The NFMHS Center for the Arts provides an exciting opportunity for students of Lee County to become part of a rich and rigorous visual arts program. The program is designed to develop students’ talents to the highest potential, while fostering an appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. Admission to the Center for the Arts program is by audition only.

Interested applicants must complete the following:

• Center for the Arts application
• A portfolio (see requirements) submitted via upload or usb drive

   

  To be considered for the Program, all students applying for admission to North Fort Myers High School Center for the Arts and Media must submit a digital portfolio (either via upload or usb drive) prior to their audition.  Portfolios should be uploaded and submitted to  Pamela Bowman. Please note:  It is your responsibility to submit your portfolio. Do not ask your art teacher to submit your portfolio for you. Thank you for your understanding.

   

  PART ONE: DIGITAL PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION (link to submit below)

  Portfolios must be in an uploaded digital format, or on a usb drive. We will not accept a physical portfolio. Your portfolio should consist of at least 6 pieces of art (4 required pieces) plus a personal statement and a headshot (photograph).

  We will be looking for a basic understanding of the tools, techniques and processes used in the creation of  your portfolio pieces.  Title and date your pieces, and focus on the quality and variety of your pieces submitted for consideration. Any portfolio that does not meet these basic requirements will be considered incomplete and therefore disqualified.

  Required Portfolio Pieces:

  1. A  realistic self-portrait done in pencil.  Working from a mirror or photograph, create an original self portrait on unlined drawing paper (at least 8.5 x 11”). Create light and dark areas.  Your self portrait should reflect a minimum of two hours work.

  2. An observational still life drawing.  Working from a collection of at least five objects, ( food, toys, bottles, shells, plants, shoes, etc.) create an original still life in the medium of either graphite or colored pencil.  Work on unlined drawing paper (at least 8.5” x 11”). Your piece should reflect a minimum of two hours work.  Include a photograph of your objects.

  3. One piece in color. Demonstrate your understanding of color in an original piece, using the medium of your choice.  Work on unlined paper (at least 8.5” x 11”).  Your piece should reflect a minimum of two hours work.

  4. Three additional pieces of 2-D or 3-D work. You may also include photos of any 3-D work (Ceramics, sculpture, etc.)  If you choose to include 3-D artwork, please photograph from two angles and upload to your portfolio.

  
  

  Personal Statement & Headshot

  ● Include a recent headshot of yourself. This will help us connect the artist to the art work.
  ● Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
  1. Why does art interest you?
  2. What is your favorite art material to use and why?
  3. What do you hope to learn in our high school art program?
     
     
     

  SUBMITTING YOUR PORTFOLIO

  Applicants may submit their portfolio digitally via email Pamela Bowman, or via usb drive. USB drives should be mailed to NFMHS, attention Mel Lindsay Bowman, Visual Arts Department Head by February 2, 2025. Please submit all digital images as either JPEG or PNG format.   Please include the following information in your submission: student name, student ID #, and NFMHS Center for Arts & Media Audition: Visual Arts 2D/3D Portfolio.

  *WE DISCOURAGE PORTFOLIOS CONSISTING ONLY OF ANIME, CARTOONS OR SUPERHERO IMAGES.*

  
  PART TWO: ON SITE AUDITION

  The 90 minute audition will consist of drawing from observation and another artistic challenge to be determined. You do not need to bring any drawing materials as they will be provided. Audition drawings will remain in the application file.

   Preparing for the Audition

  ● Practice drawing from observation (i.e. still-life). Focus on shading to create a piece that demonstrates a wide range of values.  Focus on correct proportions.  Overlap objects to create a sense of depth. Gather interesting collections of objects to draw.  Fill the whole page.
  ● Ask your art teacher to critique your work and provide feedback.

If you have any questions about the requirements detailed above please contact Mel Lindsay Bowman [email protected] and/or Special Programs Coordinator Nancy Eskay, [email protected]

Visual Arts Program Contacts