CSSSA VISUAL ARTS REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS – 2026

The Visual Arts Department welcomes students with a large variety of interests, learning styles, and ways of expressing their creativity. Applicants are encouraged to be themselves when completing the following prompts, and we hope to see your unique voice come through.

Applicants must submit a completed online application, provide the contact information for two teacher recommenders, and upload the following required assignments.

Assignments

Assignments must be uploaded to submit the application. Save your assignments with your first initial and last name followed by the appropriate letter for each of the submissions. For example, John Smith would save his work as follows:  

• jsmith_A  
• jsmith_B  
• jsmith_C 

Do not submit class assignments from school! We want to learn about YOUR ideas and see how YOU solve problems. 

A. Choose any issue that interests you (for example, something personal, political, or social). Use any materials, techniques, and processes that work best to express your views on the chosen issue. In a separate document, write an explanation of the work. It can be just a few sentences up to a few paragraphs. Most importantly, we are looking to see how you communicate your viewpoint through this work of art. Upload one image of the work and your explanation.  

B. Create an original art piece that reflects who you are in some way. Choose materials and techniques that best express your idea. In this assignment, we are looking for your own unique interpretation and artistic choices. Upload one image of the work. 

C. Choose a piece of your artwork that you feel best demonstrates your technical skills and understanding of your favorite medium. In this assignment, we want to see that you have the potential to succeed in CSSSA’s intensive program. Upload one image of the work. 

For Returning Students:

Please note: Assignments A through C MUST be new, original submissions that show your development and growth since you attended our program. DO NOT submit work you created during the previous summer session. The essay and your progress as an artist will be seriously reviewed. 

D. Returning students only: Applicants who attended the California State Summer School for the Arts previously (not including Summer Bridge) must submit in writing a one-page essay stating their reasons for wishing to return to the school and their learning objectives for a second summer. Upload your one-page essay.   

For All Students:

There are a limited number of spaces for Digital Media, Drawing and Painting, and not all requests can be accommodated. It is highly recommended that you do not select Digital Media, Drawing or Painting as both your first and second choices.  For example, if you choose Drawing as your first choice, please select a different discipline as your second choice (e.g. Ceramics, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture). If you do select Digital Media, Drawing or Painting as your first and second choice you should not expect to participate in both of your choices.