Program Highlights and Audition Information
National Art Honor Society
The National Art Honor Society at Cypress Lake High School was one of the first established in the State of Florida. The Robyn Cleary #326 NAHS was established in 1983 and named in memory of an outstanding art student who lost her life in an automobile accident. The NAHS members are invited to join by their arts teachers. They must maintain at least a “B” average in all of their classes, hold art in high regard, and show leadership through volunteer service in the school and community using their artistic talent. The NAHS holds an annual induction ceremony and Member’s Show, hosting a non-profit organization to help the community become aware and involved in worthy causes. The NAHS members meet twice a month where planning for projects, activities and field trips are discussed.
Field Trips
The Visual Arts Department has traveled many miles to take in the most important works of art in the world, exposing our students to a multitude of venues, artists, mediums and concepts. Paris, France, Italy, and Art Basel in Miami, Florida, are a few of the places we have visited. We traveled to the Louvre in Paris and stood in front of the Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo. We have been to Rome and experienced the sensation of seeing Michelangelo's painting of the Sisteen Chapel. We walked in the footsteps of the Impressionist painters in Montmarte and spent time in Monet's Garden. We travel annually to South Beach to attend Art Basel in Miami. This venue is one of the best for contemporary art in the country. Galleries from all over the world show work that inspires and intrigues. Parents are always invited to join us.
Art School Visits
Each year we are visited by the top arts institutions in the country, well known for their reputation as the leading schools in the art world.
New World School for the Arts,
The School of The Art Institute of Chicago,
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design,
Ringling College of Art and Design,
Kansas City Art Institute,
The Art Institutes network,
Savanah College of Art and Design,
Fullsail, just to name a few!
Auditions
Auditions are held once a year at the Center for the Arts. Students who want to participate in the Visual Arts program need to fill out paperwork to audition. The audition includes bringing in a portfolio of original work, along with a journal/sketchbook and three hour studio time during the audition. Students are judged on the quality of the portfolio, drawing skills and creative ability. A rubric is set up for all three judges to score the portfolio, 2-D drawing and 3-D clay. It is always a closed audition. Parents are asked to come back to pick up their student after the three hour sesssion. Within ten days after the audition, students will be contacted via the US mail on their results. Good luck.