A Great Performance

by Jeanne Bjork

 “I think I should take the short board, my work would look better there. It will be lost on that big board.  Come on, please, let me have that small board.  I’ll bring you a latte.”

This is just one of the negotiations overheard as the Pewaukee High School AP Studio Art class plans their final semester exhibit in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Students know that sacrifices might have to be made, but that the ultimate goal is to put on the best show possible.  As their teacher, I try to stand back and let them collaborate, occasionally stepping in when things turn dramatic, like an episode of Project Runway. Mostly they “wow” me with their final presentations, their parting gifts. 

Megan

For many this exhibit is the student’s final performance as an artist in high school. AP Studio Art is usually a mix of juniors and seniors with the majority being seniors who are interested in continuing their art careers in some way. This exhibit is the highlight of the school year. “Art kids” look forward to it from freshman year onward. There are students, teachers, and members of the community who come for the show and stand in awe of it each year.

Amber

Occasionally, there has been controversy. Like an especially provocative theatrical production, topics such as body image and eating disorders, and classical nude figure drawings that have sometimes challenged the viewers at the high school to understand. 

Sam and Kelsey

Students present their work with an artist statement, which helps the viewers grasp the artists’ points of view. These written works evaluate and assess the student’s evolution as an artist, explaining their vision and the unique interpretations they’ve explored through their portfolio, specifically the Concentration portion. While the words help, it is still the artwork that truly moves the viewer. 

Andrew and Amber

Exhibit as Final Exam

The exhibit also serves as the students’ final exam for both first and second semester. The first semester exhibit is about the Breadth section of their portfolio, which highlights a range of topics and media. The second semester is about the Concentration, a body of work created around one unifying concept. During the first semester exhibit, the written statement and the exhibit are the exam, but during second semester students also produce a digital movie or slideshow that highlights the path they’ve traveled as high school artists. The work is exquisite.

Anna

Exhibit as Authentic Experience

As an educator, I view the task of planning an exhibit as an authentic experience for students to “publish” their artwork. It is a way to help students present themselves to the world. AP Art is about developing their visual portfolio, a tool for presentation. That portfolio is the golden ticket to scholarships, entrance into art school, and possibly even a job. The final exhibit is about this marketing of self as an artist.

Aimee

Students compete to make this the best performance piece, a grand finale. This is not always an easy, natural thing for an artist to do as the artist is often the person behind the scenes. Putting yourself out there on view could be risky. People might not like you or your art. This risk-taking challenges the high school artists I teach to be brave and confident in their newly discovered, carefully nurtured artistic voices.  I want them to express an opinion and take a stand through this presentation.  

Tina and Hannah

Like all great performances, the AP Studio Art Exhibit becomes a celebration of the life we’ve shared in the PHS art studio.  I feel fortunate to have been part of the work these young artists have endeavored to do.

Megan

Jeanne Bjork is a visual art educator and department head at Pewaukee High School, Pewaukee, Wisconsin. 

Note: This article appeared in the 2014 February SchoolArts Magazine.