David Pawl to lead Shell Lake Arts Center’s Latest Camp-AP Studio Art Bootcamp

Dave Pawl is the latest Master Teacher to join the faculty of the Shell Lake Arts Center where he has been hired to lead a new camp called AP Studio Art Bootcamp.  AP stands for Advanced Placement and is a program of the College Board where students can earn college credit by completing coursework while still enrolled in high school.   To be successful in AP Studio Art, students must complete a portfolio of 14 significant artworks and write a compelling artist statement about their creations. 

While in Shell Lake, students will begin to develop their focus; or unifying element found in their works of art. They will be guided in both large group and individual instruction and have time to create, plan and integrate their thoughts into a coherent portfolio. 

Whether or not a student completes the AP course at their local high school is up to them. The skills they will gain by participation in an AP Art Program will help them build a toolbox of skills in which to be successful as a Visual Arts major at any college or university in the United States. This course can help them begin this journey.  Mr. Pawl is the perfect person to spearhead this new course!

Dave Pawl has been educating art students for over 20 years at Watertown High School in Central Wisconsin. He has been a leader in his field through his writing of curriculum, teaching and writing AP Art & Design (formerly AP Studio Art) and AP Art History. He teaches his students with wisdom and humor. He wrote Wisconsin’s first Department of Instruction’s Crosswalk for AP Art History (credited in art and social studies). He leads through example. His openness and welcoming smile are always followed by relatable humor and humility.

Mr. Pawl  was awarded a Kohl Fellowship in 2007, was named 2017 WAEA Outstanding Art Educator at the Secondary Level for Wisconsin, and is receiving the 2022 WAEA President’s Award.

Dave stands out from his peers because he is always level headed and thoughtful. He strives to continue his education and stay current on issues facing art educators as well as staying current with his students.  Dave works hard to connect the community and the students. He is President of the Watertown Arts Council and is department leader.

He has excelled in promoting positive student relations, teaching and increasing student achievement, community involvement, and/or inspired others through many of the following things he’s facilitated in his distinguished career.

Students commented on the following when asked about Mr. Pawl…

He works every day to help us in all aspects of art and really has made an impact on me both as an artist and student. He always give 110% into his teaching – Sarah Bradow

He pushes us to work to our full potential and never gives up on us 

Mr. Pawl is always encouraging and helpful. He always has something constructive to lay in order to help me improve my art. He has the greatest sense of humor that makes coming to his class the best part of my day. He is always inviting and kind and he has genuine interest in all of his students. Not only has he helped me in the classroom, but he has helped me with issues in my personal life. I know I can trust him and confide in him if I need to.  

AP Studio Art Bootcamp will be offered from July 30 through August 4 on the beautiful campus of the Shell Lake Arts Center in Shell Lake Wisconsin.  Registration begins on January 1, 2023.  See our website for more details.  www.shelllakeartscenter.org