By Mia Mendez

The Advanced Placement (AP) art program at our school offers students a valuable opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities. Working on creative activities like painting or sketching alongside academic classes can have a positive impact on students by allowing them to decompress from their busy schedules. 

Although the AP program is notorious for its rigorous work and competitive environment, AP Art stands out as very different. It is still challenging and competitive, but there is an element of fun that is often lacking in other AP courses. The school offers two AP Art classes, 2D Design, and Drawing, which give students creativity options often lacking in other courses.

If you are accepted into the AP art program, you should still expect yourself to face challenges, as with any AP course. But, your challenges are likely to be personal ones. Every artist deals with insecurities and those feelings may be highlighted in a group setting. Although an AP art class is not necessarily competitive, students may still feel that pressure to compete. 

“At first I felt a lot of pressure being in the AP Art program and dealt with a lot of comparisons, but after Mr. Crespo actually taught the class, I settled in and gained more confidence,” senior Andrea Arana said. 

With engaging teachers like Stefani Thomas and Emmanuel Crespo, students are able to create art in a safe and supportive environment. The course helps students grow as artists, improving techniques and skills. AP Art can also help students who want to pursue a career in the arts. 

“I took AP art to improve my skills and I want to major in art for college,” senior Terra Sano said. 

In AP Art classes, students will work on similar skills such as technical proficiency in their chosen medium, problem-solving as they work with complex artistic challenges, conceptual development, and artistic voice.

Students are not the only ones benefiting from these classes, however. Crespo is teaching his first AP art class this year. 

“It is exciting, humbling, and inspiring at the same time,” Crespo said. “Working with AP students reminds me of how it was for me when I was in high school wanting to major in art.”

With teachers, who are artists themselves, able to relate to their students, AP Art creates a positive community. The AP art teachers are able to guide their students in ways that are helpful, not only in learning and bettering their skills but also in guiding them to opportunities. A common feeling among young artists is not knowing how to become successful while pursuing art. 

One of the significant aspects of AP Art is developing a portfolio, however. This skill in showcasing their growth and skills over time will be invaluable to applying for colleges and programs after high school.

“My biggest goal is for my students to experience their creative and artistic potential,” Crespo said. “I want my students to realize how important it is for them to keep creating.”

Having confidence in any AP class will garner you success. For student artists who need a little more help with their art or just want to be part of a bigger community, the AP art program will have everything you need.