on the north side of our facilities off of Leesburg Road where you see the FREE PARKING sign.