Students in AP studio art course have spent this school year building portfolios to voice their feelings on selected subject matters. Their work aims to visually relate to a topic which they are investigating. The portfolios are composed of nine different pieces which are unique to one another, but all still express the central studies of their studies.
AP studio art is a fast-paced, organized class. 99% of their classes are “studio time,” where the students work diligently on their portfolios. Although they are expected to be productive, these artists have created a sense of camaraderie in the classroom. Assistant director of fine arts and art teacher Meagan Brooker said that even with a larger class, “they are so fun and friendly with each other. We are always connecting, laughing, and telling stories.” She also spoke about the workload saying, “I don’t think anyone knows the hours they put in. Each of them must come in regularly outside of class to finish their work.” The positivity in the class helps artists to connect with one another and their own passions. This helps them work through the courseload and maintain creative depth.
Brooker said that the creative process typically peaks after the midpoint of the semester, “they have found their lane and are moving confidently.” Senior Hadley DeBow has been working on her portfolio called “summertime nostalgia” in which she expresses many different medias from oil, to watercolor, to jelly printing. DeBow said she chose to explore this because “I love the aesthetic of summertime and wanted to express my happiness during this time of the year.” Her favorite piece is “Magnolia memory,” which features a little girl looking at a magnolia tree. DeBow said “I used to pick magnolias in the summertime with my mom. This work brought up an appreciation for my family and so many sweet memories.” Art has always been a natural calling for DeBow. Her grandmother instilled this passion in her from a young age and “this was something that really connected us.”
Senior Hollyn Daum was also influenced by the work of her grandma and “I think this was where my interest in art started.” Her portfolio is titled “Nostalgia of the Past and Hope for the Future” as this resonates with the season of life she is in. “I have an older sister and often find myself dwelling on the past when we were growing up together. Now I am going to college and stepping into a new future just like her.” Daum is currently living between both sides of this expression. Her portfolio is composed mainly of oil paintings, as this is her preferred style. Daum’s favorite work in her portfolio is titled “—,” an oil painting that depicts a little girl sleeping while faced away from Dr. Seuss’ children’s book “Oh the Place’s You’ll Go.” The meaning behind this illustrates “how oblivious and innocent she is to the world ahead of her.”
Senior Suzy Loetscher illustrated a 2D sketch piece exhibited in the spring art show.
photo courtesy: Loetscher
Both DeBow and Daum have grown as artists and individuals through the personal mission of this class. Brooker said the class has more depth than “making pretty art. The students must maintain a creative work ethic and have the passion to discover and show their own stories.” Artists also must follow AP requirements of the course, requiring them to write about each of the techniques they have studied and how they put them into practice.
The annual spring art show will exhibit pieces in each of the artists portfolios. This is a pinnacle of what they have been working on and is essential for growth, encouragement and motivation. Artists will receive another level of feedback from other art teachers, professionals, and scouts. Their works will also be enjoyed by students and parent spectators. DeBow said she is always “so excited for this time of the year and helps me keep the outcome on the forefront of my mind.”
Senior Abigail Ross works on the charcoal peice in her portfolio, illustrating a tree. Photo courtesy: Brooker
Additionally, a senior will be awarded the Jean Raney Visual Art Award at the end of the school year. This is given annually to a senior who has displayed outstanding talent, commitment, and involvement in visual art. The artist, who has demonstrated leadership and growth through the course, is voted on by all visual art teachers. Each of the seniors have invested into the class meeting deadlines, paying extra hours, and sustaining their investigation. Daum reflects on her experience saying, “art has always been so fun to me. It’s not really about emotions for me, but I find the action to be a fun experience.” However, Debow said creative expression is “a sense of therapy. I love starting my days with this class as I feel at peace afterward.”
Artists will continue to perfect and finish their portfolios exemplifying their hard work, talent, creativity, and self expression.
