RISD Pre-Collegiate Programs

Meet CE Teen instructor, Meagan Killian (.imagined.artwork) teaching "Pen & Ink Drawing" and "Portrait Painting" in-person this Summer.

In her Pen and Ink course, teens explore both foundational and experimental drawing techniques through observation-based and imaginative exercises.

In Portrait Painting, students learn to capture both likeness and personality through acrylic painting techniques and studies of the human head and figure. Beginning with monochromatic studies and progressing into full-color portraiture.

Meagan’s personal practice deeply informs her teaching. She studies the intersections between the human body and cathedral architecture, examining how systems such as iron, stone, glass, timber, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments function as frameworks that provide stability while responding to external forces and internal stressors. She investigates architectural lineage alongside familial inheritance, exploring how physical and emotional histories shape the way we understand our bodies.

“In the classroom, I encourage students to look beyond surface appearance and consider the underlying structures that give subjects their form and character. I emphasize observation, anatomy, composition, and mark-making as tools for both technical understanding and personal storytelling. I hope students leave with a greater appreciation for experimentation and curiosity. Mistakes, revisions, and exploration are essential parts of artistic growth. By building technical skills alongside creative problem-solving.”

“Pen and Ink Drawing” and “Portrait Painting” begin July 20, July 27 and August 3 on Main Campus–enroll now.

HOW?!? Time flies when you’re prepping for Pre-College at . We are thrilled to invite the class of 2026 to campus for a summer of creativity and fun!

Last chance to apply to Pre-College Online. Applications close June 1.

Spend your summer building your portfolio, exploring new creative practices, and learning from RISD instructors in a dynamic online studio environment designed for high school students ready to take their work further.

Don’t miss the opportunity to create, connect, and grow this summer—apply before the deadline.

Happy Facilities Appreciation Week! We are so grateful for the amazing Facilities team at for helping to make Pre-College happen each year, and as we prepare to welcome the 2026 Pre-College class to campus this summer!

At RISD's Summer Teen Art Institute, we offer three different ways to apply. Join the 3-week Foundations Experience, where you'll compose large-scale drawings and develop design concepts. Or, apply to the 2-week Major Intensive, where you can produce an animated short or create inventive narrative illustrations. Combine and save by applying for the 5-week bundle! Learn more and apply—link in profile.

Due to inclement weather, RISD Pre-College will no longer be attending the National Summer Program Fair in New York City on Monday, January 26th.

For more information, visit us in Lexington, MA or Newton MA on February 9 and 10 for the Teen SUmmer Expo.

All other inquiries—link in bio.

Applications are now open for RISD’s Summer Teen Art Institute in Shanghai! Join young creative voices from around the world in this international art and design program for high school students. Learn more and apply—https://ce.risd.edu/summer-teen-art-institute/
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“I believe the way the assignments are structured in this course really helped me improve my creative process and understanding of my own works. In the assignments, you are required to create sketches of different compositions and be able to explain what the concepts are, which has helped me be more confident when starting my final pieces, as well as understanding of my own work.” — 2025 Student

A limited number of full scholarships are available for Pre-College 2026, available to students who demonstrate significant financial need, along with a passion and dedication to art and design. Apply by January 30, 2026 at 5pm ET; be sure to indicate that you’d like to apply to the program as a scholarship student when beginning your application. Learn more about eligibility, application requirements and other partner scholarship opportunities–link in bio.