Our unique Art Portfolio Program prepares students to develop their portfolio and artwork in preparation for post-secondary studies in art, design, architecture, and more. Students are taught by professional, experienced artists and teachers through weekly classes and earn 2 high school art credits per year!
Unique & Creative
Unique Art Portfolio Preparation Courses with High School Art Credits
OUR ADVANTAGES
Why Choose UMC High School?
Group Sessions
5 professional taught sessions & 5 studio hours per week
Professional Development
Opportunities to present ongoing projects
Earn Art Credits
Earn 1 high school art credit every 2 months*
One on One Feedback
Individual one-on-one critiques
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The art portfolio program focuses on enabling students to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting two and three-dimensional artworks through a variety of traditional and emerging media and technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct artworks and explore connections between art and society.
The studio courses enable students to explore a range of materials, processes, and techniques that can be applied in their own art production. Students will also make connections between various works of art in personal, contemporary, historical, and cultural contexts.
COURSES
Our Faculty
Ms. Shelby Mackay
Shelby Mackay brings a rich blend of artistic expertise and real-world experience to the Art Portfolio Program at UMC High School. With a background in Sculpture, Installation, Assaulted Women’s Counseling, and Prosthetics, she offers a comprehensive perspective on art’s intersection with identity and society.
Over six years, Shelby has proven herself as an innovative educator, extending her influence beyond the classroom into contemporary art. Her accolades include the Toronto International Film Award, and her work spans from Mirvish Theatre stages to fashion magazines.
At UMC High School, Shelby Mackay is more than just an art teacher; she is a mentor who encourages students to push the boundaries of their creativity and to think critically about the world around them. Her ability to blend technical skill with conceptual depth makes her an invaluable asset to the Art Portfolio Program, guiding students to develop portfolios that reflect both their individual talents and a profound understanding of art’s role in society.
Shelby’s dedication and innovative approach position her as a leading figure at UMC High School, inspiring students to produce visually striking and intellectually stimulating work.
- Bold and thought-provoking artistic approach draws inspiration from childhood cartoons, comic books, and Alfred Hitchcock films.
- Explores themes of identity, consumerism, and mass media through self-portraits and role-playing.
- Uses prosthetics, makeup, and accessories to challenge viewers’ perceptions of self and society.
- Inspired by the dynamic rhythms of city life and historical narratives at the Royal Ontario Museum.
- Weaves together contemporary and historical elements in her art and teaching.
- Engages students with a blend of creativity and critical thinking, making her teaching relevant and deeply impactful.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Watercolour
542 mm x 391mm
2021
542 mm x 391mm
2021
Chaewon Jung
Archly, 2022
Lisa Liu
Lisa Liu
Charcoal pencil, 2022
Lisa Liu
Lisa Liu
Kris
iPhone 6s, Nova Scotia, 2019
Jin Hwang
Jin Hwang
Collage on canvas
(multimedia)
30.5 × 40.5 (cm)
2024
Lee Do Kyung
(multimedia)
30.5 × 40.5 (cm)
2024
Lee Do Kyung
Student Portfolio Samples
UMC High School
Yu DongJoo
I have always dreamed of attending a Canadian college. I want to experience different cultures. I have an ardor to become an inspiring illustrator, and I would like to study more of art and illustration in this school.
UMC High School
Robin Kim
My vision is to consistently look at the world with a critical eye, judge logically, empathize, and capture my definite opinion about what I see and feel in my work. What I hope for the audience is that they can see my work, interpret it through their own imagination, look at the world from various perspectives, and be comforted.
UMC High School
Kyeong Jin Hwang
Various materials with similar but different textures make this picture interesting in close-up photos that can be boring. Finally, between the repeated vertical lines, diagonal and horizontal lines eliminated the simplicity of the picture, giving the picture a lively feel. I think I was able to take a more perfect picture with the combination of the weather that creates the same atmosphere with the cold and artificial feeling of all the subjects on the screen.
UMC High School
Jean Hsieh
I was trapped to depict the detailed texture of every object, unable to capture the subtle gradations of light and shade. “Art as the imitation of life should be derived through the intimate knowledge and insights of human experiences, not mere reproductions.”— This is the principle I realized recently.
UMC High School
Mandana Shafiee
Drawing inspiration from the artist Robert Crumb, I incorporate his elements into my work: the humor of situation’s , the devilish tone, the biting self-deprecation, and the absurdity of the everyday.Viewing life as a gritty reality.
UMC High School
Kuan-Hsin Huang
I fully trust my gut when I’m creating. I do not second-guess or overthink the visual representations of my ideas and feelings. This method allows each item to resonate with real emotion and clarity while maintaining the authenticity and immediateness of my work. This purity of intent gives birth to the colors, lines, and shapes that appear.
UMC High School
Tai-Jung Wu
My work revolves around the two fundamental elements that shape our existence: love and hate.Love and Hate are the twin flames that light up the canvas, enticing the observer into a maze of duality with their emotional dance. These contradictory components dwell in a precarious harmony in an alternate reality that is accessible through each piece.
Academic Excellence
We are proud of our students!
1200
Acceptance Students
92,500
Total Scholarship Received Over
We assist students in developing a diversified portfolio that they can use to apply to top art schools.
Check This Out
MY UMC, MY STORIES
During class time, teachers delivered all the lessons professionally and patiently. They always put a lot of time and effort in helping us prepare for assessments and exams. Taiwanese counsellors always took great care of us, both during and after school.
Kuo, I-Hsuan EileenGrade 12
During my study at UMC, I was lucky to be taught by caring teachers and staff which were always there to help us achieve our goals. They helped me to improve and I successfully was accepted to my dream university. The learning environment was very friendly. Great school!
Arshia RayrameshGrade 12
When I was at UMC High School, I had a great experience learning in school and I made many friends from different countries. Also, it provided me an opportunity to learn some courses that I have never learned before, such as international business.
Nguyen, Thu TrangGrade 12
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