The student works displayed on this page are reproductions of actual works submitted by students in June 2009.

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: Jihany Hassun, Sentinel Secondary School, West Vancouver, BC
Score: 6

• This portfolio shows obvious evidence of thinking through the selection and effective use of materials.
• There is successful engagement with three-dimensional space and great variety in the treatment of the forms.
• The materials are manipulated beyond their traditional uses. In image 4 (clay and pine needles), the work demonstrates an expressive and dynamic combination of traditional and nontraditional materials.
• Image 5 shows a masterful understanding of figure modeling with innovative manipulation.
• The work in this portfolio is of excellent quality overall.

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

1, view 1. 11" x 13" x 9" clay, zipper
1, view 2. 11" x 13" x 9" clay, zipper
2, view 1. 11" x 16" x 11" clay, chicken wire
2, view 2. 11" x 16" x 11" clay, chicken wire
3, view 1. 8" x 6" x 14" clay, gauze
3, view 2. 8" x 6" x 14" clay, gauze
4, view 1. 5" x 11" x 6" clay, pine needles
4, view 2. 5" x 11" x 6" clay, pine needles
5, view 1. 9" x 10" x 9" clay
5, view 2. 9" x 10" x 9" clay

Quality Sample 2: Scott Gneiting, Ponderosa High School, Parker, CO
Score: 5

• This portfolio contains work that generally shows an effective engagement of three-dimensional design, with some inconsistencies in overall quality.
• The three nonobjective pieces (images 1, 3, and 5) demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles of three-dimensional design, as well as a sophisticated use of traditional and nontraditional materials. These pieces are also noteworthy for their ambitious scale and skillful surface treatment.
• The colorful checkerboard piece (image 2) engages technique and material playfully, while the clay portrait (image 4) evidences a limited grasp of figure modeling.
• Overall, the work in this portfolio demonstrates ambition and considerable effort with strong results.

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

1, view 1. 8" x 16" x 4" foam core, brass
1, view 2. 8" x 16" x 4" foam core, brass
2, view 1. 24" x 12" x 24" foam core
2, view 2. 24" x 12" x 24" foam core
3, view 1. 12" x 36" x 6" clay
3, view 2. 12" x 36" x 6" clay
4, view 1. 8" x 10" x 9" clay
4, view 2. 8" x 10" x 9" clay
5, view 1. 12" x 28" x 12" clay
5, view 2. 12" x 28" x 12" clay

Quality Sample 3: Kathryn Ross, South Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, NC
Score: 4

• Ideas are apparent in the work included in this portfolio, but the forms that are utilized are fairly simple.
• The forms are made more distinctive and visually active using a variety of textures, shapes, patterns, and colors that are made from different materials, embossments, building processes, and glazes.
• There is a basic sense of purpose to the work and a degree of success in the manipulation of visual elements on the surface of the forms.
• There is some involvement between form and space, but these relationships could become more dynamic with some risk taking.

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

1, view 1. 13" x 16" x 9" mixed media
1, view 2. 13" x 16" x 9" mixed media
2, view 1. 6" x 24" x 6" earthenware clay
2, view 2. 6" x 24" x 6" earthenware clay
3, view 1. 8" x 14" x 8" earthenware clay
3, view 2. 8" x 14" x 8" earthenware clay
4, view 1. 48" x 46" x 10" mixed media
4, view 2. 48" x 46" x 10" mixed media
5, view 1. 6" x 9" x 11" earthenware clay
5, view 2. 6" x 9" x 11" earthenware clay

Quality Sample 4: Carolina Corrales, William Howard Taft High School, Woodland Hills, CA
Score: 3

• The works in this portfolio do show some risk taking and decision making regarding exploration of materials, but the solutions are erratic.
• The earthenware tile addresses surface design only, and there is limited engagement with three-dimensional space.
• The wire, branch, and earthenware sculpture, as well as the earthenware vessel, begin to show some engagement with three-dimensional space; however, there is limited technical skill.
• Work in this portfolio shows some ambition and effort while achieving only moderate success.

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

1, view 1. 5" x 10" x 5" earthenware, glaze
1, view 2. 5" x 10" x 5" earthenware, glaze
2, view 1. 12" x 11" x 9" earthenware
2, view 2. 12" x 11" x 9" earthenware
3, view 1. 22" x 18" x 6" wire, branches, earthenware, glaze, fabric
3, view 2. 22" x 18" x 6" wire, branches, earthenware, glaze, fabric
4, view 1. 18" x 9" x 1" earthenware, glaze
4, view 2. 18" x 9" x 1" earthenware, glaze
5, view 1. 22" x 18" x 6" wire, branches, earthenware, glaze, fabric
5, view 2. 22" x 18" x 6" wire, branches, earthenware, glaze, fabric