Classen School of Advanced Studies High Schools at Northeast
Visual Art Major Program

Visual Art High School Audition Guidelines

Classen SAS Mission Statement:

To ensure that all students learn at high levels to become high quality, academically prepared, global citizens.

Classen SAS Visual Art Major Description:

The Visual Art Department is dedicated to providing research-based learning to nurture the potential of students in the development of excellence. We encourage a high level of creative and academic rigor in order to promote college readiness. Through a variety of studio experiences, artists explore materials, processes and ideas to develop visual literacy.  Art students learn about cultural, historical and contemporary issues which inform creative expression within our Global society. Visual Art faculty and students collaborate to create a positive environment in which perspectives and unique talents of individual students can grow and flourish. 

Audition Specifics:

CSAS General Application requirements: 

• OKCPS Application Schools Website

Visual Art Audition: Applicants must complete two components: (1) submit an art portfolio and (2) participate in the on-site drawing & writing portions of the audition.

Day/Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2025

Time for Arrival: 4:30-4:45, Audition begins promptly at 5:00.

Location: Classen School of Advanced Studies High School, 3100 N Kelley, OKC

Point of Entry: Cafeteria/Gymnasium entrance, near parking lot

Parking Information: West side of building off N. Kelley and 30th

How to Apply & What to Prepare Before Arrival:

All applicants will submit a 2-D portfolio with the following contents:

1.  One Still-life, painting or drawing

2.  One Landscape, painting or drawing

3.  One composition in color, any medium

4.  One composition in black and white, any medium

5.  One self portrait, draw from mirror: 1 hour, pencil, 8 ½” x 11” copy paper

Portfolio Requirements:

• No cartoons or 3-D work will be accepted.  Please choose art for the portfolio that has good composition, showing your skills and unique talent.    

• All artwork must be no larger than 18”x 24”.  

• Portfolio: artwork must be in some kind of art folder or portfolio, a handmade folder is fine, cardboard or folded poster board works. 

• Use the label below and attach it to your portfolio.

• Portfolios and in-person audition components will stay with us until acceptance letters are sent out, then you can call ahead and pick-up portfolios at your convenience.

ALL PORTFOLIOS SUBMITTED WILL NEED TO BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2025.  
All unclaimed portfolios will be recycled and disassembled after this date. 

Please Bring to Audition: 

==================================================

 Fill out label, attach to Portfolio,  & bring to Audition 

Thur, Feb 20th, 2025 : 5:00 PM

• Full Name:

• Grade for next year:    9      10     11      12

• Telephone number: 

• E-mail address:

• Still life__, Landscape__, Color work__, B&W work__, Self Portrait___

Audition guidelines: 

• All applicants must attend the IN-PERSON ART AUDITION, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, promptly beginning at 5:00 PM in the Classen SAS NE (High School) cafeteria.

• The in-person drawing session will last approximately 45 minutes. 

• Art materials are provided. 

• Parent pick-up at 5:45. ( a waiting area, in the cafeteria, will be available to any parent needing to wait here for their student) 

Audition components:

• Direct Observation Drawing, 30 minutes

• Writing response to given prompt, 5 minutes 

What to expect: All students will draw from direct observation for 30 minutes and write a short, timed, response to a given prompt.  This drawing and response will be included in the judging, along with the student portfolio.  Portfolios should include the 5 pieces as detailed above.

Audition Tips: 

• Be on time to audition.

• Bring your portfolio with the information label attached and fully filled out.

• Be ready to draw in a classroom environment with other students.

• Be ready to write a short, timed response to a given prompt. 

• Review basic art concepts of observation, expression, and techniques.

Judging Criteria (how applicants will be evaluated):

Students will be judged by a panel of Visual Art professionals looking for creative use and knowledge of the objectives: the effective use of the Elements of Art and demonstrated understanding of the Principles of Design.  Rubric levels of concept understanding are Beginning, Proficient, Advanced, Accomplished, Exceptional.

Visual Art contact information:

• Front office 405 587-5400 for arranging pick-up and return of student Art portfolio

• Mrs. Rodriguez 405 587-5412, ccrodriguez@okcps.org

• Mr. Sweeney 405 587-5461, pasweeney@okcps.org 

• Mrs. Crump 405 587-5434, ajcrump@okcps.org 

Helpful links: 

• CSAS HS Website: https://www.okcps.org/Domain/80

Oklahoma Visual Art Standards Website Okfinearts.pbworks.com