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

Information Sessions

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  

  • Wednesday, October 29, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. PDT  En Español REGISTRAR AQUI 

  • Saturday, November 22, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST  REGISTER HERE 

Application Day

Learn more about Ryman Arts, see where our classes take place on the Cal State Fullerton campus, and make a drawing that you can use for your application under the instruction of a Ryman Arts faculty member. This event is great for students in 8th - 11th grade who plan to apply for the fall semester, and parents and teachers who would like to learn more about the program and ask questions.

If you are interested in adding your name to the workshop. Please email us at info@ryman.org.

Ryman Arts Bridge Program

An in-person drawing workshop will be offered for applicants who were not accepted, but wish to reapply for the next semester. Ryman Arts is committed to offering a high-quality art education for all applicants. This two-day workshop is offered during winter and summer break.

If you are interested in adding your name to the workshop, please email us at info@ryman.org. 

How to Apply

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

Spring 2026 Semester  

  • Saturdays at California State University, San Bernardino Newest location!  

Application Deadline for the Spring 2026 Semester   
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT   

Summer 2026 Semester   

 
Application Deadline for the Summer 2026 Semester   
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT  

Fall 2026 Semester 

  • Saturdays at California State University, San Bernardino Newest location!  

  
      Application Deadline for the Fall 2026 Semester   
      Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT 

PROCESO DE SOLICITUD

¡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.

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

CÓMO APLICAR

Por favor lea lo siguiente antes de aplicar:

Entregar dos dibujos a lápiz graffito.
Los dibujos deben ser de observacion.

Prepara tu ensayo integral.

Solicitar una recomendación de parte de uno/a maestro/a y su correo electrónico.

Rellenar y envia la solicitud (PDF) y enviar por correo electrónico a pesquivel@ryman.org, o complete el formulario en línea aquí.

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.