Students with artistic talent now can join a higher level of art to better focus on their individual styles and mediums in the new AP art class.
Rene Worley, who teaches the class, said she would not have thought of having an AP Art class, but she got the idea as a request last year from current juniors Kyle Lawson and Cleary Chizmar.
“We just wanted some artistic freedom, I guess,” Lawson said. “Also, most of us in the class are going on to be artist in the future and are going to college for it,”
To fulfill their request, Worley created her own AP Art syllabus and now teaches ceramics, advanced ceramics, and AP Art (2D). As a result, she has six of the most talented artists on campus enrolled in her AP class.
Students must create two to three artworks a week, which are then put into their portfolios. By the end of the semester, the artists must turn in 12 works of art along with an essay about their concentration.
“All students are responsible for their own portfolio,” Worley said. That was how her professors taught in college.
The artists in Worley’s class have completely different artistic styles that range in many different mediums.
“We have more time to explore our styles, and we can do our own projects instead of being forced to use certain tools for a certain project,” senior Caroline Stauffer said.
Individuality is essential for working in AP Art because the class runs while Worley’s Ceramics and Advanced Ceramics class is in session.
In order to work with each student individually, Worley “teaches” them by providing support and advice. One thing she tells her students is to constantly work on their art techniques so they can gain more experience.
Next year, Worley has plans to create an AP 3D Art class, which would provide a higher level of ceramics. For AP 3D to become a class, Worley has to write the curriculum, and get it approved by the district and the College Board, which oversees AP classes.
Her goal for AP Art is to provide a higher level of art. It also provides a portfolio for applying to colleges since most of the students in her class are planning to attend an art school.
“I love AP Art because it gives me the time I need to explore different mediums and art styles as well as ready my portfolio for college applications,” said senior Rachel Morrison.