Art students cross the border to get feedback
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Students consult experts from across the country to find out how to get their work noticed and into a gallery one day. This was the first year that representatives from three different art schools provided feedback.
Photo by IITS-Creative Media Services
Roughly 400 art students submitted their work to the critics on Jan. 28. It was Portfolio Day, a chance for current and prospective art students to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of their portfolios.
The event, held in conjunction with the university’s recruitment Open House, was the brainchild of Fine Arts recruitment officer Amanda French.
“It took a while for the Faculty to get on board, but this is the third year we have held such an event,” she said. “I hope this idea of collaboration between Canadian art institutions will continue to grow in Montreal.”
This year’s edition, held in the EV building, included the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and Vancouver’s Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.
Constructive feedback from established professors and graduate students often gives an art student more focus and confidence. For added incentive, the event did not require prior registration.
Fine Arts student counsellor Perla Muyal, who worked with French on the event throughout December and January, said it drew students from all over Quebec, Ontario and the northeastern states.
Cat Harris, 18, came with her parents from New Hampshire and felt the trip was worthwhile. “Yes, absolutely. It was very informative, and helped me with direction.”
Besides interviews, Portfolio Day included a Student Photo-graphy and Print Media sale, tours of the EV facility, studio arts presentations, and a demonstration by the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. Representatives from every facet of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts were available for face time with the young hopefuls.
Looking ahead to next year, French would like to include more schools. “We hope that every year it’ll become more and more Canadian. We just want it to get bigger and bigger.”
French hopes next year’s Portfolio Day includes the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).