Artists Space

Portfolio Development

Each week Portfolio students commit to a rigorous drawing practice, explore how artists participate in culture, ask questions of their own work, and ultimately create exceptional artworks. We shared many memorable moments, including visits to Frank Sinatra High School and the High School of Art and Design, trips to galleries on the Lower East Side and to the Sugar Hill Museum of Storytelling and Art—exploratory walks through the Lower East Side and Washington Heights where we drew the neighborhood and gathered inspiration. In March and throughout the school year the pandemic put us on pause but the students continued to send photos of the drawings they were doing at home and we did our best to maintain contact and a level of human support. We are all only a bike ride away from each other!

– Stephanie Costello, Teaching Artist

33 Portfolio Development students have been accepted to the city’s most competitive public art high schools, including LaGuardia, High School of Art and Design, Frank Sinatra and Fashion Industries.

Teaching Artist Stephanie Costello with 8th grade Portfolio student from P.S. 140, 2021
Stephon Davis making the drawing 90’s dress, 2022, acrylic on paper
Alaa Obad, Nature Dress, 2022, acrylic on paper
Jael Sierra, Pizza, 2022, acrylic on paper
Sariyah Pagan, Cupcakes, 2022, colored pencil on paper
Students visiting Sleepwalk at Parasol Projects, LES, 2022
Students visiting Sleepwalk at Parasol Projects, LES, 2022
Tasneem Obad, 2020, charcoal self-portrait
Anelisse Rivera, Secrets and Lies, 2020, acrylic paint on paper
Dyonis Diaz, Underworld, 2020, collage, pastel and pen and ink