1. SPECIAL TALENTED ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR ART ALSO FOR MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA

2. A FREE program for the Gifted and Talented students in our district (not just this school) for Visual Arts, Music, Dance and Drama. If you audition and are accepted you are able to participate in a two week summer art camp and a special STEP Art class after school one day a week (starting next year). Student at Summer STEP Art Oaxacan inspired sculpture created in after school STEP Art class STEP ART IS …

3. You have to be nominated by teacher OR parent This is what I will be looking at to make my nominations for Step Art Auditions Shows originality in choice of subject, technique and composition – does not just copy the teacher sample art or other students work Combines various art media to express ideas and feelings Exhibits self-direction – I rarely have to help this student or correct behavior or motivate Thinks of doing and creating art projects in his/her spare time – art is a part of his/her life

4. *You have to give letter/application to parent or guardian *Parent has to mail this to our School District by January 28th! Parent has to schedule you an audition appointment! *You have to audition with an art portfolio and an art test. WHAT TO DO …

5. ART PORTFOLIO A GROUP OF YOUR SELECTED ARTWORK 1.Draw a shoe. Draw with a pencil. Draw slowly and carefully and show all details. Show details and texture. Show all of the shadows as appropriate for your age level.

6. 2. Draw an imaginary creature in an imaginary environment. Use interesting shapes, textures and lines. Fill up the paper – lots of details! Art Portfolio Can be done in color OR with pencil (black and white). Use YOUR imagination. Do not copy someone else’s work!

7. 3. Draw a self-portrait. Use a mirror to help show correct facial proportion. Show emotion. Show your personality. THIS CAN BE DONE IN COLOR (realistic or abstract use of color) OR BLACK AND WHITE (pencil). Art Portfolio

8. 4. Draw one or more personal objects, such as a toy, Mp3 player, cell phone, or even a toothbrush and tooth paste. Show lots of details and textures. Show all of the shadows as appropriate for your age level. Use pencil. ART PORTFOLIO

9. 5. An artwork you did not do in art class. Art Portfolio *If you keep an art sketchbook – not notebook paper – and you have work in that as well – bring it to the audition also. ALL artwork should be NO larger than 9x12 WHITE PAPER – NO NOTEBOOK PAPER NO CARTOON CHARACTERS READ YOUR DIRECTIONS

10. SO HOW MANY PIECES OF ART WORK DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN YOUR PORFOLIO AT THE AUDITION? 5 ALL of the 5 types of artwork HAVE to be in your portfolio or you WILL NOT score high enough to get accepted into the STEP ART Program.

11. ART TEST AT THE AUDITION Two parts 1. some kind of drawing test 2. some kind of 3D sculpture assignment It is timed – you only have so many minutes to complete each assignment

12. AUDITIONS ARE IN MARCH PARENTS HAVE TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION APPOINTMENT In April/May you will get a letter at home telling you if you got in or not. If you do get in you can: 1.Participate in a 2 week summer art camp – free. 2.Participate next year in an after school STEP art class one day a week – free Parent has to bring you and pick you up – NO BUSES STEP Art is 3 rd grade through 8 th grade – you only have to audition once if you get accepted.

13. IF YOU DON’T MAKE IT IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! You can audition again next year But you never know what you can do unless you TRY!

14. What to do if a child wants to try -out that you don't believe is talented? Give them a chance if they have their heart set on trying out, but let them know it is hard to get in the program so their hopes are not up. By guidelines of STEP, we will give every child the opportunity. Should behavior play a role in the nomination? By guidelines of STEP - No, But motivation and dedication- definitely! It is A LOT of hard work for student, parent and art teacher. How involved show I be in the process? Very! Thoroughly explain the portfolio requirements, give them access to materials, give them plenty of time to prepare and certainly give them feedback about the artwork they create for their portfolio. Students do not always understand the quality of work that is required. It also takes a lot of communication with parents. What if my student does not get in and I know they are talented? Comfort them, remind them that they tried their best and encourage them to try again next year. Many students have tried the first year and not gotten in but got in the second time. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS