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In keeping with its mission to provide education that combines theory and practice, the Master of Arts program in Art Market: Principles and Practices is the only one of its kind that includes an exhibition practicum. Working with a fixed budget, the students organize a contemporary art exhibition. They start by searching for an affordable venue, and negotiate and secure a lease in a commercial space. They start by searching for an affordable venue, and negotiate and secure a lease. They scour the web for artists, make numerous studio visits, and begin the process of selecting artists. This, and the identification of the theme of the exhibition, involves much discussion, persuasion, and conciliation. The students then obtain the loans, create the publicity materials, write the press release, build a website, design and produce the catalogue, install the works, and host the opening reception. During the run of the show students take turns gallery sitting, and at the end they de-install and return the works to the lenders. The practicum is a real world showcase of the knowledge and skills acquired in two years of graduate study. This year’s exhibition, “No Other Medicine,” borrows its title from Shakespeare’s maxim about hope. When faced with the realization of the irrefutable fragility of human existence, hope is often our only recourse. The eight contemporary artists in the exhibition seem to grapple with this reality in different ways, and in a fundamental way their works can ultimately be seen as expressions of hope. The graduate students deserve heartfelt congratulations for their formidable group effort, which is not only the culmination of their studies but also an independent professional achievement. Congratulations Mijin, Meridith, Yevgenia, Denis, Rachel, Emma, Heather, Valerie, Abby and Dora! Very special thanks go to the dedicated faculty, and most particularly to Beth Miller Servetar for her able, tireless, and patient guidance throughout the process. Katherine Jánszky Michaelsen, PhD |
