This was the first year that Advanced Placement art has been offered at Putnam County High School. Students are scored on their portfolios and can receive college credit for the course.
Nancy Mason, the visual arts teacher states, “I’m truly proud of this group of students. They had to work really hard and dig deep to create quality artworks for submission. Students had to have a sustained investigation, a question that they explored visually through experimentation, processes and materials, as well as their best selected works. It challenged them to grow as artists and to connect their ideas with the creation of visual art.”
Students share their comments on their experience. “This was actually my first art class so
“This was actually my first art class so taking AP art was especially challenging, but it really opened up a whole new perspective I had never heard or thought of and it kind of forced me to be creative on the daily. I really enjoyed it.,” said Andie McMillan.
“I really enjoyed taking AP Art this year because it helped me grow as an artist. It was challenging to come up with my ideas and really thinking my process through sometimes was a struggle. Taking my time and really researching my ideas helped my artwork be effective. Also getting critiques from my peers helped, too,” said Kaya Chamblee.
“My experience with taking AP art has been unique since it took me through a journey back in time when I did my first artworks. It has showed me my progression on how I’ve developed more skills and techniques throughout the years,” said Jose’ Castillo.
“For AP art I definitely had to think about my sustained investigation, how to dig deeper into a concept and vary it into different pieces. Homage art was also interesting for me and I struggled with the media I normally don’t like to use but I pushed through it to make something new. I tested myself more with backgrounds and finding new ways to engage with thinking on my art,” said Lily Roberts.
“Having done art classes every semester of high school, I felt that taking an AP art course would be a great next step in fueling my growth as an artist. This class lead me to focus more on relating my real-life experiences to my artistic ideas, and it was interesting incorporating these elements into my sustained investigation pieces. As I look towards my future career as a designer, I know that this process will benefit me, as art has an even greater impact when it can not only display a pretty picture, but also a story to be discovered beyond the image,” said William Dietrich.
“AP art really has been an experience. At first I was really happy to take the class but then when I started taking the class, I got nervous. I was told we had to make art completely from my mind and it got me nervous because I didn’t think I would be able to do it. It was hard at times to figure out how to relate one topic and do so many artworks about it, but I got through it! In the end I loved my artworks and I don’t regret making them. So in my final words… I can say I did it, I made it!” said Madilyn DeBiasi.
- Contributed