Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
National Portfolio Day Boston at UMass Lowell

National Portfolio Day Boston at UMass Lowell

Posted on February 11, 2022January 31, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

This is my third time attending a college fair centered around creative arts. I first went to National Portfolio Day with my oldest daughter in Boston when she was in high school.

I also went to a performing and creative arts college fair in Boston with my First-to-College mentee.

My daughter, who is now at RISD, discouraged us from attending National Portfolio Day saying that it wasn’t worth it, but my son decided to give it a try so we went to UMass Lowell to check it out.

National Portfolio Day is a series of events around the country in which colleges with art departments and art colleges are available to review portfolios from high school students. Many of the students are seniors but I’m sure there were other juniors like my son. It’s a free event and can be a great way to get feedback before applying to college.

National Portfolio Day Boston at UMass Lowell

This is a list of participating schools but not all the schools attend each event. For example, RISD was not at the Boston event.

  • Alberta University of the Arts
  • Alfred University School of Art & Design + Performing Arts Division
  • Arcadia University
  • Art Academy of Cincinnati
  • ArtCenter College of Design
  • Arts University Bournemouth
  • Ball State University School of Art
  • Boston University School of Visual Art
  • Bowling Green State University School of Art
  • Bradley University/Heuser Art Department
  • California College of the Arts
  • Cleveland Institute of Art
  • College for Creative Studies
  • Columbus College of Art & Design
  • Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW
  • Concordia University
  • Cornish College of the Arts
  • Cranbrook Academy of Art
  • Delaware College of Art and Design
  • Drexel University, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
  • Emily Carr University of Art + Design
  • Fashion Institute of Technology
  • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
  • George Mason University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Hartford Art School, University of Hartford
  • Herron School of Art and Design, IUPUI
  • Illinois State University Wonsook Kim School of Art
  • Iowa State University College of Design
  • James Madison University
  • Kansas City Art Institute
  • Kendall College of Art and Design
  • Kutztown University
  • Laguna College of Art + Design
  • Lesley Art & Design
  • Maine College of Art & Design
  • Massachusetts College of Art and Design
  • Miami University
  • Maryland Institute College of Art
  • Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
  • Minneapolis College of Art and Design
  • Montserrat College of Art
  • Moore College of Art & Design
  • New World School of the Arts
  • New York Academy of Art
  • New York School of Interior Design
  • New Jersey Institute of Technology
  • Northern Illinois University
  • OCAD University
  • Otis College of Art and Design
  • Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University
  • Paris College of Art
  • Parsons School of Design/Parsons Paris at The New School
  • Penn State
  • Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
  • Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
  • Pratt Institute
  • PrattMWP College of Art and Design
  • Ringling College of Art & Design
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Rocky Mountain Collegeof Art + Design (RMCAD)
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University – Mason Gross School of the Arts
  • Salve Regina University
  • San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI)
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University
  • School of Visual Arts
  • Sheridan College
  • SMU Meadows School of the Arts
  • St. John’s University
  • Suffolk University
  • SUNY Purchase College
  • Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Texas Tech University School of Art
  • The Cooper Union
  • The Glasgow School of Art
  • The University of British Columbia
  • The University of Kansas
  • Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University
  • University for the Creative Arts
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth CVPA
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design
  • University of New Haven
  • University of Saint Francis
  • University of South Dakota
  • University of the Arts
  • University of the Arts London
  • Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • Vincennes University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VCUarts)
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • West Chester University
  • West Virginia University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Wilson School of Design at KPU
  • Woodbury University
  • York University – School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

I think because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there weren’t as many colleges or students attending compared to my daughter’s experience. It could also be that the Hynes Convention Center is more central than Lowell. My other thought is that National Portfolio Day also had many virtual options that were later in the year, so students may have opted for the convenience of online with the added bonus of extra time to prepare pieces to show.

Pratt at National Portfolio Day Boston

My son enjoyed meeting with three schools (Pratt, School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, and Philadephia Academy of the Fine Arts or PAFA). It was interesting that each person gave very similar feedback on his work which seems to motivate him to push himself in the directions that they suggested. They were all very encouraging as he has over a year to create pieces for his portfolio.

Some general constructive advice that both my kids received:

  • Take risks
  • Show process and failure
  • Express who you are and your view of the world
  • Develop the foreground and background
  • Show mastery of materials
  • Demonstrate technical skill but push that with creativity
  • Use color in a different way than you are currently doing
  • Try going bigger in scale (or smaller in scale if you mostly work large)
  • Push the boundaries of your creativity
  • Mix materials and ideas to make something uniquely you
  • Don’t include fan art
  • Don’t include master drawings
  • It’s ok to express emotions such as your sense of humor
  • Include more of your personal art versus school assignments

How about you? Do you have a budding artist that might be interested in an art program at a college or art school? I have tons of resources for anyone applying to art college!

p.s. Related posts:

Tips for National Portfolio Day

Applying to Art School: Portfolio

Boston Performing and Visual Arts College Fair

Boston National College Fair

First To College Program at Newton North High School

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My books:

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT