Ventura High Grad’s Art in National Show

Laura Hardesty, a 2000 graduate of Ventura High School, is one of 27 student artists from around the world whose work has been chosen for the College Board’s Advanced Placement Studio Art exhibit.

The traveling national showcase, which has already been displayed in New York City and Princeton, N.J., culminates with an exhibition at Gallery 37 in Chicago. The exhibit, which opened Dec. 1, runs through Jan. 31.

“This national exhibition is really an artistic triumph that presents talent, the talented and the gifted teachers who often serve as the inspiration for both,” said Gaston Caperton, College Board president.

Hardesty, who is now a freshman at the Maryland Art Institute, was an advanced placement studio art student in teacher Patti Post’s class at Ventura High School when she created the artwork now on display at the Chicago gallery, said Principal Larry Emrich.

Hardesty’s work was chosen from 400,000 pieces of art submitted by students for the June advanced placement studio art portfolio evaluation.

The advanced placement studio art course, offered in high schools across the country, sets a national standard of excellence and promotes a rigorous course of study equivalent to a full-year college art course.

Students who participate in the course submit a portfolio for evaluation by a team of university professors and secondary school teachers. Students who receive passing scores are eligible for college credit and/or advanced placement at colleges and universities throughout the world.