Students from AACC and area high schools on Thursday showed their artwork to representatives from colleges with significant art programs.

Representatives from 17 local colleges and universities gathered in CADE 219 for AACC’s annual Pathways to Art School: Student Portfolio Review Night, a college fair-style portfolio showcase.

“There are many opportunities to go to an art school,” visual arts professor Eric Dunham said. “And [students] shouldn’t limit themselves by distance, or money, because there’s a lot of scholarship opportunities. It’s their chance to pursue their dream.” 

Eight of the colleges offered an in-depth look into their specific transfer programs. They were University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Baltimore; Maryland Institute College of Art; Towson University; Salisbury University; Stevenson University; Virginia Commonwealth University; and Washington College.

“I just wanted to try going to this type of event and just learn, like, how it is to present my portfolio,” Katie Brunton, a first-year art student at AACC, said. “And what exactly colleges are interested in looking at. [I’m submitting] a lot of digital stuff, and some paperwork from class. And some more personal stuff.” 

While waiting to speak with a representative from Towson University, Nia Evans, a senior from Crofton High School, expressed her excitement to learn about the fashion industry. 

“I want to look into the different colleges and their advertising and marketing programs,” Evans said. “Hopefully, someone will have, specifically, a fashion marketing program.”