ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ART

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The School of Art encourages excellence in studies as well as practice, and nurtures many artists toward fulfillment of their goals and dreams. The School of Art offers a nationally accredited college program and an active Community Arts Education Program that serves adults, teens and children. In June of 1941, MWPAI was granted the power to "provide instruction in higher education at the college level in the field of fine arts with authority to confer the degree of bachelor of fine arts," and the School of Art was established. The school became an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design in 1981.

PrattMWP Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute School of Art has joined with internationally renowned Pratt Institute to give students an exciting educational opportunity. Pratt Munson-Williams-Proctor is a new alliance between two premier institutions establishing world-class fine art instruction in Central New York. The 2000 fall semester brought about the first class to attend PrattMWP, an exciting development that opens endless possibilities for the School of Art. PrattMWP Web Site Community Arts Education Program The School of Art continues its tradition of excellence in its mission to enhance artistic appreciation, understanding and skill in people of all ages. The Community Arts Education Program offers a wide variety of classes for beginners through advanced students. All classes are taught by academically qualified, professional artists. Classes offered include drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry/metal arts, ceramics, photography, and printmaking, quilting, plus several classes especially designed for children and teens. There is an active dance program with classes in ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. The school also offers a bridge program for high school students who demonstrate ability and are interested in experiencing new areas of fine art, or improving current skills. Each semester, approximately 1,000 students enroll in classes at the School of Art, learning skills and gaining experience that brings a higher level of overall creativity to the community. School of Art Studio Building Most School of Art classes are held in the Studio Building. The building is a three-story 24,500 square foot structure. It houses seven art studios for jewelry making, print making, photography, drawing, painting, design, color, and children's classes. There is an art gallery, reception area, lounges for students and faculty, and an adjacent sculpture court. The building is designed to fit comfortably into the surrounding neighborhood. The former photography building has been beautifully renovated into administrative and admissions offices. The Tudor building, which formerly housed the School of Art gallery, administrative offices and three studios, has now been renovated and retrofitted for use as the sculpture department on the first floor, plus private studios and offices for instructors on the second floor. The ceramics department remains in its original space and has undergone thorough renovation that has enlarged the hand-building studio, added two new kilns in a new kiln room, and a new heating system to heat the entire floor of the department.