About | Since 2008, the Cambridge Art Association (CAA) has hosted an all-media portfolio review for New England-based artists. Currently, this is the only ongoing all-media portfolio review for professional artists in Eastern Massachusetts. Portfolio Reviews are a valuable step in an artist’s professional development, and give the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and receive critical feedback from leading curators, gallerists, and independent arts professionals.
Fall 2024 Portfolio Review
We’re excited to announce that the CAA will be offering a member-only, one-day, in-person Portfolio Review this fall at our Kathryn Schultz Gallery. This program will complement our Spring online reviews.
Date | Friday, October 25
Time | 30-minute sessions from 10am-2:20pm
Location | in-person at the Kathryn Schultz Gallery
Fees for CAA Members | $85 per 30-minute session
Please note: we do not allow participants to book more than one 30-minute session per reviewer, and Portfolio Review is for one-on-one meetings – we do not allow collaborative reviews.
Registration opens Monday, July 29 at 10am
Registration closes Friday, October 11, 2024
REVIEWERS
Lynne Allen – Boston University, College of Fine Arts, Professor of Art, Printmaking; Chair of Print Media & Photography
Jessica Roscio – Danforth Art Museum, Director + Curator
Emily Mazzolla – Fitchburg Art Museum, Curator
Deborah Davidson – Suffolk University, Gallery Director
Toni Pepe – Boston University, College of Fine Arts, Assistant Professor of Art; Chair, Department of Photography
Cecilia Vázquez – Mass College of Art and Design, FA2D, Associate Professor and Chair, MFA 2D, Program Director
ABOUT SCHEDULING + REVIEWERS
Once you have registered, a CAA staff member will follow-up with you to confirm your review schedule and collect any other information we will need prior to your scheduled review(s).
Please note: all registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. We will do our best to match you with your preferred reviewer(s) and schedule you according to your preferred timeframe. All standard CAA registration policies apply to this program.
PORTFOLIO REVIEW FAQ
Why should I participate in CAA’s Portfolio Review?
CAA’s Portfolio Reviews are a professional development opportunity for emerging to mid-career artists. These one-on-one meetings provide artists the opportunity to: share a body of work with curators and gallery owners; gain feedback on next steps – both creatively and professionally; and make connections that can lead to career-building opportunities. Past Portfolio Review success stories range from gallery representation and exhibit inclusion to mentorship and studio visits. Portfolio Review also provides artists with the opportunity to hone their pitch and develop their presentation skills.
I’ve submitted my registration – now what?
You will receive an automated email confirming your registration. Your schedule, with meeting times, will be emailed to the account you used to register approximately 10 days prior to the event. Registrations are processed in the order they are received; we recommend signing up early for the best reviewer selection.
I would like a portfolio review, but I’m unsure which reviewer I should choose – can you help?
We encourage you to read all of the reviewer’s bios on our website. If you are still unsure which reviewer you should choose, feel free to reach out to us for advice!
How do I prepare for Portfolio Review?
We recommend that all participants (new and returning) review our Portfolio Review prep materials. CAA staff will provide an overview of the event, including event logistics, and considerations in selected work for your portfolio; and will have ample time for Q & A.
How should I show my portfolio during my in-person review?
We recommend that participating artists prepare a digital portfolio of no more than 20 images to share with reviewers via a computer or tablet. Artists can scroll through their website; create a Powerpoint or Google Slide presentation; share images through image files on their computer, etc. If artists elect to bring in actual work, we recommend the following: photographers or printmakers can bring a printed portfolio of no more than 20 images, presented in a portfolio box; artists working in other media should limit themselves to 3-5 actual pieces, dependent on size. Artists will be responsible for moving and setting up artwork between each review; CAA does not have space for artists to have a staging area for their work during this event, as it will be held in our gallery.
Have questions? Please email Stephanie Todhunter stodhunter@cambridgeart.org or Candice Driver at cdriver@cambridgeart.org
Spring 2025 Portfolio Review
CAA’s Spring 2025 Portfolio Review dates are TBA, with sessions occurring through ZOOM.
Please note:
- Participants cannot book more than one 30-minute session per reviewer, and Portfolio Review is for one-on-one meetings – we do not allow collaborative reviews.
- CAA Members must login to their NEON accounts to access member pricing.
- Meeting schedules will be emailed to participants prior to reviews.
- All standard CAA registration policies apply to this program
SPRING 2025 SPONSORED REVIEWS
In keeping with Cambridge Art Association’s continued commitment to build a more equitable future for all members of our community, we are pleased to announce that we will be offering a select number of individually sponsored portfolio reviews. These sponsored reviews are free and open to all artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Person of Color, Asian American, Pacific Islander (BIPOC + AAPI) working and living within New England (including the Indigenous lands and territories of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island). At this time, we anticipate offering 2 sponsored reviews per applicant.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about a specific reviewer or are unsure of who might be the best fit for you and your work!
ZOOM FAQ
How does Portfolio Review work on ZOOM?
Within 3 days of the event start date, you will receive a ZOOM event link via email from a CAA Staff Member. When you’ve entered the Zoom Meeting, scheduled pairings of reviewers and participants will then go into ZOOM breakout sessions for the meetings. This will be the equivalent of having a virtual table. Participants will have screenshare capabilities in ZOOM, so that they can share their portfolios on-screen with reviewers.
When artists are not in a review, they will be placed into the “Artists Waiting Room.” This room will allow artists to meet one another and share their work between sessions. Joining the Zoom event early is encouraged!
When should I join the Zoom Meeting Link on the day of the event?
We recommend artists join the Zoom meeting at least 10-minutes before each review to ensure their device is working correctly and they are ready to go. While you wait, you will be placed in the “Artists Waiting Room.” This room will allow artists to meet one another and share their work between sessions.
I don’t know how to use Zoom – what do I do?
While CAA will share a PDF outlining how Portfolio Review will work on ZOOM, we suggest familiarizing yourself with ZOOM in advance of the event. Below are some helpful resources.
Here are some resources that may help you:
Getting Start with ZOOM on Windows or Mac
Getting Started with iOS
Getting Started with Android
How should I show my portfolio during my review?
All participating artists will have screenshare capabilities in ZOOM, so that they can share their portfolios on-screen with reviewers. You can show your portfolio whichever way makes sense for you. We have had artists scroll through their website, create a Powerpoint or Google Slide, view images through image files on their computer, etc.
Image in header courtesy of Erin Jackson