If someone was an artist in his or her spare time but wasn't able to fit AP Studio Art into her schedule (or didn't have a teacher for it), would he or she be able to submit a portfolio to the AP committee anyway? I seem to recall hearing that the process of sending art in involves a teacher somehow.
No, you would be find to self study. What you have probably have heard is that you need a teacher to review your digital submission to the AP Board but as long as you have a GC they can review it for you.
Although not recent, my d had a conflict with AP Studio Art and BC Calculus, so in a sense she did "self-study" although she worked closely with her AP art teacher after-school and when she had a free period second semester. In our high school, she elected a photography elective as that fit in her schedule and worked with that teacher as well. I would think it would be difficult although not impossible to submit a thematic portfolio without guidance and to what purpose. It is very difficult to get a 5 on an AP Portfolio. My d received a 4 and it did allow her to pass out of of Intro to Art her freshman year and go directly to sophomore level classes.
It is possible, but i encourage you to read the guidelines for the portfolio you plan to do very very carefully and start early. There are many many pieces to complete in a very short amount of time.
I took AP 3D and got a 4 [class]
and I took AP Drawing and got a 5 and one of my pieces was featured on the AP studio art poster [self-study]
So, if you need critique or advice for portfolios and such you can PM me and I'll see what I can help you with :] Or, try to find art teachers at your school for guidance as well.
From my understanding you can, I think I am self-studying studio art along with art history. Just talk to an art teacher at your school and try and have them help you a bit early on.
