Course Spotlight: NYC Maymester

“We returned home tired and with heads spinning, but also undeniably energized by the knowledge that so many artists and intellectuals are dedicated—with stunning, often provocative results—to the practice of contemporary art and design.”

–  Dr. Isabelle Loring Wallace, Associate Professor of Contemporary Art, Associate Director of Research and Graduate Studies

The Lamar Dodd School of Art’s New York Maymester Program recently concluded course in New York City.  The New York Maymester Program is an intensive educational experience designed to provide students with the opportunity to live and study in New York City for three weeks during the month of May. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the Program uses the city as its classroom, and significant class time is devoted to visiting its world-class museums and galleries.

This May, courses were taught by Katie Geha, Director of Galleries, Associate Professor Mary Pearse, and Associate Professor Isabelle Wallace. Classes were held daily and allowed students both comprehensive instruction and guidance through many of the galleries and museums. Students also had free time to experience life in the city independently.

Over the course of the month, students visit studios, collectives, installations, galleries, and artist communities, and are introduced to the professional practices of these areas through meetings with curators, gallery directors, critics, and alumni. Students gain first-hand exposure to contemporary art and design practices in a major metropolitan area. By meeting practitioners and professionals, students learn to evaluate and connect to resources and opportunities and to foster relationships for future careers and professional activities.

Students return with a richer sense of responsibility and commitment and a deeper understanding of the current atmosphere of art and design. Upon completion of the course, students have a clearer understanding of specific career opportunities with a fine arts degree, the various skills needed to maneuver through major artistic metropolitan centers, and understand the intricacies of a specific contemporary art scene.

The itinerary of the most recent Maymester included visits to:

GALLERIES
Anton Kern Gallery
Marian Goodman Gallery
David Zwirner
Asya Geisberg Gallery
Chelsea
Upper East Side galleries
(and more)

STUDIO VISITS
Tamara Staples
Rhia Hurt
Tim Myers
Sacha Ingber
Lee Relvas
Alejandro Guzman
(and more)

MUSEUMS
MoMA
MoMA PS1
the Met
Whitney Museum
DIA BEACON
The Kitchen
The Guggenheim

For more information, see the NYC Maymester Page.