In summer 2024, Truva Akarra, a high school senior from Rhode Island, went to Shanghai, China to attend RISD’s Summer Teen Art Institute. Akarra is an aspiring artist and a member of Barrington High School’s Chinese Club. The trip provided him with an opportunity to improve his Mandarin skills and explore his newfound interest in art and design, which was initially sparked by his parents, Ecem Elci 01 ID and Artiss Fiffie 00 ID.
“[The program] allowed me to understand college life,” he says. “I wasn’t drawing much before. But when I had to complete 10 drawings for the first assignment, due the next day, I realized the importance of taking it seriously.”
He enjoyed the design and drawing courses, especially when working with graphite pencil and gouache.
Truva didn’t spend all of his time in the studio. He also enjoyed weekend opportunities, which he “reserved for social and cultural explorations, like visiting art museums in the area.” “We went to the Museum of Art Pudong and the Power Station of Art. I enjoyed the variety of the mediums used and methodology. It made me realize that art can be anything, and is accessible to anyone.”
The program has shaped his plan to apply to RISD for college. “I had a fun experience improving my skills and building a portfolio for my college application,” he says. “I would highly recommend [RISD’s Summer Teen Art Institute in Shanghai] for anyone who wishes to pursue art, and likes a little extra adventure.”
Applications for the summer 2025 program open January 22. Learn more about the Summer Teen Art Institute.
