Apply to Ryman Arts

Ryman Arts offers FREE advanced studio art program that is designed to help you achieve your dreams by strengthening your art skills, and preparing you for college, and for a career in the arts.

At Ryman Arts you will:

  • Build foundation drawing and painting skills in challenging classes

  • Learn from professional artists in small classes with other serious art students.  

  • Grow your portfolio for college applications and exhibit your work publicly  

  • Prepare for your future through college and career planning workshops  

  • Experience a college campus. Classes take place at California State University, Fullerton, California State University, San Bernardino, Otis College of Art and Design, and University of Southern California 

Eligibility: Anyone who will be enrolled in high school (grades 9 – 12) for the semester they are applying for is eligible.

Acceptance: The Ryman Arts application process is competitive, with an acceptance rate around 50%. Applications are reviewed based on evidence of skill and motivation. Ryman Arts strives to create a diverse class of students from schools throughout Southern California.

Cost: All classes are free of charge. If selected, you will receive a full scholarship that covers the cost of instruction, art supplies, and field trips. Public transportation reimbursement and passes are available. 

Questions? Email us at info@ryman.org or call (213) 629-2787

Application Process

  • Please read the following before applying:

    1.    Make two pencil drawings done from observation.
    Submit two drawings made with graphite pencil on paper of any size. The drawings should be of something you look at in real life. For example, you could draw the inside of your room, the view out your window, a group of objects, or yourself while looking in a mirror (not while looking at a photo).  Do NOT draw from a screen, photograph, or your imagination.

    How to set up a still life (video resource)

    How to draw a still life (video resource)

    2.    Prepare your Essay.   
    Answer the following questions individually or in Essay form: 

    • Why are you applying to Ryman Arts?

    • How would you benefit from the experience?

    • Describe your future goals as an artist. 

    • Describe your previous art education challenges or obstacles you had to overcome in pursuing your work as an artist. 

    • Include anything else you would like us to know about you.

    3.    Ask for a teacher recommendation and teacher email. 
    Recommendation letter must come from a teacher or school counselor.

    4.    Complete the online application form here.

    5.    All drawings must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Ryman Arts office at 1933 S. Broadway, 11th floor, Suite 1138, Los Angeles, CA 90007. The office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The office is closed weekends. When the office is closed, a bin will be available in front of the office door where your application materials can be safely left.

    To receive email updates on Applying to Ryman Arts or the application deadline, submit your email here

  • Learn more about Ryman Arts by joining us on Zoom for our Information Sessions. We will give a presentation about the Ryman Arts program, give lots of tips on how to have a successful application, and of course answer all your questions! This event is for potential applicants, parents, families and teachers.

    Virtual Information Sessions:

  • Application Day is an application & drawing workshop where students get to explore and take a meaningful step towards applying to the Ryman Arts program. Participants will tour the California State University, Fullerton Campus, see where classes are held, and create an original drawing to include in their application. The drawing workshop is guided by one of our faculty members.

    This workshop is for high school students, grade 8th through 11th, planning to apply for the upcoming semester, as well as parents and teachers who would like to learn more about the program.

    Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Location: California State University, Fullerton campus

    Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

    Times: 9:00 AM – 12:30 or 1:00 – 4:30 PM  

    To sign-up, please email us at info@ryman.org.

  • Fall 2026 Semester

    Locations:

    Program Dates: Classes will take place from August - December 2026

    Application Deadline: Wed, May 20, 2026, 11:59 PM (PT) 

    Spring 2027 Semester

    Locations:

    Program Dates: Classes will take place from January - April 2027

    Application Deadline: Wed, Dec 2, 2026, 11:59 PM (PT) 

    Summer 2027 Semester

    Location:

    Program Dates: Classes will take place from June - July 2027

    Program Times: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

    Application Deadline: Wed, March 17, 2026, 11:59 PM (PT) 

Proceso de Solicitud

  • Ryman Arts ofrece un programa avanzado de arte de estudio gratuito, diseñado para ayudarte a alcanzar tus metas fortaleciendo tus habilidades artísticas y preparándote para la universidad y para una carrera en las artes.

    Por favor, lea cuidadosamente los siguientes requisitos antes de aplicar:

    • Entregue dos dibujos a lápiz grafito.

    • Los dibujos deben ser de observación.

    • Prepare su ensayo personal.

    • Solicite una carta de recomendación de un(a) maestro(a) e incluya su correo electrónico. 

    Los dos dibujos deberá enviarse por correo o entregarse a la oficina de Ryman Arts ubicado en 1933 S. Broadway, 11th floor, Suite 1138, Los Angeles, CA 90007. 

    Ryman Arts Application (Spanish Version)

  • ¡Aprende sobre nuestro programa de arte de estudio para artistas de secundaria! Ryman Arts brinda un programa avanzado de estudio de arte de manera gratuita; el programa está diseñado para ayudarte a lograr tus sueños fortaleciendo tus habilidades artísticas y preparándote para la universidad y para una carrera en las artes.  Estudiantes, padres y maestros son bienvenidos a unirse a la sesión informativa por Zoom si necesitan más información sobre el programa. 

    Sesiones informativas virtuales:

    ¿Preguntas?info@ryman.org o llame al (213) 629-2787

  • Semestre de Verano 2026 en USC

    Ubicación: University of Southern California Roski School of Art and Design

    Fechas del programa de vernano: Lunes y jueves: 18 de junio – 13 de julio de 2026

    Timpo de programa de verano:  9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

    Fecha de solicitud antes de: Miércoles, 25 de marzo de 2026 11:59 p.m. (Hora del Pacífico) 

    Semestre de Otoño 2026

    Ubicaciones y Horarios:

    Fecha de Solicitud antes de: Miércoles, 13 de mayo de 2026 11:59 p.m. (Hora del Pacífico) 

    ¿Tiene preguntas? Escríbanos a info@ryman.org o llame al (213) 629-2787.

Ryman Arts Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is an in-person drawing workshop designed for applicants who were not accepted and would like to strengthen their skills before reapplying for a future semester. 

During this two-day workshop, participants will receive guided instructions to support a stronger application, develop a new drawing piece, and gain an understanding of program expectations.   

The Bridge Program is offered during winter and summer breaks. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To sign-up, please email us at info@ryman.org.