Young Tennessee Artists: 2012 Statewide Upper-Level Studio Art

This fourth biennial exhibition showcases a selection of the finest artwork created in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate* studio art programs throughout Tennessee in 2012. The thirty-four drawings, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works represent student artists from eighteen schools and were chosen from 800 submissions statewide.

Upper-level high school art programs make it possible for highly motivated students to concentrate on studio practice and refine their artwork through ongoing critical investigation and reflection. With the encouragement and guidance of committed AP and IB teachers, these students produce works that challenge their artistic perceptions and develop their aesthetic methods, both conceptually and in terms of execution. At the end of the school year, these students submit a body of work for review by either the AP College Board or IB examiners. These assessments enable students to gain college credit.

Young Tennessee Artists reveals students’ execution of thoughtful artworks that skillfully synthesize form, technique, and content. The range and quality of work demonstrates a growing sophistication of AP and IB Studio Art programs across the state.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the selection committee:

• Brady Haston, associate professor of art at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
• Sisavanh Phouthavong-Houghton, associate professor of studio arts in painting at Middle Tennessee State University
• Mark Scala, chief curator at the Frist Art Museum

* Advanced Placement is a trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this exhibition. International Baccalaureate is a registered trademark worldwide by the IB Organization, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this exhibition.