Options for study and employment in the arts after high school are discussed. Presentations by local art professionals and visits to museums further the students' art appreciation and understanding. Within the Art IV class setting, motivated advanced art students may choose to complete the A.P. Studio Art portfolio, following A.P. guidelines. Developing the portfolio involves extensive additional studio time devoted to connecting critical thinking and the conceptual skills to expressive studio technique. The portfolio requires numerous works within two concentrations, including drawing and a variety of other media.
Students prepare slides of their work to submit as an additional part of the portfolio.
Completing all requirements of the portfolio is necessary in order for students to receive the additional weighting and transcript designation as an A.P. class. The portfolio is an excellent opportunity for students to develop an effective college or university, art school, or art-related employment application tool. Students study art and architecture and their historic impact on man from prehistoric time through the Renaissance. The course leads students to a heightened awareness of and appreciation for the interaction between social, scientific, and philosophical developments in past societies and the art and architecture which these societies produced. Students have opportunities to experience related studio activities and to use research skills as they prepare reports and presentations.