Special Programs → High School Programs → Visual Art Center (VAC)

Visual Art Center (VAC)

Program Description

The Visual Art Center (VAC) offers students a broad perspective of the fine arts and deepens their understanding of the opportunities for art-related careers through exposure to art history, contemporary artists and artwork. This rigorous and comprehensive program, directed toward portfolio development, enables students to realize and achieve their full potential in visual art. Lessons consist of lectures, demonstrations, slide presentations, studio activities, assigned research and group critiques. Most graduating students study fine arts or commercial art at a higher level.

Students will have the opportunity to:

  • Study commercial design techniques using digital cameras and computer graphics software
  • Receive a strong classical foundation in drawing, painting, and art history
  • Receive recognition in Art Recognition and Talent Search, a program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts
  • Win national, regional, and local awards, as well as scholarships to some of the country’s most prestigious schools

Admission

Application (More about admissions)

Admission to the MCPS Visual Art Center (VAC) at Albert Einstein High School is selective. Criteria used to evaluate candidates include previous art courses completed, review of a student’s work or portfolio, a personal interview, a teacher recommendation, and submission of a recent student transcript showing scholastic achievement.

Region

Countywide (More about regions)

The countywide program is open to applicants from all high school clusters in the county. Students may opt to take a combination of courses at their home high school and the VAC, or they may opt to transfer to Albert Einstein High School.

Transportation

Consortia Neighborhood Stops (More about transportation)

Downcounty Consortium (DCC) resident students who have been assigned to Einstein through the choice process and have been accepted into the Visual Arts Center will be provided transportation from Consortia neighborhood stops. Students not assigned to Einstein HS are responsible for providing their own transportation

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