So your child wants to be an artist?

Students are invited to attend BBAC's Career Day (Getty Images).

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is inviting high school artists to attend BBAC College Day, March 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.

There was a time when parents would discourage a child who wanted to pursue an art career. But artists are no longer starving. They’re getting educated – through creative arts college and university programs and they’re finding work in a variety of fields.

The event at the art center gives aspiring young artists a chance to meet with faculty and admission staff from more than 10 schools including Georgia’s Savannah College of Art & Design who can help them with their future aspirations. “This is a perfect opportunity for a student considering going into art and design,” said Annie Van Gelderen, president and CEO of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

Students can bring in their portfolio and meet one-on-one with faculty members who will review their work and offer suggestions such as classes that might further their skills along. Participants also can speak with admission counselors regarding requirements or even scholarships that might be available.

Schools in attendance for the event include the College for Creative Studies, Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University’s Department of Art and Design, Center for Design at Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University’s Department of Art, Art History and Design, Oakland Community College, Savannah College of Art & Design, The Art Institutes, Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan, James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Art. “To have all of these colleges here under, one roof, as opposed to traversing to all of them is a great opportunity,” Van Gelderen said. Even if it’s just to walk around and see what the schools might have to offer in the way of programs.

The Friday before the event, BBAC will present an exhibit of artwork submitted by area students for the biannual Regional High School Competition. 

Shown here are a few examples of the work submitted by students in Christine Ritchie's class at L'Anse Cruese High School.

Jacob Bellows, Grade 12
Caution
Color pencil

Cody Schulz, Grade 12

Reflection

Woodcut relief print

Digital photography art shown below created by students in Debra Groth's class at Dakota High School in Macomb.

 

Danielle Cerullo, Grade 12

Top photo: Reoccuring Sparks

Photo right: Reassembled

Rachel Rosquin, Grade 12
iLive for the City

Alexandra Djuric, Grade 12

Endless Laughter 

Nearly $135,000 in scholarships will be awarded to artists not only who place in the competition but whose work has made an impression on schools attending BBAC Career Day.

The event promises to be an informative and inspirational event said Van Gelderen. Plus, it’s free and no registration is required. 

For those looking for after school instruction registration for the spring term at BBAC (April 14 - June 21) is now open. The BBAC is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit the BBAC at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center or call 248-644-0866.