The final few days are approaching for seniors as they get ready for their graduation ceremony. Many are beating “senioritis” and being very creative when it comes to decorating their cap, tying in symbols, nostalgia and all the years they’ve spent in school into their cap.
For years, seniors have decorated their cap for graduation as they get excited for the ceremony and celebration. This year, senior Advance Placement (AP) Studio Art and Fibers two students will be graded on their cap decoration in Jillian Kohler’s class. With as much flexibility and little direction, the cap grade is a freedom of creativity, differentiating this project from other classes.
This assessment allows students to show expressive creativity. Using flowers, jewels and their art drawing skills, the AP Studio Art and Fiber two kids are not afraid to show what they love from their unique layouts of their caps.
“I chose to bedazzle a sun on the top of my cap. I have always found myself doodling in class to help me stay focused, and suns were what I drew the most. Plus they are kind of everywhere in my life” AP Studio Art student Maggie Polek says.
The inspiration for this assignment originated from a Fibers two student who wanted to use class time to work on decorating their cap due to their early submission of their portfolios to college board.
Generally after an early submission, the class would discuss things they’d like to expand on learning or try, but with the trend of cap decorations, Kohler found an opportunity to make it an assignment. Constructing students to talk about their process from designing, planning and generating their creative ideas.
“I’m not sure when I made this an official project. A few years ago, a Fibers two student asked if they could use their grad cap decorating as a 5 project (Fibers two is an independent course where students have to research, create and reflect on at least five fibers projects.) Because the student had to do some research and experiment regarding glue, fabric and other things related to their decoration idea, I allowed them to submit their finished cap as a project. The following year, I offered it to all Fibers two seniors in the 3 trimester as an option,”Kohler says.
Kohler’s goal for students in this assignment is hopes of them being able to remember how much they love art and creative expression, lifting the stress of AP portfolio submissions. She wants the seniors decorating their cap to celebrate the joy and memories of high school experience.
“I feel like decorating caps is one way to slow down and live in this moment rather than continuing to worry about all their to-do lists,” Kohler says.
