Summer of Art

Experience Otis College’s Premiere Pre-College Program

High School Creatives Earn College Credit and Build Their Portfolios

July 7-August 1, 2025

Summer of Art at Otis College of Art and Design is an immersive pre-college experience designed for high school students and young creatives ages 14.5 to 19. This intensive four-week program gives you the opportunity to explore college-level courses in art and design, refine your skills, and build your portfolio in a dynamic, studio-based environment. Full-day students can also earn three transferable college credits, gaining valuable academic experience while preparing for their future in the arts.

Whether you're an experienced artist looking to advance your practice or just beginning your creative journey, Summer of Art provides the tools, mentorship, and inspiration to help you grow. Study with professional artists and designers, engage in hands-on projects, and experience what it’s like to be a student at one of the nation's top art and design colleges.

Discover Summer at Otis College

Join us for a virtual or in-person information session to learn more about our Summer of Art program. Explore course offerings, get an inside look at the experience, and ask your questions during a live Q&A. These sessions are perfect for students, parents, art educators, and counselors eager to learn more. Register today, and we’ll send you the Zoom link to join!

April Information Session

Saturday, April 19
11:00 a.m.–noon PST
In-person at Otis College

Get Ready for Summer

Courses

Coursework includes demonstrations, hands-on learning, lectures, and critiques in a chosen Specialization and/or Drawing Studio. Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive three college credits for the entire full-day, 5-day-a-week program or one college credit for individual classes.

Housing

Housing for Summer of Art students is available at the Otis College Residence Hall. Residential students have the opportunity to experience college life and develop a creative community with their peers.

Instructors

Summer of Art courses are taught by award-winning, practicing, creative professionals. Our courses offer students a unique insight into the working lives of artists and designers. Many of our instructors teach in Otis College's undergraduate and graduate programs.

Final Exhibition

Summer of Art culminates in a final exhibition, providing students the experience of being part of a gallery show with their peers while sharing their work with family and friends.

Summer of Art Program Benefits

Preparation for College Admission

By participating in critiques and developing a portfolio, students are able to strengthen their college applications and gain insight into what admissions counselors look for in portfolios.

Vibrant Campus in Los Angeles

Otis College offers a vibrant and multicultural campus located in one of the most creative cities in the world, offering endless inspiration and networking opportunities within Los Angeles' thriving art and design community.

Earn College Credit

Students who enroll in a full-day schedule (a Specialization paired with a partnered Drawing course) will earn three college credits towards FNDT103 Expanded Studio Drawing: Drawing from Observation requirement in the Foundation year at Otis and other institutions that accept college credit.

Access to Industry-Experienced Faculty

Students have the chance to learn from Otis College’s renowned faculty, all of whom are practicing professionals in their fields, providing both mentorship and expert insights.

The instructors have been phenomenal. They are knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about teaching. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me improve my skills."

—Sourodip Das, Summer of Art Student

It was a great experience to go through so many consecutive days and hours of art. I finally got to experience a more professional setting of art. I also was able to revisit my fine arts skills, which I rarely do."

—Marley Thornson, Summer of Art Student

I feel more prepared to major in design for college and now have a portfolio piece and what good design entails!"

—Caroline Kim, Summer of Art Student

The course was well-organized, material clearly presented and I felt that my own goals as well as the goals and learning objectives of the course were well met!"

—Alyse Ochinak, Summer of Art Student

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