Hello--
        This is a great subject.  First, most of the really smart students
I've had were also artists, and in fact most of them were double-majors,
such as English/Painting.  Second, there is a lot of indoctrination
from studio artists who teach that artists can't read, let alone write.
One colleague told me that many young artists have reading disorders and
so should not be expected to do academic work.  This disorder, she said,
is indicated by the fact that they are left-handed.  Another artist
professor denounced the study of art history and academics in general to
me in a loud voice at a department gathering, in front of many students
(not at the UO).
        The problem for me  is that some impressionable young students
pick up on this rather wide-spread opinion among their studio teachers and use
it as an excuse not to take seriously their non-studio classes.  This
leads to serious friction between the studio art and art history
departments, and seems to me to be a major area of conflict.  You can read
about this in Bernard Malamud's short story, "Rembrandt's Hat", in the
collection of the same name.

A. DeAngelis

On Thu, 17 Aug 2000, Smith, Medina F wrote:
> I have a brief question.  I'm an Art History major at NYU.  During
> elementary and high school I went to a special academy for Fine Arts.  At
> NYU I decided to major in Art History (with a secondary in Fine Arts).  I
> spoke with someone at my company who informed me that someone skilled in
> Fine Arts should not pursue Art History.  She said it's for
> intellectuals/scholars not for "doers".  After I finished being insulted
> (I'm a young and impressionable student), I wondered if there was any truth
> to what she said.  Could someone offer any relevant information?  I'd
> greatly appreciate it.  Thanks!

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