PORTFORLIO REVIEWS
Book a 10-minute session (first-come, first-serve) with a visual or performing arts expert who can offer feedback on the presentation of your work through your portfolio, website, or social media.
HOW TO SECURE A SPOT (INSTRUCTIONS)
- Check out each of the portfolio reviewers below. There is a mix of artists with varying experience to tap into.
- Once you pick a reviewer, click the “BOOK WITH ME” button under their image. It will take you to a Google calendar scheduler.
Note: Be sure to click on Saturday, November 23rd to view the available spots. - Once you select a time slot, you will prompted to input your name and email to secure it.
- Expect to receive an email verification and a Google Calendar invitation. If you’ve received these, you’ve secured your spot!
REMINDERS:
- All spots are first come, first serve.
- Each summit attendee may only reserve ONE spot.
- PLEASE BE ON TIME FOR YOUR SCHEDULED SESSION to maintain the flow and respect the time of reviewers and fellow participants.
- If you signed up but can no longer show up to your session, please let us know so we can open the spot to another person.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE REVIEW
- Make sure you’ve secured your spot with a reviewer!
- This is a Digital Portfolio Review ONLY. Please DO NOT bring physical works of art. Be prepared to bring an electronic device (laptop, tablet, phone) for the review.
- Come prepared to introduce yourself and ask specific questions regarding your portfolio.
Give a 20-30 second pitch explaining who you are and the type of work you do or what’s represented in the portfolio.
We recommend preparing 3 questions max. Ten minutes will fly by faster than you think!
Example questions:
- What’s your first impression of my portfolio?
- What is something I can do to push further / enhance my work?
- How can I convey the message of my work more clearly?
We encourage you to develop your own questions, but you are welcome to use these ones too.
Acceptable work samples:
- Photo-based portfolios – we recommend putting together a pdf or slide show of 10 images MAX.
- Video-based portfolios – we recommend preparing 2-3 videos, less than 1 minute (60 seconds) each.
- Literary-based portfolios – we recommend preparing 2-3 writing samples/excerpts that are 150 words or less.
For website reviews:
If your website has more than 5 pages, pick your top 2 priority pages to discuss. Make sure your prepared questions are relevant to the web pages you’re prioritizing.
For social media reviews:
Pick the 1-2 platforms that best represent your brand and have up-to-date, professional content. Select a few top posts that highlight your style and engagement; prepare links or screenshots.
No matter which portfolio you do, be intentional and selective about the pieces that represent you as an artist.
If you have any questions or issues signing up please email summit@fresharts.org with the subject line: Summit Portfolio Reviews
PORTFORLIO REVIEWERS
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
TIME FRAME: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton is an award-winning literary artist, director, performer, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston, TX. She authored Newsworthy (Bloomsday Literary, 2019) (translated into German, Berichtenswert, Elif Verlag, 2020), Black Chameleon (Henry Holt & Co., 2023), which won Best Nonfiction Book through the Texas Institute of Letters (2024). Mouton contributed writings for Glamour, Texas Monthly, and ESPN’s Andscape. This 3-time TedX presenter and international performer has been the keynote speaker for the Texas Library Association and the Texas Association for Literacy and Education, among others performing for crowds upwards of 37,000 people- including the Leipzig in Autumn Festival in as an ambassador for the City of Houston. A former Resident Artist with American Lyric Theater, Rice University, and the Houston Museum of African American Culture, her upcoming works include a children’s book (Hush Hush Hurricane, Kokila) and an opera at The Kennedy Center.
Gracie Chavez
TIME FRAME: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bombón Texas co-founder Gracie Chavez is an ambassador for the Texas music scene. She began as a music editor/journalist, then as in-house writer for SwishaHouse, Chamillionaire and other rappers during Houston rap’s rise to the world stage. Meanwhile, she honed her taste-making selections and DJ skills to earn top accolades nationwide and Houston’s Best DJ (2016). In 2010, she helped create Bombón, a pioneering music collective of DJ/musicians based on screwmbia, Houston rap and tropical bass. As label head/producer for Bombón Music, she continues to usher in new urban tropical sounds. Gracie has lectured on music’s cultural influence and performed at institutions like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Museum of Fine Arts and Houston Symphony. Recently, this work led to her role as founding Music Officer for the City of Houston. In this leadership role, she helps support a thriving music industry in the most diverse city in the country.
Jessie Bowman, FLATS
TIME FRAME: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Jessi Bowman is a Houston-based photographer and curator with over 15 years of experience. Jessi has curated shows, including “Sight Lines” at Houston Center for Photography, where she served as Exhibitions Manager for 8 years. She has also worked for and helped manage programing for other notable organizations like FotoFest International and Project Row Houses. She is the Founder and Curator of FLATS, a community darkroom and photo lab that began in 2016 as a nomadic exhibition series showcasing local artists. Jessi’s passion lies in collaborating with organizations to bring art into non-traditional spaces and building dynamic lens based communities. She is also the driving force behind FLAT Files, the only photo magazine dedicated to showcasing the work of Southern photographers and writers.
Aaron Ambroso, Houston Climate Justice Museum
TIME FRAME: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Aaron Ambroso is a museum professional, educator, writer, activist, and artist. He received his Masters in Art History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has worked at the Nasher Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He is also the co-founder of the Houston Climate Justice Museum & Cultural Center. He has presented at the Texas Association of Museums, the Southeast College Art Conference, and Texas Historical Commission, and his writing has appeared in Artnet Magazine.
