The 14th Conservatory
7th – 12 Grades: Combining innovation and tradition with a stimulating and creative environment, the Visual Arts Conservatory encourages students to discover themselves as new artists. The curriculum combines classical and modern art history with a wide range of fine art studio work. The course options and curriculum are equivalent to that of competitive arts colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge through discussion, written word, class critiques, and visual expression in their studio courses. Visual Arts students participate in two gallery exhibits each year in professional gallery spaces.
Director, Visual Arts Conservatory: Paige Oden ~ paige.oden@ocsarts.net | 714-560-5820
View the Visual Arts Conservatory Curriculum
Discussion
4 Responses to “Visual Arts”
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I am OCSAmama
I'm a mom, a writer, and apparently a blogger with two children who attend Orange County School of the Arts. I crave good information and LOVE to ask questions. But now I have all this stuff in my head. Oh well, it's okay because I love to chat and share. Go ahead and pick my brain.
I am new to your blog and have been researching OCSA for my 10 year old daughter who is visually artistic. Do the conservatories cost and if so, about how much? I know this is a publicly funded charter school, but would like a range of expected parent donation. Also, she is currently in 5th grade. Would going to the preview day this fall be too early to visit the school (should we wait till next fall)? One more question, would you recommend going to the K-8th art academy (OCEAA) prior to attending OCSA? Thank you for your time and information!
Tawny
Posted by Tawny Mayfield | September 21, 2012, 2:18 pmHi Tawny!
You’re a planner…good for you! Doing your research now means you will be prepared, and I think that is a key to acceptance. The schools is ‘free’ but conservatory (what I call the ‘art part’) is donation dependent as it is not funded by the state. And, it’s conservatory that makes OCSA — OCSA. In general you can count on contributing about $3,500 to $4,000 per year to fund your daughter’s conservatory. There are other opportunities to give and fundraise that you can participate in as you desire. For example, the Annual Gala event raising a lot of money for OCSA and tickets are about $350 each; you can join Encore at many levels; or participate in a variety of other optional programs, events, etc. that help support the school. Remember though that OCSA ‘no student is admitted or denied based upon financial capacity’ so don’t let finances deter you. They are several opportunities for personal fundraising efforts that go directly to fund your child’s conservatory as well. You will learn about this as you go through the process.
As far as Preview Days go, you’re technically a year too early since she won’t be able to audition until next year, but you know what? I say go! Go and get all of the information and you will have a whole year to work on her portfolio and get prepared for her audition. It absolutely can’t hurt and I believe knowing what the conservatory director’s expectations are can only help you. Plus, it might get your daughter excited and motivated to work hard this year so that’s she’s well positioned for acceptance.
Laslty, OCEAA and OCSA are really connected except by geography. I don’t know too much about OCEAA except what I’ve ready on its website, and I do know that OCSA students have an opportunity to volunteer to serve as OCEAA counselors. Seems like an great program and I am sure it’s a good school. I don’t know anyone who’s attended.
I hope this helps! Preview Days start on October 13th and they fill up fast so be sure to sign up to be notified about RSVPs. They were supposed to have started at the end of last week but it looks like that didn’t happen. Most likely it will be this week, or very soon.
Good luck to you!
OCSAmama
Posted by OCSAmama | September 23, 2012, 11:20 amAny websites that showcase student work?
Posted by Charlie Huyck | August 11, 2012, 9:41 amHi Charlie!
Not that I am aware of. The Visual Arts Conservatory does have a Facebook page which includes lots of pictures of student work and posts about showings. Good idea though!
OCSAmama
Posted by OCSAmama | August 11, 2012, 12:31 pm