In Session: Perspectives on Art School in the 21st Century

19 September 2024

THURSDAY

9 a.m.

This landmark symposium brings together thought partners from across the United States to discuss systems of fine art education and their futures. Hosted by the Art Students League with its nearly 150-year-history as an alternative art school, this day-long program comprising two panels and a keynote speaker addresses both traditional and non-traditional approaches. Speakers will discuss institutions of art education as well as residencies and other professional development opportunities, where artists arguably, learn as much as (or more than) in a “school.”

Since 1875, the Art Students League has thrived as a member-run art school designed to enable artists to develop a mastery of traditional techniques without sacrificing the freedom they need to explore diverse artistic practices and methodologies. As we approach our 150th anniversary, we are honored to present an in-depth look at the many ways art education has continued to evolve to meet the needs of artists.

This event will be livestreamed via YouTube. Select “Online Admission” ticket option to receive a link to watch.

Panel 1: Degree or Non-Degree: That’s the Question
Time: 10:15am-12:15pm
Speakers:

‍‍Doug Ashford, Professor of Art and Academic Advisor, The Cooper Union
‍‍‍Dushko Petrovich Córdova, Associate Professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
‍Patricia Cronin, Distinguished Professor of Art, Brooklyn College, City University of New York‍
‍Adama Delphine Fawundu, Assistant Professor of Visual Art and Director of Graduate Studies, Visual Arts Program, Columbia University School of the Arts
Robert Telenick, Director of Programming, The Art Students League of New York

‍Moderator:

‍Ben Davis, art critic and author of Artnet article “Is Getting an MFA Worth the Price?”

Description:

Speakers will discuss their program’s curriculum and pedagogical approach, touching upon the realities of cost and logistics in light of the recent reorganization and closure of art schools around the country.

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Panel 2: Residencies, Grants, and Other Means: A Holistic Approach to Development as an Artist
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Speakers:

‍Kalia Brooks, Director of Programs and Exhibitions, NXTHVN
‍‍Kate Gavriel, Director, Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program
‍‍Chiwoniso Kaitano, Executive Director, MacDowell‍
‍Katie Sonnenborn, Co-Director, Skowhegan

‍Moderator:

‍Julia Halperin, arts and culture journalist and author of the Burns Halperin report

‍Description:

Speakers will highlight their programs that provide artists with opportunities to develop their practice, network with curators and collections, as well as enrich their standards as professionals – many of the practical skills not acquired through curricula in fine art.

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Keynote
Time: 4:00pm-5:45pm
Speaker:

‍Jeffrey Meris, multidisciplinary artist

‍Description:

A graduate of the University of the Bahamas, Tyler School of Art, and Columbia University, Meris is also an alum of Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (2019); a NXTHVN Studio Fellow, New Haven (2020); and a Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program artist in residence, Brooklyn (2021); and a Studio Museum in Harlem artist in residence (2022-2023). His talk will address his experience in these programs and their impact on his studio practice.

For bios and more information, see our website: www.artstudentsleague.org/events/in-session-perspectives-on-art-school-in-the-21st-century