ABOUT | Since 2008, the Cambridge Art Association (CAA) has hosted an all-media portfolio review for New England-based artists. Currently, this is the only ongoing all-media portfolio review for professional artists in Eastern Massachusetts. Portfolio Reviews are a valuable step in an artist’s professional development, and give the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and receive critical feedback from leading curators, gallerists, and independent arts professionals.
VIRTUAL FORMAT | This annual virtual event is held via Zoom each spring, allowing artists to participate from their own studios while still benefiting from the same in-depth feedback and professional connections. The online format provides a convenient way to share your work with industry leaders through screen sharing capabilities, maintaining the personal interaction that makes these reviews so valuable to your artistic growth and career development.
While the event is based in Massachusetts, artists from any location can participate in this virtual opportunity. You do NOT need to be a member of the Cambridge Art Association to participate.
IN-PERSON FORMAT | Now held each fall at a New England venue, the in-person Portfolio Review offers artists the opportunity to connect face-to-face with curators, gallerists, and arts professionals. This format fosters direct, meaningful dialogue and allows artists to present physical or digital work in a supportive, professional environment—enhancing feedback, networking, and overall engagement.
ABOUT SCHEDULING + REVIEWERS
Once you have registered, a CAA staff member will follow-up with you to confirm your review schedule and collect any other information we will need prior to your scheduled review(s).
Please note: all registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. We will do our best to match you with your preferred reviewer(s) and schedule you according to your preferred time frame. All standard CAA registration policies apply to this program.
Spring 2026 Portfolio Review Dates
Friday March 27 from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday March 28 from 9:30am – 3:30pm
CAA Member Registration + Sponsored Review Applications open Tuesday, February 3
General Admission Registration opens Tuesday, February 10
Registration closes Wednesday, March 18
Virtual Portfolio Review Fees
For current Cambridge Art Association Members:
- $75 for a single (1), 30-minute session
- $70/per session for (3) or more*, 30-minute sessions
*for more than (6) reviews, please contact us directly before registering
For Non-Members:
- $95 for a single (1), 30-minute session
- $90/per session for 3 or more*, 30-minute sessions
*for more than (6) reviews, please contact us directly before registering
Please note:
- Participants cannot book more than one 30-minute session per reviewer (up to six reviews), and Portfolio Review is for one-on-one meetings – we do not allow collaborative reviews.
- CAA Members must login to their NEON accounts to access member pricing.
- Meeting schedules will be emailed to participants one week prior to reviews.
- All standard CAA registration policies apply to this program.
Meet our 2026 Reviewers:
Lissa Cramer: Director, Boston University Art Galleries
Lisa Crossman: Director of Curatorial Affairs, Mead Art Museum, Amherst College
Kim Curhan: Creative Research and Artist Relations, Alchemy Station
Yorgos Efthymiadis: Independent Curator and Artist
Sabine Gilbert: Manager of Curatorial Projects, art_works
Lennon Hernandez Wolcott: Programs and Development Manager,
Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston, Operations
Caitee Hoglund: Gallery Director, 13Forest Gallery
LaiSun Keane: LaiSun Keane Gallery, Owner + Director
Nuria Lizarraga: Gallery Manager, Meridian Art Consulting
Audrey Lopez: The Greenwaym, Director and Curator of Public Art
Liz Morlock: Director, Steven Zevitas Gallery; Partner, Z’M Projects; Marketing Manager, New American Paintings
Jessica Roscio: Director and Curator, Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University
Caitlin Julia Rubin: Independent Curator
Jasper A. Sanchez: Assistant Curator, Boston Public Art Triennial
Lauren Szumita: Cantor Art Gallery at Holy Cross, Director
Leah Triplett: Curator of Contemporary Art, PAFA
Shari Weschler: Gallery & Education Coordinator, Wickford Art Association
SPONSORED PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Sponsored Review applications open February 3, 2026
In keeping with Cambridge Art Association’s continued commitment to build a more equitable future for all members of our community, we are pleased to announce that we will be offering a select number of individually sponsored portfolio reviews. These sponsored reviews are free and open to all artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Person of Color, Asian American, Pacific Islander (BIPOC + AAPI), Latine, LGBTQIA+, indigenous, and other historically underestimated communities – working and living within New England (including the Indigenous lands and territories of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island). At this time, we anticipate offering 2 sponsored reviews per applicant for the Spring Portfolio Review Sessions. We try our best to match you with a selected choice, but it is not guaranteed:
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about a specific reviewer or are unsure of who might be the best fit for you and your work!
PORTFOLIO REVIEW FAQ
Why should I participate in CAA’s Portfolio Review?
CAA’s Portfolio Reviews are a professional development opportunity for emerging to mid-career artists. These one-on-one meetings provide artists the opportunity to: share a body of work with curators and gallery owners; gain feedback on next steps – both creatively and professionally; and make connections that can lead to career-building opportunities. Past Portfolio Review success stories range from gallery representation and exhibit inclusion to mentorship and studio visits. Portfolio Review also provides artists with the opportunity to hone their pitch and develop their presentation skills.
I’ve submitted my registration – now what?
You will receive an automated email confirming your registration. Your schedule, with meeting times, will be emailed to the account you used to register approximately 10 days prior to the event. Registrations are processed in the order they are received; we recommend signing up early for the best reviewer selection.
I would like a portfolio review, but I’m unsure which reviewer I should choose – can you help?
We encourage you to read all of the reviewer’s bios on our website. If you are still unsure which reviewer you should choose, feel free to reach out to us for advice!
How do I prepare for Portfolio Review?
We recommend that all participants (new and returning) review our Portfolio Review prep materials. CAA staff will provide an overview of the event, including event logistics, and considerations in selected work for your portfolio; and will have ample time for Q & A.
What about in-person Portfolio Review?
Artists should bring in a digital presentation for review. They can supplement the digital portfolio by bringing in 3-4 artworks (no larger than 30 inches each). CAA does not have easels for presentation.
Have questions? Please email Stephanie Todhunter stodhunter@cambridgeart.org or Candice Driver at cdriver@cambridgeart.org
ZOOM FAQ
How does Portfolio Review work on ZOOM?
Within 3 days of the event start date, you will receive a ZOOM event link via email from a CAA Staff Member. When you’ve entered the Zoom Meeting, scheduled pairings of reviewers and participants will then go into ZOOM breakout sessions for the meetings. This will be the equivalent of having a virtual table. Participants will have screenshare capabilities in ZOOM, so that they can share their portfolios on-screen with reviewers.
When artists are not in a review, they will be placed into the “Artists Waiting Room.” This room will allow artists to meet one another and share their work between sessions. Joining the Zoom event early is encouraged!
When should I join the Zoom Meeting Link on the day of the event?
We recommend artists join the Zoom meeting at least 10-minutes before each review to ensure their device is working correctly and they are ready to go. While you wait, you will be placed in the “Artists Waiting Room.” This room will allow artists to meet one another and share their work between sessions.
I don’t know how to use Zoom – what do I do?
While CAA will share a PDF outlining how Portfolio Review will work on ZOOM, we suggest familiarizing yourself with ZOOM in advance of the event. Below are some helpful resources.
Here are some resources that may help you:
Getting Start with ZOOM on Windows or Mac
Getting Started with iOS
Getting Started with Android
How should I show my portfolio during my review?
All participating artists will have screenshare capabilities in ZOOM, so that they can share their portfolios on-screen with reviewers. You can show your portfolio whichever way makes sense for you. We have had artists scroll through their website, create a Powerpoint or Google Slide, view images through image files on their computer, etc.
Associated Programming at the CAA
The Cambridge Art Association offers a comprehensive series of professional development programs to help artists prepare for our Portfolio Reviews.
Website Design and Social Media
Join CAA Director Candice Driver for a private 30-minute consultation to strengthen your online presence and develop a personalized marketing strategy for your artistic practice. Drawing on her expertise in website design and digital marketing, Driver will evaluate your current digital presence and provide tailored guidance to help you grow your audience and promote your work effectively.
Best Practices for Writing an Artist Statement
Learn practical strategies for writing clear, authentic artist statements that effectively describe your work, process, and artistic vision. Led by accomplished artist and educator Cecilia Vazquez, this interactive workshop will guide you through prompts and discussion to develop a strong draft statement suitable for websites, applications, and exhibition materials.
Editing and Sequencing for Portfolio Review
Learn the art of editing and sequencing your portfolio in this two-session workshop led by photographer, educator, and curator Emily Belz. Participants will explore strategies for selecting and organizing their work into compelling sequences, then receive valuable feedback through group critique in the second session.
Digitize Your Artwork with Digital Silver Imaging
Join us at Digital Silver Imaging’s professional lab for a hands-on opportunity to create ultra-high resolution digital files of your artwork using their museum-quality digitizing equipment. In this drop-in event, each artist receives 20 minutes with DSI staff to capture professional images of their work (up to 20 flat pieces or 10 pieces of varying depths), followed by an optional facility tour to learn about reproduction printing and framing options.
This free mandatory workshop will guide you through preparing your portfolio and yourself for your CAA portfolio review. Topics include setting goals and managing expectations, best practices and post-review follow-up recommendations. All participants receive handouts and access to the slide deck PDF. The session will be recorded and shared with all registrants.
Image in header courtesy of Erin Jackson