The Art of Personal Expression

Submit a portfolio consisting of 6 - 8 images that represent your strongest work by providing a link to a shared folder (via GoogleDrive, Dropbox, etc) or a portfolio website. Two of the pieces need to be observational drawings from life (not from a photographic or digital source). All portfolios must include a detailed description list for each image. Include dimensions, media, and date of completion. Label each image with a title and a number that corresponds to the description list. You must also include a brief artist’s statement about each work of 1 to 2 sentences. We are looking for your personal voice and motivation behind creating the piece. This needs to be genuine. If you rendered the piece as part of a drawing study, then simply state this. Try to group similar mediums or subject matter together, giving continuity to the viewer. In determining placement, a good rule of thumb is to start with one of your stronger images, making a great first impression. Then, selectively increase the strength of your images, ending on a high note.

Tips for photographing your artwork

It is incredibly important for the images in your portfolio to be clear, representing your artwork accurately. The following tips can be employed when submitting for college or competition.

• Current smartphones have a decent camera but if you have access to a nice camera, use that instead.

• When doing photographic copy work, flat or diffused lighting works best. DO NOT USE FLASH, as this adds unwanted colors to your piece or a hot spot where the flash is visible. Ideally, an overcast day works best for outside lighting, but be aware of shadows, depending on the time of day. Natural lighting best represents the accurate colors. A large window is beneficial for an interior shoot.

• Find a flat surface – This can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical does make it easier depending on size to get a squared-up image (the corners in the frame of your photograph should look even – you do not want them to look like a parallelogram). Spend the extra time to make sure everything is even. If you are taking this horizontally, get above it and angle your camera. TAKE MULTIPLE PHOTOS! Use a tripod if you have one or find a flat surface to set your camera on – then use the self-timer minimizing movement.

• Editing – Upload your photos through an editing program. You need a simple program where you can adjust the contrast, light balance, and colors to most accurately represent your original piece. Be mindful not to over-edit, taking away from the integrity of your piece.

• Cropping – Make sure you close crop around your piece so only your art is visible. Backgrounds can be distracting; the focus needs to be on your amazing art.

• If photographing a sculptural piece, keep the background simple and free of distractions.

A completed application to Spoleto Study Abroad includes the following:

• Completed application form

• Advisor & Fine Arts Instructor recommendations, emailed to admin@spoletostudyabroad.org

• $95.00 non-refundable application fee (Application fee is waived for all applications received by 11:59pm EST on Nov 30, 2025)

Note: Recommendation Instructions should be given to those from whom you are asking for a recommendation.

In consideration of your application processing, a $95 application fee is required with this application. The application fee is non-refundable and does not go toward tuition. This application fee is waived for all applications submitted by 11:59pm EST on November 30, 2025.

The comprehensive fee for Spoleto Study Abroad Summer Visual Arts Intensive is $5,400. This fee includes tuition for courses, two meals per day, lodging, books, materials, entrance fees for group activities, and all field trip-related transportation within Italy. Expenses not included are round-trip airfare to Rome, passport fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, camera equipment, computer, and editing software. 

Upon acceptance, a 50% deposit is due within 2 weeks in consideration of program planning and reservation of your place in the program. The remainder is payable in full by May 1, 2026. The $95 application fee and 50% deposit are not refundable.

The tuition payment (minus the deposit) is fully refundable until June 3, 2026. Withdrawals from the program must be submitted in writing. In consideration of such application process and program placement and preparation, it is understood and hereby agreed that on or after June 3, 2026, no refund of any amount will be owed by Spoleto Study Abroad to the undersigned or his/her/their family or school for any reason nor will any such refund be made should the student be withdrawn or dismissed from the program. Families are encouraged to purchase travel insurance at the time of payment of tuition deposit. Expenses are based on the exchange rate effective September 1, 2025. Prices are subject to equitable adjustment should there be a significant change in the rate of exchange by May 1, 2026.

Tuition can be paid via credit card, bank transfer, or by check. Please make checks payable to "Spoleto Study Abroad." 

Please note, all credit card transactions will incur an additional processing fee.

Travel dates are July 3 - July 15, 2026 

Arrive in Rome (FCO) on July 4th by 11 am U.S. flights to Rome depart the evening of July 3rd

Depart Rome (FCO) after 11 am on July 15th

Spoleto Study Abroad will have a departure flight(s) from the U.S. with Spoleto Study Abroad staff on board. Students are not required to fly on this flight, but have the option to do so. Students make their own travel arrangements.  

Students will be bussed from the airport in Rome to the accommodations in Spoleto.

As summer “guests” of the town of Spoleto, the guidelines by which we live consist both of rules to obey and Italian traditions to respect. Our basic code is to forbid any behavior that is illegal, antisocial, or dangerous, either to the student or to the group. Smoking is not allowed. Possession, use or any contact with those in possession of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. Driving any motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and motorbikes is prohibited.

All students live together sharing rooms (double occupancy), collegial style, in a gorgeous renovated 15th century convent in the historic medieval section of Spoleto. The convent has been updated with modern conveniences and has spacious courtyards, colorful gardens, and terraces. It is only a short walk to classes, the main piazzas of town, shops, and restaurants.

Students are supervised and guided by faculty and the fellowship teachers who also stay in the convent in order to oversee student life.

For obvious reasons, students are expected to maintain a standard of behavior representative of the program. Excessive noise, abuse of property or facilities and similar lapses from this standard are strictly forbidden. Our faculty-in-residence take responsibility for maintaining standards of behavior, in addition to their primary role as teachers and advisors. Both to protect our students’ well-being and to respect the rules and standards of Spoleto Study Abroad, we must reserve the right to send home, at the family’s expense, any student who violates these rules.