PER SPEC T I V E S
The Art of Expression
Written by S A N D I W O O D , Visual Arts Department Chair
The Art Department at Palmer Trinity School offers a rich variety
of opportunities and experiences to students who wish to explore
the realm of personal expression through visual creativity.
From the whimsical abandon of Jackson
Pollock-inspired drip painting to the Zenlike focus of centering clay on the potter's
wheel, the art studios provide students
with an opportunity to experience new
endeavors, practice risk-taking, and find
gifts within themselves in the process. For
students who want to immerse themselves in
creative expression and push these new found
gifts to their highest level, look no further
than Advanced Placement Art at PTS.
The AP Art class is a rigorous test of skill,
creativity, and determination. Students are
expected to produce at least one college-level
art piece per week, culminating in a final
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portfolio of twenty-four excellent examples
of their artistic aptitude. Twelve pieces
create the Breadth section of the portfolio,
in which students show their wide-ranging
technical abilities through a variety of media
and subject matter. The other twelve pieces
create the Concentration section, in which
students choose a single visual/conceptual
interest and creatively explore it in detail.
Photographs of all twenty-four pieces are
submitted to the College Board digitally by
each student, and five are chosen to submit
physically by mail for the Quality section.
Check out this year's AP Art student
portfolios that are currently available
to view online on our school webpage
at www.palmertrinity.org/arts.
1. The AP Art class poses with Mrs. Wood
and their favorite projects from the first
semester. 2. Ashley Tagliero '13 works on a
self-portrait in oil pastel. 3. Ashley Tagliero
4. Evelyn Godley 5. Caroline McGregor
6. Casey Halwani 7. Nina Aguirre
8. Suzy Matallan 9. Dani Almanza 10.
Danielle Burke
Throughout the school year, students held
weekly critiques to discuss their ongoing
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projects as a group. As the portfolio due date
approached, many commented on how proud
they were of their accomplishments, marveling
at their dramatic growth in just a few short
months. For those who plan to continue their
artistic endeavors at their chosen colleges and
universities, the experience certainly gave them
a taste of what true art-making is all about.
