Visual Arts students work in the areas of traditional and non-traditional painting and drawing techniques. Projects are oriented toward problem solving with an emphasis on technique development and personal vision. Visual problems of increasing complexity are presented, requiring students to work as creative and independent critical thinkers. Each student applies techniques, processes and theories learned in the foundation and intermediate level classes. Students create works of painting, drawing, printmaking, and mixed media through abstract, observational and inventive projects. A level of maturity, sophistication and dedication is necessary to complete the work in class as well as the independent “concentration” projects required each semester. Students are encouraged to find their own meaningful, personal vision. Many students prepare portfolios for AP or college applications. Often, even students not planning on an art major in college will submit slides of artwork with college applications.

The three AP Studio Art portfolios share a basic three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns and methods. Each of the portfolios asks the student to demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through the Concentration, Breadth, and Quality sections. Portfolios are submitted in May of the senior year as slides and five actual pieces of artwork. Twenty-four works that excel in concept, composition, and execution are required. There is also a written section to this exam.

Portfolio areas:

— Drawing (visual arts: drawing and painting)

— 2D Design (design and photography)

— 3D design (sculpture and ceramics)

It takes 3–4 years of excellent and committed work to complete an AP portfolio. Only seniors who have the permission of the Chair of the Fine Arts Department are permitted to participate in this Conservatory. A prospective AP Studio Art student is expected to have at least half of her portfolio already completed before her senior year. This work should be of an outstanding quality and it should contain concentration work from 9th, 10th, and 11th grade and breadth work from previous Conservatory and art classes. An interview with the teacher is required. As a part of this class, each student will have the opportunity to exhibit her artwork in a one-woman exhibit in the Strub Gallery.