AP 3D Art and Design is a course designed to be the equivalent of a general entry-level college art course that culminates with the submission of a portfolio to the national College Board association, in May of the participatory school year. According to the AP College Board, the 3-dimensional design portfolio: “is intended to address a broad interpretation of three-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. The elements of design (line, shape, illusion of space, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value and color) are like a palette of possibilities that artists use to express themselves. The principles of design help guide artists in making decisions about how to organize the elements on a picture plane in order to communicate content. These principles include unity/variety, balance, emphasis, rhythm and proportion/scale. A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction and expression may be part of the student’s portfolio...students are asked to demonstrate proficiency in 3-D Design using a variety of art forms and media. These include, but are not limited to, clay, wire, found object, paper, papier mache, wood, plaster, stone, mobile, functional, sculptural, etc.” (apcentral.collegeboard.com) At Skyline, the course is designed to support the College Board standards for this class and projects are assigned accordingly. First semester focuses on a more structured curriculum developing compositional skills and concept building, with technique being largely self-driven. Second semester focuses on developing one’s individual direction and voice. Students who take this course should have a high level of motivation, diligence, commitment, and independence.