For AP Art and Design student artists, October is a busy time. Fall brings important deadlines for senior students, and this means finishing portfolios and choosing themes for their sustained investigations.
Senior Pearl Tweedy plans to dive deeper into a topic they have explored in previous pieces for their sustained investigation.
“I’m thinking about doing one that’s related to overconsumption in media,” Tweedy said. “I think that it’s really interesting and it’s a really big issue, especially right now. It also kind of stemmed from a mini sustained investigation I did last year.”
In AP Art and Design, students have freedom to draw from any inspiration they feel connected to for their sustained investigations, which involves producing a themed collection of selected works that they feel reflects their skills and interests.
“It’s technically 15 to 20 pieces,” Tweedy said. “This is a year-long course, so we have plenty of time.”
Both Tweedy and classmate senior Fletcher Noto agree that the stress of completing their portfolios and picking a sustained investigation take a back seat to the enjoyable environment of the class, and the opportunities it gives them to create and improve.
“Do what you like,” Noto said. “I mean, do the assignments, but also just get better.”
Art teacher Mrs. Jennifer Rodgers organizes her class to be flexible and hands-off in a way that differs from other art classes.
“It allows students to work on their own individual ideas about art,” Rodgers said. “They get to work in whatever materials they want to work in, which is very different from Art 1, 2, and 3.”
The students appreciate this format, as it allows them to develop their own styles and identities as artists.
“We have a lot of access to materials that I might not have at home, like printing,” Tweedy said. “I can do that here, so I think that it’s pretty good for me as an artist. We’re like free-range chickens.”
This agency allows the students to mature as artists and as individuals, setting them up for success in future art careers.
“[The class] prepares them for college or anything they might do after high school, in that it teaches them to be independent creators,” Rodgers said.
Taking place during fourth block, AP Art and Design gives students like Tweedy and Noto time to relax and focus on creative endeavors after more stressful academic subjects.
“It’s definitely helping my overall happiness as a student,” Tweedy said. “It’s just such a nice way to end my day.”
From a teacher’s perspective, Rodgers has enjoyed watching the students grow and mature into independent artists and young adults. She believes they are steadily improving in her class, and moving towards art careers beyond high school.
“They have spread their wings and they are flying,” Rodgers said. “They are done. They are ready. They’re able to really hone in on what’s important to them as an artist and person, and make art about those things. It’s really exciting to see.”
