Evaluation of potential honors students is based equally upon both scholastic achievements and creative potential. All applicants must submit:

  • Completed Performing and Creative Arts Application
  • Freshman Application Form for the Department of Visual Studies. If this form was omitted from your package, please request one by calling the Visual Studies Department office, (716) 645-6878
  • A personal statement (500 words) describing creative strengths, personal goals, interests, and reasons for pursuing a degree in Art at the University at Buffalo
  • Name, school address, and phone number of art instructor(s) at the high school you attended
  • A letter of recommendation from an art instructor
  • A portfolio of original artwork (guidelines below) to be brought (do not send) to a pre-arranged interview

In-person portfolio interviews are optional for Creative Arts Scholarship applicants.  You may obtain an interview by calling Visual Studies at (716) 645-6878, between mid January and early February.  Appointments are scheduled for the month of February.  If traveling to Buffalo presents a hardship for you, arrangements can be made for a slide portfolio to be submitted – please contact us in advance for slide portfolio guidelines.

We recommend that you mail a CD portfolio containing around 15-20 art projects/works executed in a variety of media. If you have sculpture, three-dimensional or oversized work, you should provide two different views.  If possible include a selection of 8 1/2 X 11 photo-copy from your smaller sketchbooks and/or figure drawings done from life. Do not include any art projects that were copied from photographs or other artwork. We do not review cartoon drawings of fantasy landscape or action figures. Include a one page list or outline that describes each work and a one page essay that explains what inspires you to be an artist or designer. Include what career goals you might have.

We are looking for open-minded students who show evidence of conceptual ability and development, along with a heightened sensitivity to the visual world. Work that shows experimentation with materials and thematic development is especially useful to present. Your CD Portfolio should represent your best efforts, and should include some work done independently outside of the classroom environment. Please send all materials to:

Kim Yarwood, Academic Advisor

  • Department of Visual Studies, 205 Center for the Artsl
  • University at Buffalo
  • Buffalo, New York 14260-6010
  • Phone: (716) 645-0537
  • E-Mail: yarwood@buffalo.edu