Emma Thorpe achieves perfect AP Art score
Out of 10,000 SMMUSD students, Samo student Emmaline Thorpe (’24) was one of two students in the district awarded a rare perfect score on the AP 2-Dimensional Art and Design Exam. The 2022-2023 AP Exam scores were released in early July of this year. Out of approximately 49,000 students worldwide who took the AP Art class last year, only 337 students received a perfect score.
The prompt for the 2023 AP Art exam is to curate a portfolio of 20 total images divided into two sections. The Sustained Investigation holds 60 percent of the total exam score and prompts students to submit 15 images including documentation of their process and a typed response explaining the theme of their focus for the portfolio. Section two of the submission is for students to explain their technique and identify materials and creative processes. Thorpe discusses her current inspirations stemming from feminist art and how that has influenced the style in her recent paintings.
“In terms of conceptually, I think that I’ve kind of found more confidence in myself as an artist and in the stories I want to tell," Thorpe said. "I think that I have more trust in myself when it comes to making art for myself and for other people. So whatever issue I want to talk about or whatever personal identity thing I want to paint or channel into my work, I feel very free to do so.”
SMMUSD superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton highlighted the importance of this achievement in a district news release, discussing what it means for the recognition of the SMMUSD school district.
“I am overjoyed to celebrate the remarkable achievement of these two outstanding students who earned perfect scores on their AP exams,” Shelton said. “Their exceptional accomplishment is a testament to their talent and dedication, as well as our unwavering commitment to nurturing the arts within SMMUSD.”
Thorpe was also named Young Artist of the Year by the California Young Arts Expo. Her work is currently on display at the Downtown Santa Monica Promenade.
“I’m honestly very honored and really grateful that they recognize me so much," Thorpe said. "But the most important thing is that I’m very grateful for what art has given me… It's an outlet and an opportunity to express how I feel about the world.”
Emma Thorpe / Contributor
A self-portrait from Thorpe’s collection of work. The pieces were created primarily with acrylic paint, though Thorpe also used materials such as colored pencil and pastel.