The student works displayed on this page are reproductions of actual works submitted by students in June 2011.

All of the samples here were chosen because they clearly represent different points on the scoring scale for Section I, Quality. In the course of the AP evaluation, each section of the portfolio is scored on a six-point scale. Once the evaluation is complete, the various scores assigned to each student's portfolio are combined and transformed into the final AP grade of 1-5. The requirement for Section I of all three Studio Art portfolios is five pieces.

Each group of works is accompanied by a brief rationale for the scores awarded to the works. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the students who have agreed to share their works in this way.

Click on each image to view a larger version.

Quality Sample 1: Margaret Britven, Second Baptist School, Houston, Tex.
Score: 6






Rationale for Score:

• The work displays a confident student voice expressed through impressive scale and a well-informed conversation with materials.
• The work demonstrates original and imaginative thinking both through inventive abstractions and reference to the human form.
• The handling of texture, color and surface is nuanced and evocative, enticing the viewer to look more closely.
• Overall the work is of excellent quality.

* Important Note:
The numbers of the slides run from top left to bottom right.

1. (view 1) 38 x 25.5 x 21.5 wood, clay, found object
1. (view 2) 38 x 25.5 x 21.5 wood, clay, found object
2. (view 1) 31 x 6 x 6.5 clay, wood, stain
2. (view 2) 31 x 6 x 6.5 clay, wood, stain
3. (view 1) 36 x 9 x 8 copper, nails, ceramics
3. (view 2) 36 x 9 x 8 copper, nails, ceramics
4. (view 1) 13 x 7 x 6 ceramics, wood, metals, enamel
4. (view 2) 13 x 7 x 6 ceramics, wood, metals, enamel
5. (view 1) 32 x 12 x 2 clay, wood, stain
5. (view 2) 32 x 12 x 2 clay, wood, stain

Quality Sample 2: Regan Devers, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas, Tex.
Score: 5

Rationale for Score:

• The work displays an imaginative investigation of organic form and its relationship to the body.
• Using the body as a platform, the work establishes a strong interaction between figure and ground.
• Materials are handled with confidence, serving to express ideas effectively.
• A strong understanding of the elements and principles of design is demonstrated in linear rhythms, fluid movement and selective emphasis.
• Overall the work is of strong quality.

* Important Note:
The numbers of the slides run from top left to bottom right.

1. (view 1) 2 x 2.5 x 1 silver, glass
1. (view 2) 2 x 2.5 x 1 silver, glass
2. (view 1) 1.5 x 2 x 1 silver, blue topaz
2. (view 2) 1.5 x 2 x 1 silver, blue topaz
3. (view 1) 4 x 0.5 x 0.5 silver, bronze
3. (view 2) 4 x 0.5 x 0.5 silver, bronze
4. (view 1) 14 x 8 x 0.5 copper, mother of pearl, starfish
4. (view 2) 14 x 8 x 0.5 copper, mother of pearl, starfish
5. (view 1) 14 x 10 x 6 brass, glass
5. (view 2) 14 x 10 x 6 brass, glass

Quality Sample 3: Anonymous
Score: 4

* Important Note:
The numbers of the slides run from top left to bottom right.

1. (view 1) 9 x 10 x 4 tape, silver bubble wrap, pastels, metal, cardboard
1. (view 2) 9 x 10 x 4 tape, silver bubble wrap, pastels, metal, cardboard
2. (view 1) 6 x 7 x 4 dry-based clay
2. (view 2) 6 x 7 x 4 dry-based clay
3. (view 1) 9 x 11 x 5 leaves, wood, cement, tape, rubber
3. (view 2) 9 x 11 x 5 leaves, wood, cement, tape, rubber
4. (view 1) 10 x 8 x 6 bronze
4. (view 2) 10 x 8 x 6 bronze
5. (view 1) 15 x 9 x 7 oil-based clay
5. (view 2) 15 x 9 x 7 oil-based clay

Quality Sample 4: April Alonso, Lane Technical High School, Chicago, Ill.
Score: 3

Rationale for Score:

• The work exhibits some experimentation with imaginative ideas in the tall ceramic piece and large-scale cardboard figure.
• An emerging awareness of principles of 3-D design is demonstrated well in the balsa wood construction.
• Although the work shows consideration of scale and proportion, little activation of physical space is evident.
• Technical competence in the handling of materials is limited.
• Overall the work is of moderate quality.

* Important Note:
The numbers of the slides run from top left to bottom right.

1. (view 1) 23 x 5.5 x 5 ceramic
1. (view 2) 23 x 5.5 x 5 ceramic
2. (view 1) 84 x 36 x 24 cardboard
2. (view 2) 84 x 36 x 24 cardboard
3. (view 1) 4 x 3 x 1 soda-fired ceramic
3. (view 2) 4 x 3 x 1 soda-fired ceramic
4. (view 1) 6 x 12 x 4 balsa wood, card stock paper, plastic rods
4. (view 2) 6 x 12 x 4 balsa wood, card stock paper, plastic rods
5. (view 1) 1 x 1 x 1 silver, wire
5. (view 2) 1 x 1 x 1 silver, wire