I am an independent college counselor and portfolio coach, as well as a visual artist regularly exhibiting my artwork and curating exhibitions of contemporary art in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I work with artists to help them get accepted to the college art program of their choice, either bachelors or masters level. I completed my MFA at San Francisco Art Institute, where I taught courses at the college and high school level. I have a BFA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design.
I served as director of admissions of Oregon College of Art and Craft for four years and understand the portfolio preparation process from the acceptance level down to the creating level. I know first-hand of the challenges of creating a portfolio as I have done so for my college programs as well as numerous exhibitions and scholarships.
Guiding students in preparing portfolios to apply to college is my speciality. While at OCAC, I reviewed portfolios around the country at over 100 National Portfolio Day events, high schools and community colleges every year. I counseled numerous young artists with ways to improve their portfolio. I also reviewed portfolios for the San Francisco Art Institute admissions office during my MFA program.
I have taught a variety of visual art courses at institutions including The Crucible, Valley International Academy and San Francisco Art Institute.
I also work with students individually as a portfolio coach and independent college counselor. For more information, see my counseling website - www.ArtsCounselor.com
I continue to create and exhibit my art - www.barrybeach.com