Authentic learning has become a popular education term in recent years. Educators strive to design lessons and assessments that allow students to be authentic: to create connections from what is taught in school to solve real-world issues and problems. But what does it mean? Is authenticity discernible? Can anyone be authentic? Is authenticity innate, or can it be taught? In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Dr. Brené Brown defines authenticity as “a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Through this lens, authenticity is dependent on the individual choice to be vulnerable and open in how one faces the world—a terrific starting point for creativity. I wonder if Dr. Brown had art students in mind when she wrote her definition.

Authenticity is an empowering perspective embodied by countless AP Art and Design students as they explore inquiry-based artmaking and thinking. Selected from more than 62,000 portfolios, the 50 artistic scholars showcased in the 2022 AP Art and Design Exhibit tackle issues and problems that meaningfully contribute to our visual culture. Their work is informed and guided by observation, research, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection. And by working with supportive teachers in encouraging school environments, these young creatives document their artistic ideas and practices demonstrating conceptual and physical portfolio development. In May, students submit portfolios that include images and works of art and design accompanied by written evidence. Their portfolio is evaluated based on specific criteria, including inquiry, synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas, skill, and a sustained investigation demonstrating practice, experimentation, and revision. Through AP Art and Design, students define themselves as future art leaders, making visual connections based on honest explorations of internal and external worlds. But perhaps most importantly, they use the opportunity to show up and be real. And in the process, they demonstrate to us that authenticity is indeed a choice and a discernible outcome. As you navigate your way through this digital exhibition, you’ll be amazed at the high-quality work, struck by the depth of humanity, and awed by the artists’ maturity. But most of all, you’ll be inspired by each student's choice to be honest. To let their true selves be seen. To be authentic. Welcome to College Board’s 2022 AP Art and Design Exhibit.

What we discovered was innovative work that represented and investigated social practice, environmental issues, storytelling, family heritage, and many other important subjects while expanding their relationship to materials and processes in a way that showed the maturity of finding positive ways to address what is happening today and in the future. Students explored these concepts in traditional and non-traditional formats while pushing beyond limitations. Their passion and desire to speak to their communities play an important role in forming their personal voice.

The AP Art and Design Digital Exhibition serves as a guide for art educators and students to share the voice of these students. In putting together this exhibition, we looked to celebrate each student’s approach to creativity, innovation, and critical thinking through inquiry, process, and practice. We want to thank all students, teachers, and College Board for their important role in this effort. AP Art and Design’s inquiry-based curriculum has the power to make the world a better place. We look forward to seeing how each of the 2022 AP Art and Design Exhibition participants will impact the world.