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 new art or art history majors as they enter the University of Mississippi
- are for MS residents and non-MS residents
- create eligibility for a partial out-of-state tuition waiver for non-MS residents
- is 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.
The Department of Art & Art History’s Art Merit Scholarship is now open for applications! The application will close on January 31st, 2023. Please contact Stacey Rathert for additional information.
Instructions for Applying Online
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- Complete the application form and your portfolio/writing sample entry here.
(If you have trouble uploading your application, please email Stacey Rathert.) - 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.
- 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 drawings, design work, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, mixed media works, etc. as well as pages from your sketchbook. Portfolios will be evaluated based on the originality of work and concepts explored, the diversity of mediums and techniques, the craftsmanship of work included, and by following directions for submission.
- Label each image in your slideshow with the title of the artwork, material, approximate size, date of completion, and assignment (if applicable)
- Name your PDF file lastname_firstname_portfolio. 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.
- For any questions regarding the portfolio submission, technical support, or accessibility assistance please contact Stacey Rathert.
- 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.
- Complete the application form and your portfolio/writing sample entry here.
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- Writing Sample Guidelines (Art History)
- Submit a three to five-page 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 the originality of work and the topic explored, depth of research, analysis, or comparison, personal voice, proper citation (when applicable), and following directions for submission.
- Name your PDF file lastname_firstname_essay. Do not include any identifying information in your paper, such as your name, resume information, etc. The review process is blind.
- For any questions regarding the writing submission, technical support, or accessibility assistance please contact Stacey Rathert.
- Submit a three to five-page writing sample (1,500 – 2,500 words, not including footnotes or bibliography) from any Art History, English, or History class, converted to a PDF.
- High school or community college transcripts and two letters of recommendation may be requested at a later date for finalists. They will be used to evaluate the applicant’s ability to maintain the required GPA (3.0 cumulative) and potential for growth in the program. It is recommended to notify your references at the time of application.
- Writing Sample Guidelines (Art History)
Resources for Documenting your Artwork
The UM Department of Art & Art History hosts a few portfolio prep events throughout the year to help you learn how to best present your work in a professional manner.
These resources will also provide you with tips and tools to make a stunning portfolio.
Virginia Museum of Fine Art- How to Shoot Art
https://www.vmfa.museum/teens/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2014/02/How_to_shoot_art-FINAL.pdf
Maryland Institute of Art, How to Document 2d Artwork.
https://youtu.be/ciQ9sqa35jU
Emerging Artist Guide
https://emergingartistguide.wordpress.com/emerging-artist-guide-index/getting-started/documenting-your-work/