Art portfolio program helps improve skills, teach new styles

Art Portfolio is an after-school activity in our school where you create art. You can do it only if you want to work hard, are ready for a challenge and have great art skills.

You start Art Portfolio in November and you do five pieces of artwork. Three are your choice, one is a self-portrait and one is your take on a well-known artist’s work. You meet once a week but work on the projects at home, too. Then you meet in front of a judge, who grades your work from 1 to 28.

Art Portfolio is a great way to learn more about art, artists and how to present work. It is a great opportunity to push your artwork to the limit and to try new styles. In Art Portfolio you make new friends and learn from the other kids in your class.

In April, you go to meet the judges so they can judge your art. It is nerve-wracking to go meet the judges, but they are very nice and kind. They ask you questions like, “What supplies did you use? Why did you think to make this? What was your inspiration? What was your favorite piece?”

I am so glad that I have the privilege to be able to do Art Portfolio and learn new techniques.

Brittany Crosser’s fifth- and sixth-grade class, Oysterponds Elementary School, Orient