Perpich Students Shine for Portfolio Day/College & Career Day 2026

September 29, 2026

What happens when high school artists put their creative work directly in front of college admissions professionals? On Monday, September 28th, students at Perpich Arts High School participated in Portfolio Day, celebrating college and career readiness.

Media Arts and Visual Arts students showed their work to college experts and admissions professionals. Here, a student shows their work to admissions professionals from Augsburg University.

For nearly 30 years, Perpich has hosted Portfolio Day each fall in conjunction with the National Portfolio Day season. This year’s event followed Minneapolis College of Art and Design’s National Portfolio Day on September 27th and gave Perpich students another opportunity to connect directly with college representatives and receive feedback on their work. More than 20 institutions were on campus to connect with Perpich students.

The participating institutions represented a wide range of educational pathways. Students had the opportunity to connect with nationally recognized art and design institutions including the Maryland Institute College of Art, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), College for Creative Studies, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Cleveland Institute of Art, Maine College of Art & Design, Art Academy of Cincinnati, and Pacific Northwest College of Art – Willamette University, alongside Minnesota and regional colleges and universities.

The day began with panel discussions featuring representatives from participating institutions, giving students opportunities to ask questions, explore educational options, and consider which programs aligned with their interests and goals. In the afternoon, Studio Arts students shared their portfolios with college representatives, receiving individual feedback and guidance on their work. Performing arts students also participated in classes with visiting artists, learning directly from professionals working in their fields.

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 Cleveland Institute of Art.

For Perpich Arts High School Principal Rebecca Bullen, the day offers students both practical guidance and an opportunity to make meaningful connections as they consider their futures. “It’s a full-day experience with many layers of emotions, from nervousness to excitement,” Bullen said. She noted that college representatives consistently leave campus having enjoyed their time with students and often share enthusiastic feedback about their talent.

The experience made an impression on visiting college representative Stacy Severson, director of admissions at Augsburg University. She praised the event for its organization and the quality of student work. “The event was engaging, well organized, and inspiring,” Severson wrote in a message following the event. “I was so impressed by your students and truly enjoyed seeing their incredible work.” Severson also thanked Perpich for supporting students as they explore postsecondary education and careers in the creative arts.

By bringing college representatives and arts professionals directly to campus, Portfolio Day gives Perpich students a chance to share their work, receive meaningful feedback, and explore the many possibilities available as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Dance students welcomed Joanie Smith, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Shapiro & Smith Dance, and Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Theater and Musical Theater students welcomed 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. Read more about that visit.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.