Step 1: Application
Complete the online application before the deadline and choose an appointment for your in-person "still life" drawing. The current application link will be posted early in the calendar year for the upcoming school year.
Step 2: "Audition" / Portfolio
Submit eight (8) to ten (10) examples of what you feel best demonstrates your talent. Work submitted can be in any style or medium and should show a dedication to and investment in innovation and exploration. Students should select work that best shows their personal style, technical skills, ideas and creative approaches to a broad spectrum of subject matter and materials. This can include mixed media design, drawing, painting, watercolor, ceramics and sculpture. Please include photographs of all 3-D art rather than submitting them along with your portfolio. Only submit finished pieces. Please submit artwork in a black zippered portfolio or something similar so that all pieces can be kept together. Include a Cover Page briefly describing yourself, your previous experience with the visual arts, and why you would like to attend Idaho Fine Arts Academy. Also, include your name, grade you are applying for, and your phone number.
Each piece of artwork needs an "Artist Statement". Artist Statements should include: title of the art piece, date the art work was created, media used, and a short synopsis that explains your inspiration, motivation, or process for the piece of artwork. Artist Statements should be typed or neatly written and use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Artist Statements can be attached to the back of the artwork as long as they are still visible within the portfolio. If the back of the artwork is not visible (like in some plastic sleeve portfolios), you can place the artwork on the right side and the corresponding Artist Statement on the left.
Submit all artwork to the office on the day of auditions when you arrive for your "still life" drawing. You may not submit a portfolio or participate in the "still life" audition unless the application for admission is complete. Portfolios received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Please bring a current photo (5x7 or smaller) with you to the audition-interview for all majors or in your portfolio. You may include this on a resume with a list of schools, studios, theaters or programs where the applicant has received training.
Step 3: Judging & Notification
Your Portfolio will typically be judged within a week of auditions. You will be notified by email at the end of March of your acceptance or position on the waitlist.
Step 4: Acceptance/Confirmation
If you have been accepted, you must confirm your acceptance by the officially listed deadline. Failure to confirm your acceptance by the deadline indicates that you are not interested in attending Idaho Fine Arts Academy and you decline this placement offer. All instructions will be outlined in your acceptance letter.
Still Life (Live Draw) Expectation:
The still life drawing portion of your audition will be done at IFAA on the date of auditions. You must sign up for an audition slot and complete the still life drawing in person. This needs to a 30 minute drawing of an object such as a vase, mug, shoe, or something simple that you can set in front of you on your table at home. Please use regular graphite drawing pencils on drawing paper for your surface to complete this. Fill the page with your drawing, including a full range of values, detail, shadows and correct proportions. Include this drawing at the end of your portfolio submission. Be sure to label this as your STILL LIFE DRAWING. The still life drawing will be worth 10 points of the 60 total portfolio points. Practice drawing objects! Find something lying around your house and take 30 minutes to draw it out - include shading, detail, correct proportions, and a full range of values.
