Perpich Students Shine for Portfolio Day/College & Career Day 2025

September 30, 2025

On Monday, September 29, students at Perpich Arts High School participated in Portfolio Day, celebrating college and career readiness. For over 25 years each fall, 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, 22 institutions were on campus to connect with Perpich students.

Media Arts and Visual Arts students showed their work to college experts and admissions professionals. Here, students show their work to admissions professionals from School of Visual Arts in New York City.

One of the event organizers, George Terry Jr., Assistant Principal, said, “Portfolio Day/College & Career Day opens doors to our students’ futures. From showcasing their work to top art schools to connecting with creative professionals, this event builds confidence and highlights the many pathways their talents can take.”

Another event organizer, Kathryn D’Elia, Visual Arts Instructor and Studio Arts Chair, said, “Portfolio Day this year was exciting, overwhelming, informative, and as always, incredibly valuable for the students and teachers. This year, we had over 20 different schools (art schools, liberal arts schools, state colleges, and community colleges) come to campus to explain the features of their programs. Each Perpich student was able to hear up to six presentations from various schools the morning of Portfolio Day. In the afternoon, representatives from the schools reviewed portfolios for Visual Arts and Media Arts students, to point out strengths and areas for growth in their portfolios. Some students firmly learned which schools are their first choice for applying, while all practiced interviewing skills and presenting their work and asking questions. We are so lucky that these schools make Perpich a priority each year.”

Carl Flink, Director of Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, taught a modern dance class with our Perpich dance students.

Rebecca Bullen, Principal, said, “Portfolio Day celebrates the dedication, growth, and creativity that our students pour into their work. It’s inspiring to see the students confidently present themselves not just as artists, but as thoughtful, innovative leaders. Watching them engage with school reps, share their vision, and imagine future possibilities is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.”

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.

Luverne Seifert, Senior Teaching Specialist in the Department of Theater Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, speaks with Theater and Musical Theater students about multiple post-secondary options.

Dance students spent the afternoon with Carl Flink, Artistic Director of the award winning dance company, Black Label Movement (Minneapolis, MN), and the Director of Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Carl taught a modern dance class that emphasized improvisation and dynamics. He spoke with the students about multiple post-secondary options, including the University of Minnesota Dance program. He emphasized that students should find the program that best fits them.

Theater and Musical Theater students started the afternoon with Luverne Seifert, Co-artistic Director of Sod House Theater (Minneapolis, MN), and a Senior Teaching Specialist in the Department of Theater Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Seifert has been acting professionally for over 30 years. He spoke with the students about multiple post-secondary options, including the University of Minnesota Theater Arts program, and the differences between BA and BFA programs. Then they welcomed Carla Steen, Dramaturg at Guthrie Theater, to their classroom. Steen spoke with the class about the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts of drama and knowing the world of the play.