AP Art: What You Need To Know
Written By: Danae Troupe
Some have always known they wanted to do art while others have discovered their love along the way. AP Art, an advanced, college-level, art class, gives high-school level students an opportunity to express their creative design choices in a rigorous, educational environment. In the beginning of the year, you find students at varying levels, but they all come in to the class with a passion for art. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with two second-year AP Art students, Holly Nephew and Cherie Sang, to discuss the format of the class as well as their personal experiences. Through this, as well as further research online, I was able to compile a list of things students should know before taking the class.
1. This is an AP level class.
Many students don't consider art to be a rigorous class but AP Art is just like any other AP class. At the end of the year, students are required to submit a portfolio in order to receive a score labeled 1-5. These scores are representative for meeting the criteria of the course and demonstrating skill synonymous to that of a college student. In addition, scores 3+ can usually be submitted for college credit in post-high school years. In order to achieve a high score, you must present quality work as well as sustained investigations which consists of a presentation of your work process, an inquiry or question that guided your investigation, and a description that shows evidence of "practice, experimentation, and revision" guided by your inquiry/question. Building an AP-level portfolio is not easy and it requires many hours after-school in the studio. However, it can be a very fulfilling experience to present the work that you are proud of at the end of the year.
1. This is an AP level class.
Many students don't consider art to be a rigorous class but AP Art is just like any other AP class. At the end of the year, students are required to submit a portfolio in order to receive a score labeled 1-5. These scores are representative for meeting the criteria of the course and demonstrating skill synonymous to that of a college student. In addition, scores 3+ can usually be submitted for college credit in post-high school years. In order to achieve a high score, you must present quality work as well as sustained investigations which consists of a presentation of your work process, an inquiry or question that guided your investigation, and a description that shows evidence of "practice, experimentation, and revision" guided by your inquiry/question. Building an AP-level portfolio is not easy and it requires many hours after-school in the studio. However, it can be a very fulfilling experience to present the work that you are proud of at the end of the year.
2. You'll meet others with varying skill levels.
AP Art is usually portrayed as a class for only the most elite artists, but, in truth, AP Art is open to anyone. Some people have taken the class for years while some are just starting out. Taking AP Art is a chance to grow and refine your skills. Those who receive a 5 on the exam don't always start out as college-level artists, but they grow over the course of the year and become better artists through taking the class.
3. You really have to be able to connect with yourself and what you believe in.
Making "quality art" requires more than skill. You must present five (or ten, depending on your focus) works in your area of concentration that truly show off your best work. These pieces do not have as many artistic constraints as the sustained investigation but do require you give detailed descriptions of the ideas leading up to the piece, materials used, and processes used.
AP Art is usually portrayed as a class for only the most elite artists, but, in truth, AP Art is open to anyone. Some people have taken the class for years while some are just starting out. Taking AP Art is a chance to grow and refine your skills. Those who receive a 5 on the exam don't always start out as college-level artists, but they grow over the course of the year and become better artists through taking the class.
3. You really have to be able to connect with yourself and what you believe in.
Making "quality art" requires more than skill. You must present five (or ten, depending on your focus) works in your area of concentration that truly show off your best work. These pieces do not have as many artistic constraints as the sustained investigation but do require you give detailed descriptions of the ideas leading up to the piece, materials used, and processes used.
4. Love Art
As I was about to leave, I asked for true advice for anyone interested in joining the class and all Cherie had to say was "Put your all into it". You really have to be in love with art and are willing to dedicate hours upon hours simply working on a piece. Joining the class without having a true dedication towards the craft can leave you bored and burnt out before the semester is even over. But if you feel art is something you really enjoy - especially if you wish to pursue it post-graduation - then absolutely sign up for this class. While no prerequisites exist, skill isn't all that's truly necessary and those with passion will go far.
For more information on the AP Art program, visit the college board website.
As I was about to leave, I asked for true advice for anyone interested in joining the class and all Cherie had to say was "Put your all into it". You really have to be in love with art and are willing to dedicate hours upon hours simply working on a piece. Joining the class without having a true dedication towards the craft can leave you bored and burnt out before the semester is even over. But if you feel art is something you really enjoy - especially if you wish to pursue it post-graduation - then absolutely sign up for this class. While no prerequisites exist, skill isn't all that's truly necessary and those with passion will go far.
For more information on the AP Art program, visit the college board website.