Student Resources


Mason has a broad range of resources available to help students on the road to their degrees. Check out the resource page for students for information on everything from the campus bookstore to the Counseling Center, from Student Government to the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Be sure to check out information on free tickets to on-campus performing arts events, available to all full-time Mason students. The Johnson Center Cinema shows recent major releases and indie films Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. Mason students get in free with ID; guests pay $3.

SoA Print Studio
SoA Print serves students, faculty, and the greater community with laser proofs, scans, and exhibition-quality inkjet prints. This state-of-the-art facility is located in the School of Art, Art and Design Building, Room 1011. For more information, please visit the website at http://soaprint.gmu.edu or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/soaprint or send an email to soaprint@gmu.edu.

Portfolio Resources
Instructions for portfolio presentation for admission to the major in the School of Art:

(You may also Download these instructions.)

Portfolio Required Elements:

YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR G NUMBER WITH ALL CORRESPONDENCE.
Original works are a required element of the portfolio. Optional elements of the portfolio may
include digital images or files on CD.
Your portfolio for admission to the AVT major should include the following items:
• 2-4 examples of 2-dimensional design (examples - color, value and perspective, focus on
design rather than observation, etc.)
• 2-4 examples of 3-dimensional design (sculpture, ceramics etc.) If some of your
examples are too large to bring in, photos of these items are acceptable
• 2-4 examples of drawing from direct observation (still life, landscapes, not drawings from
photographs, etc.)
• Bring 1 copy of your unofficial transcripts.
Your portfolio may also include these optional elements:
Up to 3 examples from the following categories:
Photography, Digital Art, Graphic Design, 3-dimensional design, Sculpture,
Printmaking, Painting.

If you live out of state and are unable to have an in person review of your portfolio, you may send a Mac compatible CD with examples and descriptions of the artwork. Please write your G number (you received this after you submitted your application to admissions) on the front of the CD.

  • Describe the work (size, type of medium). 
  • What level and institute your work came from.
  • One page statement of content of your art studies at George Mason University.
  • Please indicate if you will be a freshman or transfer student and your area of interest.
  • Include your email address and a phone number where you can be reached.

Send to:
Peter Winant
George Mason University
School of Art
Art and Design Building – 1C3
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA  22030

Please call the SOA office at (703) 993-8898 for available times.

Transfer Students:
Portfolio reviews are required for all transfer student applicants, and must be done before
the Admissions Office considers their application complete.

Freshmen Students:
Incoming freshmen may request a portfolio review prior to acceptance to the university,
but it is not required before their applications are complete. However, all freshmen are
required to have a portfolio review within one semester of taking their first studio art
course at Mason, and cannot be formally accepted into the AVT major until the portfolio
review is complete.

Career Resources
Wondering what you can do with a degree from the School of Art? Near graduation and looking for a job? Check out these great websites to help you jump-start your career in the Arts.

For Graphic Design and Digital Art Concentrations

1. http://www.estetica-design-forum.com/:  a forum for graphic and webdesigners.

2. http://www.graphic-design-blog.com/:  graphic design and web design blog.

3.  There are many more websites like the 2 listings above, if you are interested in graphic design and web design.  They can be found at: http://www.sketchee.com/920/12-social-sites-for-artists-designers.

For All Concentrations

1. This artist’s blog, “Artists Emerging: One artist's struggles and triumphs in starting an art career”, can be accessed through the artist’s website at: http://www.deannawood.com/.  Posts on writing an artist’s resume, pricing your artwork,  how galleries choose an artist, and much more.

2. http://www.artisthelpnetwork.com/: a free information service designed to help artists take control of their careers. The network assists artists in locating information, resources, guidance, and advice on a comprehensive range of career-related topics. Focuses primarily on subjects of interest to fine artists. People working in the applied arts, arts administration, and arts-related fields will also find this site useful.

3. http://www.wwar.com/: World Wide Arts Resources.  The largest site for contemporary art, art news, art history, contemporary artist and gallery portfolios, online since 1995.

4. http://www.artcalendar.com/ppv/:  Online business magazine for artists.  Helpful online videos such as “getting into galleries, clients and commissions, the beginning basics of building your career.” Artist’s profiles and blogs, much more.

5. http://myrejectionletters.blogspot.com/: “Rejection Letters of an Emerging Artist” by Suzanne Melbourne, a fulltime painter and photographer.
“As a modern day fulltime, emerging, fine artist with the world at her fingertips thanks to technology as it is, I have found myself in a unique position to document my efforts to promote myself. This site offers me the opportunity to share my experiences along the way with other emerging artists out there.”

6. http://www.nyfa.org/login.asp?id=8:  New York Foundation for the Arts.
NYFA's mission is to empower artists at critical stages in their creative lives. NYFA is the largest provider of grants, services, and information to artists working in all disciplines in the United States.

7. http://www.artdeadlineslist.com/:  Art contests and competitions, art jobs and internships, art scholarships and grants and fellowships, art festivals, call for entries/proposals/projects, and other opportunities, in all disciplines, for art students, art teachers, and artists of all ages.

8. http://www.lynndunham.blogspot.com/:  Art News, A Creative Resource for Artists, Collectors, Dealers and Curators.  Subscribe and get updates on the latest in the art world.