CAM Summer Fellowship Program identifies fellows through a competitive process. The first step is applying for the program through our website. You will need to prepare a high-quality portfolio of work with clear examples of original artwork. This is what we recommend for portfolio submissions:
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1. Create 3 to 5 original artworks using direct observation. Direct observational work can take many forms. Some examples are: Still lifes, self-portraits, plein air drawings & paintings, blind contours, shading studies, mark-making studies, color studies and figure drawing.

2. Create 3 to 5 original artworks using your own style and technique. When creating these works, please consider your concept or theme. * The chosen medium is entirely up to what is accessible to you, but CAM recommends the following mediums: charcoal, conte, ink wash, watercolor, acrylic paint, colored pencil and graphite. If you only have access to graphite pencils, we recommend experimenting with shading, mark-making and linework.

3. Document your 6 to 10 pieces with high-quality photos. When taking high-quality photos, ensure that you have bright and even lighting that does not cast shadows on your work. Ensure that the photos of your work are not angled. Instead, they should be straight-on and centered in the frame. Modern phones have the capability of taking high-quality photos. When uploading your artwork to the computer, check to see that it is uploaded with the highest quality settings possible.

Next, please thoughtfully answer the questions, submit your grades and secure up to 3 recommendation letters from an art teacher, counselor, teacher, pastor, etc. CAM's mission is to develop a pipeline of artistic talent; priority for acceptance is given to those applicants who envision an education or career in the arts. Applicants must be high schoolers currently in 10th or 11th grades. During the Summer Fellowship, all students must be rising 11th and 12th graders. If you have applied before and were not accepted, you can re-apply. ***The deadline for 2024 applications is February 1,2024.**

All applications will be reviewed by a CAM Jury, composed of working artists. The final step is an interview with the CAM team.

CAM 2024 Fellows will be notified of their acceptance to the Summer Fellowship by March 8, 2024. Each Cohort cam only accept 25 Fellows.

CAM understands that not all students have access to in-school arts programming and quality materials. We accept all forms of art in your portfolio of work. Drawings, sculptures, photography, paintings, prints, sketchbook work, animations, or digital work are all accepted. Find the space and time to create work, whether it is in your bedroom, kitchen, living room, school cafeteria, or classroom. Some amazing work can be done quickly in a sketchbook with limited time. Document your work to the best of your ability. Your instructors may be able to help you with this, but if that is not possible, find a space that has even, natural light and take a few clear, and focused photos. Limit shadows and crop the images down so that the art fills the whole image. For your benefit, we have purposefully ensured a lengthier application period so you can have time to develop these creative expressions for your application.

Yes! In our application process, the greatest weight is given to your original artwork. You may offer an explanation of your academic record in the written portion of your application and at your interview. CAM is also cognizant of access and understanding not all young people have shared the same educational and artistic supports. Our Fellowship will proudly be representative of the community we serve.

Fellows must be available to attend all four weeks of the CAM Summer Fellowship. There are no variances from an abbreviated Fellowship or stay-at-home option to maintain program integrity. There will be a "Signing" Day on Saturday, April 13, 2024 that is mandatory for all invited Fellows and their parent(s) or guardians to attend. Paperwork will be completed and head shots will be taken at this event (time and location TBA). Details will be provided at this event about packing, policies and procedures, etc. There will also be an Orientation Session on Saturday, May 4th, 2024; all Fellows will have the opportunity to meet prior to the start of the June Fellowship.

CAM Summer Fellowship Program is an on-site, sleep away immersive experience at St. Columba Retreat Center located in North Memphis. We have a separate CAM-only building on the campus, where Fellows will sleep, eat, learn, create and enjoy the beautiful, forested campus. Fellows will be housed in dormitory style rooms (2/room with shared bathrooms); there is a "mess hall," large hall for educational programming and screened in porches. Fellows will travel to the University of Memphis Monday-Thursday for university instructor led sessions, both in the morning and afternoon. Fellows will have the opportunity to earn dual enrollment (college credit) if they meet UofM criteria. Between Friday - Sunday, Fellows will experience local Memphis cultural institutions and a few spots to just have fun! Fellows will also participate in educational, professional and personal Pathways sessions, designed to help build their knowledge base. It's important to know that we will be asking Fellows to be "in the moment" -- to build community with their peers on campus. For this reason, there will be times without cell phone usage. (Parents/Guardians: Please note that there is a staff member with a phone at all times.) Fellows are also discouraged from leaving campus regularly during the Memphis-based program. (However, we do understand if an occasion comes up - medical, a religious service etc.)

New York City is a truly special experience - it is a big, bustling city that offers so many cultural activities. Fellows will be flying there; CAM staff will arrange ticketing and all logistics. Prior to the trip, Fellows will receive a briefing and a "travel 101" to help the group prepare for the experience. While in New York, Fellows will get to visit Derek's studio, spend time getting to see some university campuses, visiting galleries, iconic museums like The Met and meeting other artists. It's a fast-paced trip to a city of 8.3 million; we use private motor coach to move around the city. Fellows will have their phones available during this portion of CAM.

All high-school alumni then participate in Year-Round Programming. Artist-led courses will be hosted 1-2 times per month in select locations; courses will include oil painting, portfolio development, color theory, figure drawing, etc. The CAM Team will also be working with Fellows (and their families as needed) on the college application process - including FASFA, portfolio building and documentation. CAM is working to secure scholarship dollars for Fellows within the leading arts programs and arts institutions. Fellows that actively participate in Year-Round Programming can also participate in Spring Break; in 2024, the group will travel to Atlanta! Year-Round programming is also provided at no-cost to Fellows.