I’ve supported middle school and high school students with strengthening their drawing and painting abilities, and guidance with developing art portfolios for school application requirements. I’ve helped students gain acceptance at NYC’s arts specialized high schools and college programs including LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, High School of Art & Design, Edward R. Murrow High School, Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), The Cooper Union, and more.

Testimonials

“I've known Joe for years as a fellow parent. When my son needed extra support completing a portfolio for high school applications, I set him up with 1:1 sessions with Joe. It might be simplistic, but I think there are artists and then there are teaching artists and then there are artist-teachers who are thoughtful about pedagogy, see kids for who they are, and approach teaching in the spirit of collaboration and joy. The latter is Joe. He provided generous, clear, and comprehensive suggestions and feedback after each session. He offers a sliding rate scale that aligns with his ethics. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a truly gifted teacher.”

-Sharon P. (parent)

“We felt that Joe was able to take a large collection of my daughter's art work and efficiently distill in into an initial collection of works to consider for her college application portfolio requirements. His reasoning around how to treat photos using A.I. was very helpful. His "bedside manner" was very appropriate. He gave constructive criticism and helpful analysis of what to include and what to exclude without being too harsh or unnecessarily reserved. We came in with a large collection of works which needed some culling, and we left with a clear focus of what pieces to include and in what order and the reason why for both. Overall, we were very satisfied with working with Joe, and he was a big help in our daughter getting into her first choice school.”

-Devon K. (parent)

“I've taken art classes at four other places for my portfolio. None of them really focused on me as a person. My one-on-ones with Joe were the only art classes that I enjoyed and really had fun with. While taking classes with Joe, I felt more confident about my skills as an art student. He approached my learning with joy and gave me choice in my portfolio and recognized me as a fellow artist not only a student.”

-Soren W.

“I had the pleasure of working with Joseph Hart during a pivotal time in my artistic journey. His expert and innovative instruction at Penland introduced me to new tools and mediums, and  I came away from that experience with stronger drawing skills, a better understanding of my own artistic voice, and full of inspiration and drive to create. During the pandemic, Joe mentored me via Zoom offering art prompts and insightful feedback on my work,  and helped me write a successful project grant proposal. Working with Joe has helped me grow and evolve my art practice. I give him my highest recommendation.”

-Karen A. (artist)

“Joe was extremely helpful and provided meaningful feedback without being brash. His studio was a comfortable environment, which that me greatly in feeling at ease talking about my art work and my college application. I felt a lot more confident and knowledgeable after having portfolio review sessions with Joe.”

- Mia K. (high school student)