On October 17, 2019, Mrs. Galante’s Advanced Placement Art Class took a trip to the Heckscher Museum for a portfolio review night from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Colleges such as Adelphi University, Boston University School of Visual Arts, Center for Art and Design, The College of Saint Rose, Hartford Art School – University of Hartford, Long Island University Post, Maine College of Art, Maryland Institute College of Art, New York Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Pratt Institute, and Ringling College of Art and Design were all there to review student made portfolios. 

Students were given the opportunity to speak to a representative and admission counselor of the art department. They gave advice and feedback and reviewed each portfolio individually. They also provided information about their college, addressed the programs of interest provided by each student, and explained how to submit and send a portfolio and transcript. In addition, they went over portfolio guidelines for those interested in being art majors and minors and what was required to be considered for specific programs. 

The AP Art class was given the opportunity to present their ideas and concepts incorporated in their concentration. Reviewers were able to see what direction each student was going in and provided recommendations to expand their portfolios and address the guidelines of the Advanced Placement exam which will take place in May. This way students were able to see their work in a different light from the perspective of professionals.

To upload one’s portfolio for the AP, students upload their work onto the digital College Board portfolio, placing them in order and addressing each piece’s size and dimensions. In addition, they pick five of their best pieces for the quality section which are physically viewed by the AP graders. The exam’s guidelines have changed this school year. Therefore, instead of having a breadth section which consists of a variety of different concepts under twelve pieces and a concentration which consists of one concept under twelve pieces, it is only requiring fifteen concentration pieces in total and no breadth pieces. They are also looking for photographs and notes that show one’s process in creating work. 

The portfolio review night was very helpful, informative, and beneficial for the AP Art students to move forward and continue their portfolios in Drawing, 2-D Design, and 3-D Design.