MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Develop your skills and voice, build a head-turning body of work, and learn how to thrive working with art galleries and clients.
Not sure if this is the right program for you? Book a consultation now.
Stand out from the crowd
Whether you want to show your artwork in renowned galleries, network with collectors, or explore other avenues within the industry, the Fine Arts Program equips you with technical skills, hands-on assignments, and industry guidance to chart out a career in the fine arts industry. This track assists you in establishing your style, voice, and critical business skills.
The Fine Arts Program consists of 3, 10 week long courses.
Course 1.
Build your Skills & Identify Goals
Overview: This course is designed to help you outline your professional goals and explore genres that align with your unique style and interests. Under the close guidance of a mentor, you will refine your skills, elevate your technique, and cultivate a distinctive artistic voice that sets you apart in the gallery art world.
Instructor: Cassandra Loomis Kim
Course 2.
Polish skills, find you voice, & outline career strategy
Overview: This comprehensive course takes you on a profound exploration of career mapping and skill development. With a primary focus on refining technique and solidifying your unique style and voice, this course offers an enriching experience that propels your artistry to new heights. Working alongside a highly experienced mentor, you will receive the guidance and support necessary to unleash your artistic potential.
Instructor: Raymond Bonilla
Course 3.
Market, network, and pursue a career with your art
Overview: This co-taught course is the finishing installment of the Fine Arts Program. Students will complete and compile a body of work as they prepare to confidently approach galleries. This course outlines effective career strategies, from networking and marketing, to presentation and salesmanship as well as gallery expectations and norms.
Instructors: Raymond Bonilla & John English
Each semester features 7 guest artists and directors who have risen to the top of their industry, giving you access to their craft, process, and industry wisdom.
Ask questions, join the discussion, and gain industry knowledge from high-caliber professionals.
Your instructors are seasoned pros, with experience working with galleries and selling original art to collectors and clients around the world. As you progress through the program, these artists act as your professional compass, helping you develop creative abilities, techniques, and entrepreneurial skills.
Skill & Style for Gallery Arts
Gallery Inventory & Career Research
Career Development for Fine Arts
Fine Arts Program featured on Studio Bridge
We assembled the VAP Fine Arts Program (Raymond Bonilla, Cassandra Loomis Kim, and John English) for a roundtable discussion on industry navigation. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to thrive as a fine artist.
Need help determining if this is the right path for your professional and artistic development? Book a free Zoom call with our Program Director to discuss your goals and the resources offered at Visual Arts Passage.
Alana Tedmon attended and completed the Mentorship Programs at VAP, studying with artists such as Audrey Benjaminsen, Edward Kinsella, and Sterling Hundley.
No. Students only commit to one mentorship course per semester. Once you complete a course, you can register for the next course, to continue your progress in the mentorship program.
The Mentorship Program can be complete within a 12 month period. It is not unusual for students to repeat the final course in the program, Career Development, if they choose to have continued coaching from Visual Arts Passage mentors.
The Mentorship program is a "get out of it, what you put in" experience. That being said, our courses are structured to accommodate individuals with a busy schedule. We recommend setting aside a minimum of 3 hours for your live course and 2 hours to complete assignments and course work. We highly encourage students to commit more time if their schedule allows.
Mentorship courses enroll 4 times per year, during the winter, spring, summer, and fall semester. You can view the program calendar here.
We recommend that most students start with the first course in the Illustration Program, Process: Skill & Craft. Highly experienced students may qualify to attend the second course in the program, Ideation & Visual Storytelling. If you are not sure, feel free to send your work to hello@visualartspassage.com and a team member will get back to you with a recommendation shortly.
Each course in the Illustration Mentorship Program is $1199.
