As an art historian, I would love to know how I might get my feet
any more "wet." As for artists, these days many "professionals" compete
eagerly for college and university positions. There are in fact so many
well-trained artists in academia that the quality of instruction is higher
than it has ever been in this country. Almost all professors, whether in
art history or studio art, are painfully aware of the many hard realities
that come with trying to make a career in these fields.
	Unfortunately disputes about teaching art history are not uncommon
between artists and art historians. Many artists seem to believe that art
students don't need art history--or English classes or writing skills or
anything that does not pertain to studio art. They believe that young
artists should concentrate on learning their craft, and for most people
this requires a lot of time. While they are certainly correct to
emphasize the necessity of hard work in order to learn and develop as an 
artist, they often make the mistake of believing that the study of
academic subjects distracts student artists from their real goals. In fact
very few art students will ever be able to support themselves for any length 
of time by their art, and truly need a well-rounded and yes, academic
education. From what I can understand about the study-abroad program problems, 
it sounds like the administration should have taken a stronger stand to preserve
the art history courses. No faculty of any type should ever be allowed to
sabotage another's courses. If that is what happened, then perhaps you do
have some evidence about the quality of the school or program. Of course,
programs change and you are not necessarily in the position to know what
is going on now.

	Adrienne DeAngelis
	[log in to unmask]


On Wed, 4 Sep 2002, Marie DiBartolo wrote:

> The difference is that a professional artist or art historian is interested
> in getting their feet wet in the field rather than a purely academic one who
> is more concerned about classroom space and slides.
> 
> a professional can offer experience from the field and guide you in the
> right direction, which is exactly what students need before they graduate.
> we all know that programs are lacking in that area.
> 
> AU also has a program in Italy, but there is no Art History program, I was
> the only one there studying all aspects of art with the Department chair and
> a famous art critic, we also met the artists that we were studying and that
> have been influential in the past.
> 
> Do you know the main reason why there is no ART HISTORY program in ITALY for
> AU.  Because the faculty did not want to teach with this famous art
> historian because they don't agree with her methdods or her views.  it is
> for this reason that I told her not to go.  What difference would it make if
> you don't agree with someone's views? if you're interested in the field, you
> seek to enrich your experience by experiencing as much of the field as
> possible, this faculty was content whining behind their office doors.  That
> is not professional!!
> 
> So, when the guy who runs the whole department tells me in MANY coversations
> not to waste my money on a program that has holes, I am definelty going to
> pass that information on before someone throws $60,000. in education
> expenses away.  And I responded On list because not only do I have the
> freedom to do so, but I think the more people that know about this program,
> the better.
> 
> Marie
> 
> 
> 
> >From: Adrienne DeAngelis <[log in to unmask]>
> >Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Re: American University's art history program.
> >Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 21:10:25 -0700
> >
> >    I don't think that the question was a wise one, and the response less
> >so. At least it should have been sent to Ms Pemberton off-list.
> >       "Him and two other people"? And what is the difference between a
> >professional art historian and an academic one?
> >
> >       Adrienne DeAngelis
> >       [log in to unmask]
> >
> >
> >On Tue, 3 Sep 2002, Marie DiBartolo wrote:
> >
> > > Merri,
> > >
> > > I can tell you honestly that the former Chair of the Department of Art
> >(he
> > > just gave up his post this year) frankly told me not to go to American
> > > University for Art History.  Him and two other people independently
> >referred
> > > me to CUNY at Hunter college which is where I am now.  American
> >University
> > > is having problems with the art department because of lack of space.  as
> >of
> > > now they are building a new studio space but are arguing over how the
> >space
> > > will be shared between the studio program and the art history program.
> > >
> > > I think you are better off in a more liberal university where you are
> > > exposed to professionals in the field.  AU does not offer that, it's
> >mostly
> > > academic.
> > >
> > >
> > > I hope that helps,
> > > Marie DiBartolo
> > >
> > >
> > > >From: Merri Pemberton <[log in to unmask]>
> > > >Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> > > >To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >Subject: American University's art history program.
> > > >Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 17:38:02 EDT
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >Could someone tell me the reputation of the American Univ's graduate
> > > >program
> > > >in Art History?
> > > >
> > > >Sincerely,
> > > >Merri
> > > >M erri C .Pemberton
> > > >
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