Art
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Portfolio Guidelines and Requirements

SLIDES OR CD
All off campus applicants should submit a slide or CD portfolio (or drop off original works in a protective case) consisting of 15 to 20 pieces of work with an accompanying inventory list. To return your slides or other materials, a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) or suitable box mailer should be included with your portfolio. Your portfolio must include examples of the following:

NOTE: Current Gordon Students may submit original work for their portfolios 

  • Drawings in pencil, charcoal, conté crayon, and other drawing media executed by direct observation (not from photographs); subject matter may include figure, still life, landscape, and architecture
  • Works employing some color media either through paintings, pastels, colored pencils, or collage
  • Works showing the breadth of your art experience (i.e. three-dimensional work)

  • Sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, or other mixed-media creative work

HOME EXAM
All applicants must submit a home exam consisting of four original drawings. You should submit the home exam with your slide or CD portfolio. Include an SASE for the return of your drawings. Drawings should not be matted or mounted but neatly presented. Drawings should be no smaller than 8" x 10". The criteria for the home exam are as follows: 

  • A self-portrait in pencil (using a mirror); colored pencil is also acceptable
  • A direct observational drawing of some technical object, such as a bicycle
  • A drawing or painting in color; either representational or non-representational
  • A drawing, painting, collage, or design of your own choosing; any media

ESSAY
All applicants must submit an essay (2 pages minimum) stating why they would like to study art at a Christian liberal arts college such as Gordon. Please discuss the connection between your art and your Christian faith.

INTERVIEW (optional)
After the initial submission of materials (slides or CD, home exam, and essay), applicants may request an interview with one of the members of the Art Faculty at Gordon College, but this is not a requirement.

If you do come for an interview, you are welcome to bring original examples of your work, but this does not exempt you from the portfolio requirements. Interview can be conducted during your visit to a GE Day.

To schedule an interview, contact:
Admissions Office
Gordon College
p: 978.927.2300 x4218
e: admissions@gordon.edu

SENDING MATERIALS
Receipt of all materials (portfolio, home exam, and essay) must be submitted for early decision by December 1st and for normal notification, no later than March 1st.

Send all materials to:

Attn: Jim Zingarelli, Department Chair
Gordon College Department of Art
The Barrington Center for the Arts
255 Grapevine Road
Wenham, MA 01984