Perpich Students Shine at Portfolio Day 2023

Media Arts and Visual Arts students showed their work to college experts and admissions professionals. Here, a student shows their work to an admissions professional from the University of South Dakota.

October 10, 2023

On Monday, October 9, 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. Representatives from some of the most selective art schools in the country come to campus to review student portfolios.

This year, 21 institutions were on campus to connect with Perpich students. George Terry Jr., Assistant Principal, said, “Portfolio Day is an excellent opportunity for our students to explore post-secondary options while sharing their extraordinary artistic talent.”

Audrey Nissley (Visual Arts 2024) said, “It’s a good opportunity to meet people who can help you on your pathway to college.”

A Theater student performs a monologue for Allison Vincent, Teaching Specialist in Theater at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

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. Overall, participating colleges gave Perpich students high praise.

Dance students spent the afternoon with Cheng Xiong, Teaching Specialist in Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Cheng taught a modern dance class that emphasized improvisation and dynamics. They also met with Nora Jenneman, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Dance Program at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Theater Seniors met with Allison Vincent, Teaching Specialist in Theater at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Allison worked with the students on their prepared monologues. Theater Juniors met with Melanie Salmon-Peterson, Director and Production Manager at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins. Melanie worked with the students on cold reading auditions.

Cheng Xiong, Teaching Specialist in Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, demonstrates a movement sequence for Dance students.

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

“I met with many talented students with beautiful portfolios.” Pacific Northwest College of Art