Imagine having your own cubicle in your own personalized studio overlooking Akin Common? That is a reality for AP Art Students, who get to use their imagination and the independence to design their own portfolio as a part of their art journey.
Each of the sixteen students in the course builds a year-long concentration, an individual theme or idea that becomes the foundation for their body of work. Over the course of the school year, students are expected to complete a new piece every two days, dedicating countless hours both during and after school.
Senior Leila Dillow, who takes AP Art, described it as both exciting and challenging. “This year we have a lot of freedom to explore different forms of art,” she said, “We have a whole year dedicated to our concentration. I think of it as a research project in an art form.”
The workload is demanding. Students meet for class four times a week, spend additional hours during free periods, and often return on weekends.
“I barely get a break because when I finish one piece, I have to start the photography for my next piece,” said Leila.
Despite the time commitment, the studio itself makes the process rewarding.
“The classroom is very spacious and nice to work in. Everyone has their own cubicle, which they decorate with whatever they want,” said senior Keira Parasnis.
The cubicles not only provide personal space but also foster a sense of independence. Each student commits to their concentration, guided by visual arts teacher Greg Cice, who helps them refine their ideas and stay focused on their artistic goals.
The concentrations themselves are very diverse. Senior Nkechi Ude focuses on how the clothes people wear express who they are. She is using paintings to represent her concentration.
“I am creating drawings of my grandfather to represent my concentration, Keira said,“My concentration is the beauty of old people and showing light on how they are overlooked in society.”
Leila is using charcoal to explore intimacy with different forms and gestures.
Alongside their themes, students are expected to produce large pieces of work. Over the summer, they created three preliminary pieces to build a foundation for the year ahead. Every piece requires original photography, with students taking and designing their own reference photos, which must be approved before the work begins.
AP Art is unlike other classes at Hackley. Students emphasize how it combines structure and freedom. The class helps the students share something bigger through their art.
“It’s not just about art. It’s about showing something that interests you with something you’re passionate about,” said Leila.
