Apply to Ryman Arts

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

• Thursday, February 26, 7:00 - 8:00 PM REGISTER HERE

• Sunday, March 8, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM en Español REGISTRAR AQUI

• Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 – 8:00 PM REGISTER HERE

• Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 – 8:00 PM REGISTER HERE

• Thursday, April 23, 7:00 – 8:00 PM en Español REGISTRAR AQUI

• Sunday, May 3, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM REGISTER HERE

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  Program Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 

Times: 

• 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM or

• 1:00 – 4:30 PM

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

Summer 2026 Semester 

Location: • University of Southern California Roski School of Art and Design  

Program Dates: Mondays & Thursdays: June 18 – July 13, 2026  Program Times: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 11:59 PM (PT) 

Fall 2026 Semester 

Locations & Schedule: 

• Saturdays at California State University, San Bernardino 

• Saturdays at California State University, Fullerton 

• Sundays at  Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:59 PM (PT)