For many Lawrence High art students, Portfolio Day is both an exciting opportunity to showcase their artwork and the culmination of a busy week of preparation.

This Friday, Sept. 19, students will have the chance to receive professional feedback from representatives of about a dozen colleges attending the event.

This feedback — a low-stakes preview of what later college applications may look like — is a crucial learning experience and opportunity for growth.

“Because I really want to go to art school, it’s important for me to get the help I need to get there,” junior Ari Kamat said. “It’s just getting an idea of what you need to do before you submit to colleges.”

On Friday, college representatives will meet with students at separate tables and lead mini-seminars on art school applications.

“The colleges go into the commons area, and some of them do presentations to other groups of people. You can go in there and listen to their talks about the school and their programs,” Kamat said.

Portfolio Day also comes with its own set of challenges — notably, an increased workload for participating students.

Junior Kaiea Blum explained how she prepares her work.

“I have to get my sketchbook ready,” she said. “It will probably take a week, just gathering a bunch of different pieces I’ve made.”

Portfolio Day gives students an opportunity to showcase their artistic talent to colleges.

“You get to show them your work, and you get to prove to them that you’re worth admitting,” Blum said.

Senior Lily Havener looks forward to the college-specific feedback.

“I am excited to meet representatives from different schools to get an insight on what they might be expecting in my portfolio,” Havener said. “I also hope to get a new perspective on how I can enhance and refine my work.”

Kamat said the day benefits everyone.

“It’s a good opportunity to get good criticism on your work without it being super important,” Kamat said. “It’s really exciting.”