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ADMISSIONS

LACHSA  |  APPLY  |  VISUAL ARTS

ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION
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VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Thank you for your interest in applying to the LACHSA Visual Arts Department!  Please review the following requirements for applying to our department.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • The requirements below are subject to change.

  • All auditions, callbacks and/or portfolio reviews will be done in person unless otherwise noted and could be subject to change. 

IMPORTANT DATES

January 5, 2027:

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  • Online Application Submission Due Date

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January 9, 2027:

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  • Pre-Audition: Live Draw

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January 23, 2027:

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  • Callback: Portfolio Review, & Interview

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February 26, 2027:

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  • Decision letters emailed​

OVERVIEW   |  APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP ONE

Fully complete and submit the LACHSA online application by January 5, 2027. 

STEP TWO

Attend the Pre-Audition: Live Draw at LACHSA on Saturday, January 9, 2027 

STEP THREE

A limited number of applicants will be invited to a live callback audition at LACHSA on January 23, 2027.

If granted a callback, see requirements below.

Please allow ample time to complete the application form. Late or incomplete online applications and/or portfolios will not be viewed or considered. The time and scheduling of the Live Draw and the Portfolio Review &Applicant Interview and Live Draw are determined by the number of applicants.

PLEASE NOTE - The Live Draw, Portfolio Review, and Applicant Interview are granted only if all general requirements for attending LACHSA have been met.

PRE-AUDITION: LIVE DRAW   |  REQUIREMENTS

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  • Live Draw

    • Applicants will have 25 minutes to observe and draw 3-5 objects in a complex still life.

    • All supplies will be provided

    • Applicants scoring at least 70% will be invited to the Portfolio Review & Interview at CALL BACK.

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AUDITION: PORTFOLIO   |  REQUIREMENTS

After successfully submitting the LACHSA application and attending the pre-audition live draw, a limited number of applicants will be invited to participate in a live callback audition. During the callbacks, applicants will be asked to show their portfolio and participate in an interview.

 

  • Applicant Portfolio MUST contain 9 pieces total. A sketchbook is optional and may be included only if it has been filled.​

  • These 9 pieces include the following 3 required assignments and adhere to the Portfolio Guidelines listed here:

REQUIRED 3 ASSIGNMENTS

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  1. Create a piece of art from your imagination. It should be mixed media, incorporating more than one medium.

    The subject matter should be social, political or personal.

    Write a few sentences describing your idea and the imagery you used. Attach this to the back of the piece.
     

  2. From observation, create a still life which features 3-5 objects.  The still life can be a painting or drawing and must be in color.
     

  3. Create a piece of art about a place. The place can be real or imagined.

PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES

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  • Portfolios should be presented clearly and contain current artwork from the last two years.

  • Only original artwork is accepted, no plagiarism, no anime, cartoons or comics (no direct copies of other artists).

  • 2-D artwork that exceeds 30” x 40” or 3D artwork may be shown outside the portfolio and is the responsibility of the student.

  • 3-D work can be represented through photography (up to 3 views per piece).

  • Video or animation may be shown on a laptop or tablet provided by student.

  • Your portfolio should Include several examples of work from observation (still life, figure, self-portrait, etc.)

  • Include a variety of mediums (charcoal, pastel, paint, photography, etc.)

PORTFOLIO REVIEW PROCESS:

 

  • Each student will meet with a panel of teaching artists from the Visual Arts Department to present their portfolio of artwork. The panel will interview each candidate while reviewing their portfolio. The student will be asked to speak about their artwork as well as their interest in attending LACHSA.

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Please note: The student’s artwork should be organized in a professional portfolio format for presentation. There is no need to purchase an expensive portfolio case. A hand-made portfolio can be made of stiff cardboard or foam core and fastened with strong duct tape. Please make sure it is secure on all sides with string.​

The portfolio remains the student’s responsibility at all times.

The LACHSA Visual Arts Department is an intense four-year program and is recommended for entry at the ninth grade. However, consideration will be given to incoming tenth grade students who can demonstrate exceptional potential and previous training. If accepted, a 10th grader will be asked to take some required 9th grade classes.

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