SOTA student selected for the 2025 AP Art and Design Exhibit

     Aaryn Middlebrooks, a senior at the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Central Gwinnett High School, has been selected for the 2025 AP Art and Design Exhibit. Aaryn’s portfolio is one of only 50 selected for the exhibit, out of more than 80,000 submitted.

     “I’m very excited to have been presented with such an opportunity,” Aaryn says. “It was such a shock to see that I was selected for an accomplishment like this, and I cannot wait to see what this brings to my future.”

     Dr. Renato Ferreira, a visual arts teacher at SOTA, says Aaryn is consistently receptive to feedback and uses it as a way to grow, not only technically but conceptually as well.

     “What really sets her apart is her willingness to explore alternative approaches to traditional mediums—she’s never afraid to experiment or take creative risks,” Dr. Ferreira adds. “That openness allows her to produce work that feels both thoughtful and innovative.”

     Dr. Ferreira credits SOTA and Gwinnett County Public Schools for being committed to the arts, which creates an environment where creativity is seen as essential to learning and holistic growth. With administrative support, students are encouraged to think critically, take risks, and explore their personal voice, enabling them to thrive throughout their learning journey. He adds that being part of a community that recognizes the transformative power of the arts makes teaching an exceptionally rewarding experience.

     Aaryn’s work, titled “Silence, money, and demand” was created using digital photography and forms part of her portfolio, exploring stage performance and the idea of control.

     “I hope that my art will continue to grow and be recognized. I want my art to be seen in more galleries and exhibits because I want to share more of my story through my art, and inspire those who are just as interested in pursuing art in the way that I was inspired before,” Aaryn says.

     The 2025 AP Art and Design Exhibit recognizes students’ creativity and the teaching and support provided by their school communities. Students featured in past exhibits have received scholarships and awards based on their portfolios. The 2024 AP Art and Design Exhibit had over 250,000 views worldwide and is used in classrooms across the globe as a teaching and learning resource. The 2025 exhibit will be published in December, followed by an Opening Night Celebration for students, teachers, families, and school leaders on January 15, 2026.