Art Merit Scholarship

The Department of Art & Art offers several awards and scholarships available exclusively to students.

Art Merit Scholarships

• vary in an amount up to $3,000 for 8 consecutive semesters (not including summer).
• are for incoming freshmen and transfer students pursing a bachelor’s degree in art or art history at the University of Mississippi.
• are for MS residents and non-MS residents. Non-resident recipients will be granted a $2,000 scholarship toward the non-resident fee per year.  
• are competitive and will be judged through a blind jury process of faculty members.

Studio art applicants submit a digital portfolio with 10 to 15 pieces of their best work. Art History applicants submit a digital writing sample of three to five pages. Applicants for the Art Merit scholarships are automatically considered for the Hollingsworth Scholarship.

As part of the Art Merit Scholarship application process, applicants are asked to provide (in one paragraph, or 3 to 5 sentences) a statement that speaks to their specific interest in Studio Art or Art History, and motivation to pursue a BA or BFA in the Department of Art & Art History.

The Department of Art & Art History’s Art Merit Scholarship will open December 1, 2024 and closes January 31, 2025. Please contact Stacey Rathert for additional information.

Instructions for Applying Online

• • Complete the application form, including a statement of interest, and upload your portfolio/writing sample here.  (If you have trouble uploading your application, please email Stacey Rathert.)

• • • Portfolios and Essays that do not follow directions will not be considered for the scholarship. Portfolios and Essays that use generative artificial intelligence (AI) or contain content produced by generative AI will not be considered for the scholarship.
    • High school or community college transcripts and two letters of recommendation may be requested at a later date for finalists and will be used to evaluate the applicant’s ability to maintain required GPA (3.0 cumulative) and potential for growth in the program. 
    • It is recommended to notify references at the time of application. Finalists will be provided with a link for secure upload of transcript and letters at a later date. Do not send transcripts or letters via email.  

• • Digital Portfolio Guidelines (Studio Art) 
    • Create a slideshow presentation in Powerpoint, Keynote, or a similar format and convert it to a PDF that doesn’t exceed 100 megabytes. You may need to compress your file for upload. You may use this template if you would like.
    • Your presentation should include 10 to 15 images of your best work. Detail images may also be included as additional slides, not to exceed 20 slides in total.
    • A wide range of work is encouraged, which may include drawing, design work, digital work, photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media works, etc. as well as pages from your sketchbook.
    • Portfolios will be evaluated based on originality of work and concepts explored (personal voice, exploration beyond the assignment [when applicable], unique and imaginative approaches to theme/concept/subject matter), diversity of mediums and techniques (wide range of materials and/or techniques, solid understanding of material, investigation of advanced techniques, experimentation), and craftsmanship of work included. 
    • Label each image in your slideshow with the title of the artwork, material, approximate size, date of completion and assignment (if applicable). Do not include any identifying information in your portfolio, such as your name, resume information, etc. The review process is blind. Signatures on artwork are ok. 
    • Name your PDF file lastname_firstname_portfolio. 
    • Portfolios that do not follow the directions will not be considered for the scholarship.  
    • For any questions regarding the portfolio submission, technical support, or accessibility assistance please contact Stacey Rathert.

• • Writing Sample Guidelines (Art History) 
    • • Submit a three to five page research-based writing sample (1,500 – 2,500 words, not including footnotes or bibliography) from any Art History, English, or History class, converted to a PDF.  
      • Writing samples will be evaluated based on originality of work and topic explored (personal voice, exploration beyond the assignment [when applicable], unique or creative theme/concept/topic), depth of research, analysis, or comparison (unique approaches to investigation and examination of theme/concept/topic, evidence of critical thinking, interpretation of research), demonstrating potential for achievement in an Art History program, and proper citation.
      • Do not include any identifying information in your paper, such as your name, resume information, etc. The review process is blind.  
      • Name your PDF file lastname_firstname_essay. 
      • Essays that do not follow the directions will not be considered for the scholarship. Essays that use generative AI or contain content produced by generative AI will not be considered for the scholarship.
      • For any questions regarding the writing submission, technical support, or accessibility assistance please contact Stacey Rathert.

Resources for Documenting your Artwork

The UM Department of Art & Art History often hosts portfolio/writing prep events and portfolio/writing consults throughout the year to help you learn how to best present your work in a professional manner. To receive a portfolio/writing consult click here.

These resources will also provide you with tips and tools to make a stunning portfolio.

Amy Kim, Lecturer in Arts at UT Permian Basin – How to Photograph Your Artwork at Home with Phone