Holding Pattern

Our Chair, Bill Baggett, is working hard on trying help smooth out this disaster. Some facts that we do know... we have lost the east side of our property. The new dorms will be located right where our current wooden fence is and a retaining wall will be constructed along where the line of trees are. The Physical Plant is giving us some new space on the left side (west) for us to store all of our supplies and equipment, but it may not be enough space. Mr. Baggett is still working on getting some other perks that may help alleviate some of the problems being caused by this debacle. He (and James and Mark and I) urge everyone to remain calm and respectful, a number of folks are working on our behalf and we don't want to ruin any potential negotiations.

Mr. Baggett has some meetings with "the higher ups" on this project tomorrow and as soon as I get some info I will let everyone know.

No doubt we will be having to go through all of our stuff and remove unused materials and old sculpture, so you may want to prepare for that. However, since Mr. Baggett is still working on negotiations he has asked that we do nothing until he gives the go-ahead.

Keep checking back for more info.

Construction Issues

It must be obvious by this point that we are having some construction going on next door. We have known about the dorm for some time now. However, what we were NOT aware of was that the "construction fence" was to take up half our yard. I consider this unacceptable and in many ways unfair and unsafe to the students. The Department and the 3D Area specifically, have received NO communication about this project or about the impact it would have on our area. For example, right now there can be no raku firing if they put up the fence in the proposed location. They say they may even put a road in back through there to access the new dorms. Geesh.

Bill Baggett, our new Chair, has been appraised of the situation and has come to see the site, and is just as distressed as I am. He is currently trying to contact the Dean to protest what is going on. He has instructed James and I NOT to do anything. Not to move any supplies or equipment, nothing, until he gives us notice.

I do want to stress that we do wish to be good neighbors and don't want to stand in the way of progress but it's hard to stay sane when we have all been so disregarded.

I will Post regular updates as I get them. Don't be afraid to post your comments about the whole thing.

Sculpture I Crit

Some images from the first Sculpture I critique. There was lots of very good work for these students who are working in metal for the very first time. Unfortunately my camera was giving me a hard time so I got only a few good images. More later.

Cool Site to Check Out

http://www.artnewsblog.com/

Recent Stuff

Opportunity! Call for Intern Artist at Franconia Sculpture Park http://www.franconia.org/callinterns.html
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Next Crit Dates set for upperlevel sculpture courses-
ART 362 on March 10, 2:30 sharp.

All other sections (ART 363-662) on March 12, at 2:30 sharp.

Artist slide presentations for will be pushed back to Tuesday, March 17th at 2:30 sharp.
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ART 361 reaserch papers due Tuesday, March 10.

Critique for ART 361, Sculpture I, is on Thursday, February 19 at 11:00 am. Have your stuff installed and ready to go on time!

ALSO there is space available to show work at the Good Fellows gallery during the next ARTWALK on March 7 and also at HubFest on April 18. I need to know who is interested ASAP.

Talk to Jennifer.

Public ART

From: Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy. Contributors: Harriet F. Senie - editor, Sally Webster - editor. Publisher: Harper Collins. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1992. Page Number: xi.

"Public art with its built-in social focus would seem to be an ideal genre for a democracy. Yet, since its inception, issues surrounding its appropriate form and placement, as well as its funding, have made public art an object of controversy more often than consensus or celebration. Originally viewed by many in the new nation as a luxury incompatible with republican values, public art (indeed, art in general) was (and continues to be) regarded with distrust. Thus, art, still largely viewed as elitist, is often discussed in terms of monetary worth or political usefulness rather than admired as an expres­sion of culture or intellectual achievement."

Read more on Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy.

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Critique Part Two

We had another great critique today. There was not only some very good ideas but also some solid craftsmanship. It's really satisfying to see craft and idea working together, I really think it only acts to serve the piece better. I am happy to see some folks are 'getting' it. Some people still have work to do (don't we all) but a few are hitting that proverbial sweet spot that lets you know its all worth it and keeps you coming back for more.

Work Opportunity

The Institute for Disability Studies department on campus is joining forces with Lamar County Schools and opening an inclusive preschool in the Oak Grove area. We are looking for art student(s) (undergraduate or graduate) who would be willing to work 6-8 hours a week teaching art activities to preschool age up through 2nd grade students at our center. The areas we are particularly focusing on are pottery, sculpting, and art/drawing in general. Please contact:

Brittany Greer, M.S.
Early Childhood Coordinator
The Institute for Disability Studies
The University of Southern Mississippi

601.266.6421
601.754.3359
brittany.greer@usm.edu

Images From a Recent Critique

We are so lucky to have great facilities for critiques. These images are from the upper level sculpture sections which include 300 and 400 level students. There is a large group of students this year and some ambitious works so it is necessary to break up the crits into two days. The first day we crit the students in 362, the lowest level of this section. Next week the upper levels will go. Here are a few random images from the first day of critiques.

More Artist Opportunities!!

Check out some recent ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES, shows, juried exhibitions, etc...