IN PURSUIT OF BEAUTY AND TRUTH: AN EDUCATION IN ART

Beauty is truth, truth beauty," - that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. John Keats

IN PURSUIT OF BEAUTY AND TRUTH: AN EDUCATION IN ART

Meral Bolak Grol, College Counselor meralbg@superonline.com Greetings to all the budding artists out there. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous American philosopher, once said that Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art. I agree with that statement with all my heart. Art makes the world a better and a more beautiful place. Therefore, I strongly believe that if you are planning to study art and make it your lifes work, you are headed down a very exciting path. As you take your very first step down that path, you probably have many questions regarding the process ahead of you, which is why you are here! In this meeting I will try to address most of those issues, including art education in the U.S. in general , different types of art schools in the U.S., the general and specific requirements for eligibility as an applicant to art schools, and choosing an art school that is the right fit for you. Lets start with the fundamental question:

WHY STUDY ART IN THE STATES?

Let me explain First of all, whether youre aiming for a program in fine arts and/or design, or youre planning to go into performing arts which includes theater and acting, dance, music, opera there are some great schools in the U.S. in all these fields. Some of these schools

you may have heard of, and they are independent institutions, like the famous Juilliard School. Others belong to larger institutions, like the renowned Fine Arts College of Yale. Some are conservatories devoted only to teaching music, like the Berklee College of Music, known as the largest independent school of contemporary music in the world. When you graduate at the end of your undergraduate years at any one of these institutions, you will receive a BA (bachelor of arts) which is a more general liberal arts degree with a focus on art, a BFA (bachelor of fine arts) which shows youre a career artist or performer, or a BM (Bachelor of Music) which shows you are a career musician. Also, as you all probably know, USA is very rich in its cultural diversity. This richness is reflected on art education as well. Imagine how exciting it is to have people from wildly different backgrounds, both from different parts of the U.S. and also from all over the world, coming together with the same purpose to study art and interacting with one another, exchanging ideas, and most importantly, creating together. I find that a most exhilarating prospect, dont you? Well, we all know that you have to have some form of talent to be an artist. But is talent enough? In most cases, the answer is no! Raw talent is a wonderful thing to have, but it needs to be nourished; like a river that gushes forth from the mountains, it needs to find itself a path; it needs direction; it needs nurturing, or that talent may not fulfill its initial promise. Thats what you need a good art education and who plays the major role in education? Why, the educators, the teachers, of course! Which brings me to my next point in the U.S., a lot of art schools have famous artists on their faculty. Not just famous, either these people had talent, then they built successful careers out of that talent, they have made it in the art world, so they have not only art to teach you, they also have a great deal of practical knowledge and connections outside of academia, where the real action takes place in terms of careers! Just to get an idea of what I am talking about, I urge you to go to the website of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Its one of the top fine arts schools in the States. Please check out the past and present accomplishments of the faculty. Youll be amazed at their productivity and success! There is also the phenomenon of the visiting artist in the U.S. sometimes artists with celebrity status visit the classes and offer refreshing insights into the academic material the students are working on. This is not to say that the rest of the faculty is not as good theyre usually very, very good! Most of them are dedicated teachers who form healthy personal relationships with their students, and give each one quality time. They also like to employ interactive teaching methods, so museum trips and interdisciplinary projects are the norm rather than the exception. When you study art in the U.S., in many cases you will be offered not just art, but also a sound core curriculum in what we call the liberal arts these are the basic disciplines such as math, literature, history, philosophy, and psychology. Therefore, you will get a well-rounded education. In an art school in the U.S., you will be expected to study the classic techniques, of course, but you will also be allowed and even encouraged to step outside of the box and

experiment. For instance, in most cases you may include electronic arts in your projects at a fine arts or design school. Another advantage is that most probably you will have access to the latest technological equipment in labs and studios. Last but not least, I want to point out that in America, you will be allowed freedom of artistic expression as long as you do not abuse the rights of others! There will be honest and open yet constructive criticism from your teachers but if youre doing a good job, and not offending anyone, or being indecent, you will be encouraged in your art. I think the late President John F. Kennedy expressed this attitude best when he said, If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. So you have plenty of good reasons to attend an art school in the U.S. Now lets take a look at whats available out there

WHY THE U.S.?

Great schools that offer inspiring programs in various fields of art Cultural diversity reflecting itself positively on the art education process Famous artists in the faculty with their invaluable experience and practical knowledge A well-rounded curriculum A chance to experiment in new, innovative fields Latest technology available in labs and studios Freedom of artistic expression

WHATS OUT THERE?

Youve made your decision, and decided to attend an art school in the States. Whats waiting for you out there? In the U.S., there are two kinds of art school. The first is the kind where you are offered programs in fine arts painting, sculpture, all visual arts and/or design, and the second is where you focus on performing arts which include theater and acting, dance, music, and opera. Naturally I dont know what your specific plans are, so I will now paint the Big Picture for you. When you first begin your search, you will start with your chosen field, in other words, your major. You will try to see which schools offer the best programs in that

major, then you will do extensive research on each school to see if its the right one for you, and then youll start the application process. Lets start from the beginning. Art majors in the U.S. are plentiful you can look them up under these creative and expressive fields: acting, animation, art, art history, cinematography and film/video production, dance, design, digital art, drama and theater arts, fashion and apparel design, fine/studio arts, graphic design, interior design, music (general), music management, music performance, music theory and composition, photography, theater design and technology. Given so many choices, you need to pick carefully. Your talent ought to be your first guide. All of these fields can lead to a fulfilling life, and by that I mean doing something that you love and earning a good amount of money as you do it! Do you want to be a concert pianist, or are you more into the theory side of music and plan to become a music critic and writer? Do you think you will be the next Leonardo da Vinci, or do you wish to satisfy your great desire to be involved in the world of art by studying art history, and perhaps one day becoming a gallery owner? There are many ways to have a career in art. You may be a performer, or you may go into the business side of things; you may devote your life to composing, or you may decide to teach others how to become master violinists; you may want to win an Oscar someday but not necessarily as an actor maybe you will be a costume designer for the movies, and win the award that way! The options are almost limitless! You just need to decide where your strengths lie, and act upon that knowledge. Once youve decided, your next move should be to make sure you have what it takes to apply to an art school in the U.S. and I am not talking just about talent, though talent is a part of it, of course. However, and I cannot stress this enough, you do need more than talent in this process. Next, well consider what you need in order to be eligible as an applicant into art schools.

TYPES OF ART DEGREES

BA (Bachelor of Arts) BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) BM (Bachelor of Music)

TYPES OF ART SCHOOLS

Fine Arts and Design Schools (painting, sculpture, all visual arts and/or design) Performing Arts Schools (theater and acting, dance, music, opera) Conservatories (music only)

TYPES OF ART MAJORS

Acting Animation Art Art history Cinematography and film/video production Dance Design Digital art Drama and theater arts Fashion and apparel design Fine/studio arts Graphic design Interior design Music (general) Music management Music performance Music theory and composition Photography Theater design and technology

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Contrary to what you may think, actually art schools demand pretty much the same admission requirements as any other school. However, you should keep in mind the fact that each art school has different requirements, and each case is unique, so research the schools criteria carefully before you apply. Check out the school websites for any extra requirements, or different demands. There are some common rules that apply to most of these schools, though. What are those? Lets see News Flash: You have to keep your grades up! Yes, in many cases, you need a good GPA to enter a reputable art school. Academic achievement is NOT overlooked just because you want to be an artist! So, please continue to study! Remember that your official high school transcripts will be sent to the schools! In addition to your academic performance in school, there are also certain college entrance exams you need to take. As an international applicant, you will be expected to prove your proficiency in the English language. For that purpose, you have to take the TOEFL-iBT exam, and most schools will insist on this. Alternatively, you can take the IELTS exam. Please check the official websites of the test-givers for test dates and registration deadlines. Your counseling office at school would also be a source of help. In many cases, you will also be expected to take the SAT, or alternatively, the ACT exam, which basically tests your comprehension skills. Once again, check the official websites of the test-givers as well as your counseling office for test dates and registration deadlines. 6

There are also the SAT II Subject Tests. These test your knowledge in a variety of subjects, and while some art schools do not demand that you take them, my suggestion is that you go ahead and take them anyway, especially if you are applying to the larger universities. I would recommend you to take Math IC & IIC as well as either literature, history, or a foreign language test. I believe this will give you a competitive edge in the admissions process by showing you are not just an artist but also a well-informed, cultured one! You will be writing at least one application essay, and one of them will most probably be a personal statement where you will be expected to talk about who you are as a person and an artist. I believe that as someone who is applying to study in a creative field, you ought to take care to express yourself really well in writing. In the essay, or essays, feel free to define your artistic goals and vision let your passion for your chosen field of art come through in your words; give the admissions board a good idea of your potential. You will be expected to submit at least two letters of recommendation. It may be obvious, but I will say it anyway choose teachers who are familiar with you and your work; at least one should be connected to the field of art youre considering, your music or art teacher, for instance. They ought to be able to talk about your character, progress, achievements, and goals, so pick your letter writers carefully! Most art schools demand a face to face interview. While this is not a must in some cases, it is recommended. And in my opinion, its a good thing, because it gives you a chance to tell the admissions officers in person that you are serious about your art, that you are both motivated and eager to pursue an education in art as you work on your own creative process. Last but not least, in almost every case, visual and performing art students are expected to submit a portfolio of their work, or perform at an audition. Once again, each school has different standards regarding these requirements, so check before you apply. However, I can tell you that in many cases they all basically look for the same things: strong technical skills coupled with creativity, proof of being observant of the world around you, and the ability to handle a variety of artistic media. In other words, they like to see evidence of both your artistic talent and also of your perception; they would like well-rounded young artists in their community, not just single-minded ones who focus only on one form of art while ignoring others! You may or may not be expected to submit your portfolio or your audition in person. Sometimes slides, digital images, prints, or DVDs of your performance are accepted as well. You should check with the school about that. Finally, Id like to remind you of what I said a while ago that talent by itself is not enough to get you into an arts school that is the right fit for you. As we have seen, in most cases, art schools seem to be looking for passion, commitment, an open minded approach to new ideas and trends, and an ability to express your work in words, in writing, and in some cases, in person. Now that you know about the general criteria for application, how do you decide which schools are right for you? I have been talking about a best fit what does that mean?

It means that you have the right qualifications for that school, and that school has the right ingredients for you, so you two are a good match! Next, well look at the ways in which you can decide whether a school is a match or not in terms of your character, talents, goals and interests.

WHAT IT TAKES TO GET IN

Academic Achievement (GPA + Transcripts) College Entrance Test Results Application Essay(s) Recommendation Letters Student Interview Portfolio or Audition

WHAT THE SCHOOLS WANT TO SEE IN YOU

Passion Motivation Commitment Creativity Open-mindedness Ability to be expressive/articulate about your own work

WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD FIT? The key to deciding on which schools would be a good fit is a word that I have repeated often tonight research! Take time to do your research properly on each school. Begin with the internet; check out the school websites. You can get a feel of the school by going carefully through the website; some have virtual tours and recorded student testimonials. Another great way to gain information is to go on a college tour. I believe campus visits are especially important for art students because as an artist, you need to make sure you will feel comfortable with your peers in that environment, and what better way to check it out than to see it for yourself? You can visit the labs and studios, talk to students and teachers, collect printed or digitally recorded material about the school. I also advise you to talk to local university professors in your field as well as your high school art teachers. They would know about the reputation of the schools youre considering, and may supply you with valuable first or secondhand information. It is also a good idea to have a chat with alumni and/or current students of the schools you are interested in who are now residents in your town and/or country, or are visiting. These people are your contemporaries, and can offer you an insiders view of the school. What should you look for? First of all, you should definitely check out the location of the school. As an art student, you want to be in a place where you remain in touch with an artistic community, with museums, galleries, concerts, and shows. The school may be in a small town, or in a big city, but either way, I suggest you make sure you have easy access to resources and venues that will inspire you. For instance, you want to be able to attend musical and theatrical performances and art exhibitions; you want to follow the latest artistic trends; it is essential for an artist/student to interact with other artists as well. Finally, you want the chance to be able to exhibit or perform in these venues when you are ready to take that leap. You ought to consider the size of the school too. As I mentioned in the beginning, you have three types of schools to consider. You can go to a larger university and attend their art school in your chosen field. Or you may opt for a smaller, independent college that caters only to art students. Alternatively, you may attend a music conservatory. If you choose the larger university option, you will have the chance to take a wider variety of liberal arts classes, and you will meet with students in all sorts of fields. You may also pursue a double degree in a larger university, like a BFA in painting and a BA in art history, but it may take you more than the usual four years to graduate. In the smaller schools, you will be with students who are very focused on their art. Accordingly, competition will be rather high, and so will the motivation to do more than your best, to excel! Therefore, when you choose between a larger university and a smaller, more concentrated art school, in most cases you will also be choosing between levels of competitiveness it is up to you decide in which environment your artistic talent would flourish!

Facilities are important. As an art student, you have to check out the labs, practice areas, and studios. For instance, if youre a photographer, a dark room is essential to your art. Be sure to have a definite answer to this question: are the facilities enough for everyone? More than anything, the quality of teaching determines the reputation of an art school, so check out the faculty. What are their accomplishments in their chosen fields? Their success will reflect on your future by that I mean, if this school has a stellar reputation for its academics, then your diploma and degree from them will be that much more valuable as you launch your career in your chosen field. In that regard, checking out the current careers of past alumni is also a good idea. It will give you a good idea of that schools place in the grand scheme of the art world! Make sure you are in synch with the schools outlook and world view. In other words, you need to agree with their philosophy for instance, if want to experiment with new methods rather than concentrate in traditional painting, you need to be certain the school is open to that sort of approach. In the same vein, you should look at their curriculum to see if theyre offering classes in subjects youre interested in. For instance, if youre a music student who would like to have a strong background in classical music but wishes to become a performer of modern jazz, you need to see if jazz is on the menu, so to speak! Speaking of menus, choosing colleges is a bit like picking out restaurants. A restaurant may have a wonderful reputation as the best in town for Far Eastern cuisine, but if you hate sushi, obviously that wont be the right place for you! Studying in the U.S. in itself is a unique experience that will help you grow as a person and gain a global perspective. Add art into the equation, and were talking about a whole new world! Being an artist requires a very personal approach, so your choice of school should be a personal one too. As we all know, artists need to be nourished both intellectually and also emotionally; therefore, it is doubly important for you to study in a school in which you will be happy. I will conclude in the words of Pablo Picasso, one the greatest artists of the 20th century: Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life. What a noble pursuit it is, then, to be an artist! I wish you all the luck in the world on this lovely path that you have chosen to tread.

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RESEARCH SOURCES
The school websites Printed or digitally recorded material about schools that can be picked up on college visits Local professors who teach in the field youre interested in Alumni and/or current students of the schools you are interested in who are now residents in your town and/or country, or are visiting

RESEARCH CRITERIA
Location Size Competitiveness Facilities Academic Reputation Faculty and Alumni Academic Attitude Curriculum

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SOME OF THE TOP FINE ARTS AND DESIGN SCHOOLS IN THE U.S.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Rhode Island School of Design Yale University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Cranbrook Academy of Art Maryland Institute College of Art Virginia Commonwealth University California Institute of the Arts Carnegie Mellon University University of California-Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine and Santa Barbara campuses 10. Art Center College of Design 11. California College of the Art 12. Alfred University-New York State College of Ceramics 13. Art Center College of Design 14. California College of the Arts 15. Columbia University 16. Temple University 17. Bard College 18. School of Visual Arts, New York 19. University of Texas-Austin 20. Washington University in St. Louis 21. CUNY-Hunter College 22. New School-Parsons School of Design 23. Pratt Institute 24. Rochester Institute of Technology 25. Massachusetts College of Art 26. University of Georgia 27. New York University 28. University of California-Berkeley 29. San Francisco Art Institute 30. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick 31. Tufts University/School of the Museum of Fine Arts-Boston 32. University of Illinois-Chicago 33. University of Southern California 34. Cornell University 35. Syracuse University 36. Boston University 37. Emerson College 38. California State University-Los Angeles and Long Beach campuses 39. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 40. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 41. Northwestern University 42. SUNY- Buffalo, New Paltz, and Stony Brook campuses 43. CUNY Brooklyn, City, and Queens Colleges 44. University of Massachusetts-Amherst 45. San Francisco State University

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SOME OF THE TOP PERFORMING ARTS AND MUSIC SCHOOLS IN THE U.S.
1. Harvard University 2. Yale University 3. Brown University 4. De Paul University 5. Cameron University 6. Juilliard School of Music + Drama Division 7. Berklee College of Music 8. Manhattan School of Music 9. San Francisco Conservatory of Music 10. New England Conservatory of Music 11. Michigan State University 12. Vanderbilt University 13. Adelphi College in New York 14. American University in Washington D.C 15. North Carolina School for the Arts 16. University of Rochester (Eastman School of Music) 17. Indiana University at Bloomington 18. Curtis Institute of Music 19. Oberlin College Conservatory 20. Bucknell University 21. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 22. Johns Hopkins University 23. University of Southern California 24. Cleveland Institute of Music 25. Rice University 26. University of Miami 27. Boston University (School of Acting) 28. California Institute of the Arts 29. Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama 30. New York University (Tisch School of the Arts) 31. SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Theatre Arts 32. Syracuse University (School of Drama) 33. University of Minnesota (Department of Theatre Arts & Dance) 34. University of North Carolina (School of the Arts) 35. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 36. Northwestern University (School of Communication) 37. University of California (San Diego and Irvine campuses) 38. The New School for Drama in New York 39. University of Texas at Austin 40. University of Iowa 41. Pace University at New York 42. Duke University 43. University of Iowa 44. Wright State University 45. University of Oklahoma

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