By April Anaya

Somewhere between a paint-splattered desk, a camera roll full of inspiration photos, and a sketchbook that has seen better days, Advanced Placement (AP) Art students are preparing for one of the most unique exams. There are no multiple choice questions or timed essays; rather, students submit a portfolio that reflects their creativity, effort, and growth in their art skills over the course of two semesters. It is less about finding one right answer and more about showing how an idea can transform into something expressive of a higher theme.


In order for students to even begin taking AP art or AP 2D design, they must first complete a series of prerequisite classes and obtain a recommendation from one of the AP Art teachers. These pre-requisites ensure that students have the following skills and knowledge: color theory, realism in a variety of materials, life drawing skills, linear perspective, etc.


Once in AP Art, they begin to brainstorm themes and ideas they want to focus their portfolio on and create several projects to submit for peer review in order to strengthen their technique and add onto their ideas. Not only are they creating the pieces of their portfolios, but they are also practicing reflection through a writing portion where they have to defend their artistic decisions and show why they chose their techniques and theme.


The AP Art classes are student-led due to the fact that the students have already mastered foundational concepts, so the teachers are mainly there for guidance and assistance.
“I try to meet with each student at least once in between their projects,” AP art teacher Emmanuel Crespo said. “I provide technical assistance every now and then but I mostly provide conceptual and critical guidance.”


Each student is expected to submit two portfolios, one filled with their five best pieces and then another filled with around 15 digital images of their creative process in order to show how their work evolved over the course of the class. These portfolios are based on a theme of the student’s choice and reflect personal experiences expressed through an array of creative techniques.


“The pieces in my portfolio were inspired by everything within the small bubble that is my perception of the world. I pulled from my life, the media I have consumed, and the social customs we live by,” junior Audrey Whipple said. “My submission has revolved around some of the stereotypes, standards, and misconceptions we deal with everyday.”


The AP Art students get the opportunity to use their cultural and personal experiences to express their identities and send out a message to others similar to them. Students looking to express themselves creatively and relate to others on an artistic level should seek out this class, as it allows for enhancing skills and building upon knowledge in order to craft a personal message through beautiful pieces.
“This class allows you to broaden your creative ideas, develop your skills in personal storytelling, while also challenging your artistic skills,” junior Megan Pacquing said.


AP Art feels less like an exam and more like flipping through the pages of a sketchbook until you reach the beautiful cover at the end. It holds late-night ideas and those rare moments where everything finally clicks. Each piece becomes a part of a bigger story that only the artist can tell. These portfolios are proof that creativity is not about perfect answers, but about curiosity and the courage to keep creating.