Perpich Students Shine at Portfolio Day 2019

On Monday, October 7, students at Perpich Arts High School participated in Portfolio Day, celebrating college and career readiness. For over 20 years each October, Perpich sponsors a Portfolio Day, offered in conjunction with a national portfolio day at Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

This year, 27 institutions were on campus to connect with Perpich students. In the morning, all students heard from colleges, universities, technical schools, and a gap year program. In the afternoon, Media Arts and Visual Arts students showed their work to college experts and admissions professionals. They learned about what those colleges have to offer and if they are a good fit as a prospective student. The experts also offered some constructive criticism. Participating colleges gave Perpich students high praise. Representatives from some of the most selective art schools in the country come to campus to review student portfolios.

Assistant Principal and Studio Arts Chair, Rebecca Bullen, said, “It is an amazing event and the feedback we receive from colleges is always positive. They continue to come for our students and speak highly of their skill and the opportunities students receive here, both in arts and academics.”

Arts High School Principal, Conn McCartan, said, “I have been a part of many ‘on-site’ college days over my career. The Portfolio Day at Perpich is so unique because students actually present their work to an authentic audience that helps them refine both their work and their message to colleges and/or employers.”

Two Perpich seniors received scholarship offers on the spot. The portfolios of Ahnali Tran and Ezra Francis both warranted merit scholarships. Tran received an offer from School of the Arts Institute Chicago and Francis received an offer from School of the Arts Institute Chicago and Maryland Institute College of Art.

Dance and Theater students spent the afternoon with Lisa Channer, Theater Professor at University of Minnesota. Channer worked with students on physical nature of being in body. The viewpoints work focused on Shape, Topography, Spacial Relationship, and Tempo in the development of devised work and seeing images unfold on stage.

Music students spent the afternoon with Kyle Rucker of Ruck B Media, a diversified Music and Media production brand who represents a diverse roster of creatives, creators, recording artists, songwriters, producers, and composers. Rucker spoke to students about how he started his business and how it has become the biggest black-owned music publishing company in Minnesota. He also gave an insight into what he expects from a musician who auditions to be represented by his company – not only talent and craft – but also commitment.

Some participating colleges from Portfolio Day had this to say about Perpich:

“This was my first time coming out to Perpich as a representative for Cornish. I was immediately welcomed in as if I had been a friend for years. The talent and community built into the walls was engaging and once I met with the students, I was completely inspired. It’s a powerful experience as a professional artist to walk away from a conversation with a 17 year old, feeling just as creatively enlightened as they are.” Cornish College of the Arts

“Hearing the way in which students described their work was just as inspiring as the work itself. Perpich students have stories to tell, and they do so, beautifully, through their craft.”
Columbia College Chicago

“The level of thought and creativity in each student’s work was outstanding!”
Columbus College of Art & Design

“Perpich students are some of the best in the state of Minnesota. We have been attending this event for years and will continue to do so! Great event and talented students!”
Minneapolis College of Art and Design

“Perpich students are not only capable makers but are also well prepared to speak about their work. Having the opportunity to engage with students on the level of content and meaning gives colleges a chance to really understand not only the work they have done, but also to assess their ability to make work in the future.”
California College of the Arts