Senior Exhibition

PREREQUISITES

Completion of all art courses, with the exception of courses to be completed during the final semester.  Regardless of the student's experience, exhibitions are expected to be hung competently and professionally.  Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to gain experience in how to hang/strike an exhibition.

PURPOSE

This course prepares you to mount professional exhibitions.  By using your own work, you will learn how to plan, prepare, install, budget time for, and design announcements for your first professional exhibition.  Additionally, you will compose your first artistic statement about your work and your first resume. 

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

Students will be required to participate for a minimum of 5 hours assisting in the installation of one of the Gallery Program's exhibitions during the Fall semester (December graduates participate in first exhibition), or during the early Spring semester (for May graduates). Students will be provided with a form in order to confirm their participation and hours of volunteering signed by the gallery director.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course involves the selection and presentation of work for inclusion in the senior exhibition. The preparation of public relations information, announcements, the design and installation of artwork in the exhibition space are the focus.  Responsibilities are listed in detail on following page.  You should not be enrolled in this class unless it is your last semester at MSU - your Graduating Semester. May graduates are sitting through the Fall course and completing all assignments, but will register for the class in the Spring semester. An example will be shown during the first class session.  In addition, career advisement, resources, opportunities and general information is addressed.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURE and ACTIVITIES

We meet one time per week for 3 hours per session.  Do not miss classtime.  We’ll also meet one time per week in a one-on-one session to review your artist’s statement and your resume.  You will receive a grade evaluation for the work completed for each of your one-on-one session.  If work is not completed or session is missed, grade will be 0% evaluation.  Classtime is spent introducing and reviewing assignments.  

MEASURING ACHIEVEMENT

Evaluation of each person is based on the following:

1.  Technical Quality: Presentation skills, craft of using materials and tools, installation skills, timeliness.

2.  Aesthetic Quality: Installation compositional skills, level of ambition, complexity, imagination, awareness of contemporary and traditional installation, critical judgement.

3.  It is required that everything be completed on time, if not before deadline. 

4.  This class does not evaluate the quality of your artwork.

UNDERSTANDING OTHER CRITERIA OF ACHIEVEMENT

The following are characteristics of people who are successful in this course:

1.  Positive attitude.

2.  Superior attendance – they want to be in class and they enjoy the process.

3.  Work is submitted on time, every time.

4.  Consistently works for at least 6 hours outside of class every week on ongoing projects in order to prepare effectively.

5.  Plans for the exhibit show advancement and progress in technical skill areas.

6.  Plans for the exhibit show advancement and progress in aesthetic skill areas.

7.  They work hard and understand that learning to mount an exhibition is challenging – it takes time and thought.

8.  They pay attention to what the professor is saying and take notes.

9.  They are able to focus and concentrate on what they are doing – they are seldom distracted by others.

10. Are willing to change and accept the constructive criticism/observations/advice that the professor offers.

11. Never allow their personal frustration to interrupt or disturb others concentration and peacefulness by vocalizing or acting out during working sessions.

12. Are respectful of the professor, other students, and the environment.

13. Understand that the casual seminar atmosphere of the class is for everyone’s benefit, and do not abuse the priviledge.

14. Conducts personal research and thoroughly investigates the folders that contain Senior Exhibition history.  They know that looking at this teaches them composition, technique, methods of refinement, presentation and assists with making better personal judgements.  They can also ask the professor questions they have concerning these previous Senior Exhibitions.

15. Always takes Personal Responsibility for how they function in class.

SENIOR EXHIBITION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The course requires the following:

1.          The completion of a clear and concise resume´.

2.         The development of a statement worthy of publication concerning visual art production, covering both the  

            actual work, its content, the medium(s) and process(es) involved in its production.  No

            more than a couple of paragraphs.

3.          The design, layout and actual printing of an exhibition announcement.  Students are responsible for

            payment and communication directly with the University Post Office for mailing expenses:  Postmaster     

            Cindy Loveless.

            Your announcements will be ordered and delivered at the latest by November 9 through

            www.overnightprints.com.  This includes both December and May graduates; no exceptions.

4.          The compiling of a mailing list to meet the requirements of the Bulk Mailing System, 200 pieces minimum

            per group required.

5.          The preparation of a News Release for the media including newspaper and television.  It contains

            biographical information, an artist's statement concerning visual interests and  process, CD with color       

            digitals of artwork, color digital printouts to be included in the exhibition.

6.            Prepared list of works to be included in the exhibition containing title, medium, size, sale value and total           

               insurance value. Price list for public distribution is a separate requirement.

7.          From the above list the preparation of typed labels or number pins for identification of individual works in            the exhibition.  If students choose to use "number pins" instead of labels, these must be purchased by                                                                                           

            the student(s).

8.          The installation of the group exhibition and all of its components.

9.          Managing the actual opening including the handling and distribution of refreshments, communication with           

            invited guests, monitoring sales activity, closing and cleanup of the Gallery facility.  Students may be      

            responsible for the beverage expense and for "bartending" responsibilities.  Students must remain for the    

            entire opening and participate as a group in clean-up.

10.        Following the opening of the exhibition, the student provides the instructor with a single report: 

            the Final Folder.

11.        Students are responsible for the removal of the work, hanging & presentation devices, and safe caretaking   

            and  return of all gallery equipment and reusable supplies.  Students are also responsible for the final         

            cleaning of gallery space and delivery of items sold to the purchaser.

12.        All work included in the Senior Exhibition must be properly matted, glazed and framed according to the    

            departmental standards for installation and 3-D students may be responsible for the construction of display

            cases and/or pedestals necessary for the optimum display of their product, if pedestals are not available      

            and/or are being used for a major gallery installation.  Students are responsible for communicating with the            Gallery Director  concerning pedestals, tools, etc. so as not to conflict with the main schedule and needs of                                                                                             

            the MSU Gallery program and its usage policy.  ALL TYPES OF 2-D & 3-D PRESENTATION/FRAMING        

                   METHODS MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE DESIGNATED CLASS MEETING, AND APPROVED BY

                   SENIOR EXHIBITION INSTRUCTOR.  ANY METHOD NOT APPROVED &/OR OF NON-

                   PROFESSIONAL QUALITY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE INSTALLED FOR EXHIBITION.  

4923.  Senior Exhibition                                                                                           

           Prerequisites:  ART 4513 and consent of instructor.

Special emphasis on all aspects of preparation for the selection and presentation of work included in the senior exhibition.  Includes production of resume, artist's statement, exhibition announcement, public relations practices and various forms of correspondence and communication.  Discussions and information centering on practical applications of the Senior Exhibition experience.  For B.F.A. majors only.  To be taken during final semester.

Please note:  No other instructor may interfere with any aspect of this course.  This means that you need to consult with this course instructor concerning questions or issues of the Senior Exhibition experience.   If further consultation is required, the course instructor will communicate with whom ever is necessary.  It also means you will comply with decisions and requirements the instructor makes in all aspects of the course.  Students indulging in creating conflict of any nature may face disciplinary action.

This is a Capstone Course.  It is a demonstration of all of your accumulated knowledge and skills,  your ability to perform as such, culminating in a professionally installed, presented, and conducted GROUP exhibition and reception.

*THIS IS REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT CLASS MEETING:

A.    A FIRST DRAFT OF YOUR RESUME

B.    SHOWING UP FOR CLASS WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED BOOKS:

PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING BOOKS:

                                                                    REQUIRED                                                                                 

                                                                    1. Dictionary

REQUIRED

2. Thesaurus

REQUIRED

3.An appointment diary for 2012-2013                                                                                                           2004 to record deadlines important                                                                                                                 dates

REQUIRED                                                                                                        

4.  Writing the Artist Statement, by A. Goodwin  ISBN-10: 0741408430

REQUIRED

5.  The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

by Jane Straus  ISBN-10: 470222689

REQUIRED

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Attendance to all class meetings.  Absences are not tolerated. 

2.  Design and install a group exhibition with a selection of the group's work.  This is composed of                             

the group's best work, which may not necessarily be reflected by work in the major and/or minor areas.                             

Senior Exhibition course instructor will curate exhibition if necessary. 

3.  Prepare your exhibition announcements.  Have them professionally, and commercially printed on time.  Have them mailed on time.

4.  Each person will provide the department with  PowerPoint documentation of your exhibition, including installation shots and depictions of individual artworks.

5.  Complete all requested record keeping in TYPED form.

6.  Complete all requested paperwork in TYPED form, at each state of development. (Resume´, Statement, etc.)  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Number each subsequent submission, including date, in duplicate.

7.  Students are expected to use and spell the English language effectively.  Evaluations will seriously scrutinize the presence or absence of competency in this area.

8.  Have all required assignments completed on time. 

9.  Failing to comply by filing for graduation and providing the instructor with a copy of the registrar's report by late November (Dec. Grads.) and late April (May Grads.)  You must provide a copy of this report to course instructor in order to receive a grade for this class.  Without a copy of this, you will receive an Incomplete grade assessment. 

USE OF A TUTOR

Anyone who uses a tutor to assist with the artist's statement or resume (outside of art department faculty) will discuss this with the instructor immediately.  Please provide tutor's name and phone number.  Use of someone in this capacity must be approved by instructor.  All work must be original and not copied.  Original:  not copied from something else; fresh; inventive; unconventional; innovative.  Copying is plagiarism!  SEE: STUDENT HONOR CREED AND PLAGIARISM POLICY – included in this syllabus.)  Your work will be seriously scrutinized in this aspect.  Additionally, the instructor may require you to use one of the university’s tutors (names will be provided) if necessary.  Anyone who pays/compensates someone else to write their statement or do any work for them will face disciplinary action. 

GRADES

Each week's assignment of a revised statement, a revised resume, a revised exhibition announcement design, etc. will be evaluated with a letter grade.  It is expected that the work be submitted on time and completed.  If the student does not submit all of the assigned work, or does not submit the work on time, a grade of 0% will be assigned.  In addition, an evaluation will be done on the quality of exhibition installation and final folder.  An average of all of these constitutes your final evaluation and grade (the course grade is NOT just a grade of your exhibition).    

GRADING SYSTEM

A (90 – 100) = indicates excellent work

B (80 – 89) = indicates good work

C (70 – 79) = indicates satisfactory work

D (60 – 69) = indicates passing work

F (59 and below) = indicates failing work

In addition, I use the following system when evaluating work:

A+ (98)        A (95)         A- (92)

B+ (88)        B (85)         B- (82)

C+ (78)        C (75)         C- (72)

D+ (68)        D (65)         D- (62)

O%: Late assignments, unsubmitted assignment.

TO BE SUBMITTED IN FINAL FOLDER           

1.          Cost form

2.          Resume´

3.          Statement  *DO NOT change your final approved statement.  If changes are needed for May

             graduates, consult with instructor, acquire her approval, and provide a final copy for her files.  No           

             exceptions to this process.     

4.          Announcement

5.          iBook (or similar hardback publication) documentation of installation and individual works in exhibition,           

             complete with appropriate description of artworks, for department records. *Digital images must be in

             RGB (NOT CMYK).   The receipt and proof of ordering must be in final folder.  

6.          Reviews/ News Clips

7.          Press Release and Cover Letter

8.            Exhibition List w/ins. value

9.            Exhibition List for public disbursement

10.         PowerPoint on CD depicting installation and individual works, complete with appropriate description of

              artworks

11.         Signed receipt from campus Post Office proving that you have paid for your bulk mailing fee.

12.         A permanent address where the student may be contacted approximately one year after graduation;  a

              survey form concerning your undergraduate experience will be mailed to you and returned to us after        

              completion.

The final folder is due, complete with PowerPoint CD and iBook or Blurb.com book receipt on Thursday 5pm after the group exhibition opening.   This information should be presented in clear binder sheets. 

NO EXCEPTIONS!!

All assignments will be turned in by the deadline, with NO LATE OR INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS.  Late assignments, incomplete assignments, etc. receive an evaluation of 0%.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

At Midwestern State University the faculty member is the authority concerning the selection of topics, texts and teaching methodology.  The faculty member has the freedom and responsibility to maintain a standard of student behavior and control the classroom environment.

The student is expected to be aware of the basic tenets of this Code of Conduct (see Student Handbook), as well as the Student Honor Creed.  The faculty member may drop a student from class for disruptive, disrespectful, or unruly conduct.  Excessive absences, chronic tardiness, failure to complete assignments on time, academic dishonesty or plagiarism will cause a student to be withdrawn from the course, and may result in a grade evaluation of "F". 

Attendance is required at every class.  If roll is taken before you arrive in class, you will be counted absent. Leaving class early without prior permission will result in your being counted absent for the class session.  The penalty for missing class for any reason (ex. sickness, lost dog, Dr.’s appointment, broken car, death in family/friend, baby-sitter not available, etc.) is as follows:

1^st absence = 1 letter grade drop on your FINAL grade (example: Grade earned=88(B) Grade assigned=C)

2^nd absence = another additional letter grade drop on your FINAL grade (example: Grade earned=88(B) Grade assigned=D)

3^rd absence = F in class &/or Instructor Drop with W/F or F (Instructor Discretion)

DISRUPTION OF TEACHING

Disruption or obstruction of teaching is classroom behavior that interferes with either the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program.

Disruption of any type (headsets, interruptive talking, fighting, exhibiting an arrogant lack of respect for the instructor, lack of proper conduct in the learning environment, attitude problems, cell phone usage, cell phone interruption/ringing, etc.) and behavioral problems will not be tolerated.  Students will risk being dropped from the class and consequently receiving an "F" for displays of this nature.  The instructor will determine what is inappropriate behavior.

CELL PHONE POLICY  (READ THIS TWICE, PLEASE)

VERY IMPORTANT:  Students are advised to TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES during class. 

There are NO cell phones permitted to be out and/or in my (or your) sight in this class.  This class requires your engagement, and cell phones serve to detract from that engagement.

Additionally, your phone should be not only put away, but on “silent” (NOTE: vibrate is NOT silent).  If I SEE your phone you will be asked to put it away, and you will lose 2 points off of your final grade.  Should your phone ring/vibrate during class, you are dismissed for the day.  You will silence it immediately, and quietly leave the class session.  You will be counted absent for the session.  Failure to adhere to this will result in more stringent disciplinary action.

(If there is an emergency situation, it is the student's responsibility to communicate with the instructor.  You are to provide someone on the other end of the emergency situation with your whereabouts during class time, and with the telephone number of the main art office:  940-397-4264.  You may also give them the instructor’s office number for this time period:  940-397-4385.)

                                                “Evil Medieval Rack of Torture”

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information that needs sharing, or if you need special accommodations in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with the professor as soon as possible.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES (397-4140; Clark Student Center, Room 168)

Students with disability must be registered with Disability Support Services before classroom accommodations can be provided.  If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact me to discuss your needs.

STUDENT-PRIVACY

Federal privacy law prohibits the instructor from releasing information about students to certain parties outside of the university without the signed consent of the student.  Thus, in almost all cases the professor will not discuss students’ academic progress or other matters with their parents.  Please do not have them call.  Regardless of these important legal considerations, the professor’s general policy is to communicate with the students, not their parents, even when a student has signed a consent form.  College students are adults and are expected to behave accordingly.

STUDENT HONOR CREED

"As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only tobe honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all 
university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all studentwork is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT  (Number 11:  Academic Dishonesty)

The following standards and procedures are university policy. All students are expected

to become familiar with the information contained in this publication in order that they may be

sufficiently informed of the standards of conduct established by the university. These standards

of conduct apply to individuals as well as to individuals acting in concert with others (groups,

student organizations, etc.).

Enrollment at Midwestern State University is considered by the university as implicit

declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of university regulations. Violation of these

standards of conduct will subject the violator to conduct action.

When students are away from the Midwestern State University campus, they are expected

to conduct themselves as mature individuals. Irresponsible actions which are reported to

university officials or which become public knowledge may be the cause for conduct action.

It is stressed that all local, state, and federal laws are supported by the university, and

violators of these could be disciplined by civil authorities and/or university officials. Being a

student does not exempt a person from being a law-abiding citizen or from conducting himself

or herself as a responsible student.

Specific examples of misconduct for which students may be subject to conduct action

include, but are not limited to, the following:

11. Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, collusion, and plagiarism (the act of using source

material of other persons, either published or unpublished, without following the accepted

techniques of crediting, or the submission for credit of work not the individual’s to whom

credit is given). Additional guidelines on procedures in these matters may be found in the

Dean of Students’ Office.

a. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized

assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of

sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing

reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition,

without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of

the university faculty or staff.

b. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct

quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and

clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials

prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other

academic materials.

c. The term “collusion” means collaboration with another person in preparing work

offered for credit of that collaboration is not authorized by the faculty member in charge.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Social justice is one of Midwestern State University’s stated core values, and the professor considers the classroom to be a place where students will be treated with respect as human beings, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability.  Moreover, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided the students can agree to disagree.  It is the professor’s expectation that ALL students be able to consider the classroom a safe environment.

GALLERY OPENING REQUIRMENT | FALL 2012

·      All students enrolled in any studio course or art history course are required to attend every gallery opening.

·      The student will arrive at the gallery opening and receive a comment sheet.

·      The student will then fill out the comment sheet during the opening and submit it that evening.
 

·      If the student is unable to attend the gallery opening for any reason they are still able to meet the gallery opening requirement by writing a paper. The paper will adhere to the following guidelines: 

o      The topic of the paper will focus on the main gallery artist for the exhibition opening that was missed and should emphasize the student’s reaction to the artist’s work.

o      The paper must be typed in Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced.

o      500 words

o      The paper must be completed before the last day of the exhibition and submitted to the art office.
 

·      If a student does not attend the show or write a paper their final grade will be dropped 3.3% per gallery opening.

·      If a student misses all 3 of the gallery openings and does not write a paper for each of them to make it up the student’s final grade will be dropped by 10%.

1.     Faculty and Staff Exhibition

Main Gallery

All media

Art C.A.M.P.

Foyer Gallery

September 14, 2012 – October 19, 2012

Opening: Friday, September 14, 2012 6pm-8pm
 

2.     Lawrence McFarland

Main Gallery

Photography

Kappa Pi

Foyer Gallery

October 26, 2012 - November 23, 2012

Opening: Friday, October 26, 2012 6pm-8pm

3.     Senior Exhibition

Foyer Gallery

              ­­­­­all media                                                                                  

December 7, 2012 – January 11, 2013

Opening: Friday, December 7, 2012 6pm-8pm