AP art course inspires reflection and exploration

Poly’s Upper School introduced two Advanced Placement Studio Art courses about six years ago so students could further develop their creativity in drawing or 2-D design with their college careers in mind. “The response of the students has been amazing,” says Arnor Bieltvedt, chair of the Visual Arts Department and course instructor. “There is a real need and appreciation for this kind of a rigorous and personal art experience at Poly.”

In AP Studio Art: Drawing and AP Studio Art: 2-D Design, motivated art students work on portfolios for the AP exam. Unlike other AP courses that culminate in a written exam, these students submit a digital portfolio of 24 pieces of artwork and five original works for evaluation by College Board examiners in the spring. Each portfolio must reflect the student’s ability to utilize the elements and principles of design, use a variety of media, and express a sophisticated level of creativity.

See examples of this past year's students' work.