ART 270: Professional Practices
Thursday 6 – 7:50pm Mark Martin office: Rm 1339D Phone: 253 3045 E-mail:
mmartin@napavalley.edu
Course Description
This course will focus on professional practices for artists and photographers including the
creation of a professional or academic portfolio; development of a resume and artists’
statement; marketing and exhibition collateral; and exhibition preparation including framing,
matting, and basic gallery management practices.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course should be able to:
1. Create a portfolio of finished work, slides, or digital images for peer, professional or academic
review.
2. Express artistic concepts and intents in writing.
3. Prepare and install original artwork for presentation and display in a gallery setting.
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Develop an artist's packet that includes:
a. Biography and resume / curriculum vitae.
b. Artist’s statement.
c. Original artwork, print, or digital portfolio
2. Design and prepare an exhibition postcard for print or develop an exhibition announcement
for other print or online media.
3. Identify local and regional exhibition opportunities.
4. Identify means of publicizing artwork and exhibitions including artists’ websites and blogs.
5. Prepare artwork for exhibition: framing, matting, mounting hardware.
6. Properly install artwork for display in a professional or academic context.
Course Structure
This is primarily a lecture and discussion course, though some time in class will be spent in
practical application of course content, including the preparation and installation of the NVC
Student Exhibition in the college gallery. In-class projects, homework, and readings are
assigned on a regular basis. We will also schedule at least two field trips to local and regional
exhibition spaces, including one field trip to First Thursday in San Francisco.
Attendance and Conduct
Students who miss more than one consecutive class periods without verified, official
documentation excusing their absence or who fail to arrange their absence in advance may be
dropped from the course. Cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices are not allowed in
this classroom except by special permission. Laptops and audio recording devices are permitted
to take notes or record lecture / discussion content.
Grading and Assessment
The final grade in this course is determined by student completion and performance on:
Original work prepared for professional / academic exhibition
•
Digital or Print Portfolio
•
Writing assignments including biography, artist statement, resume.
•
Participation in exhibition preparation and installation.
•
Written reports.
•
Print or digital exhibition collateral.
Your work will be evaluated at two intervals during the semester where I will issue an interim
grade and give you feedback on your progress in class.
Your final grade is composed of a composite score in four areas that are weighted on the
following percentages:
• Digital or Print Portfolio including bio, resume, artist statement:
50%
• Preparation and installation of original work in exhibition, including exhibition
announcement postcard/poster/email.
20%
• Participation in preparation, advertisement, and installation of exhibition in the NVC
Gallery.
20%
• Written report on exhibitions and publicity
10%
Standards and expectations for each component of the final grade will be discussed in class.
Please note instructor does not give Incompletes.
Assignments
The schedule of assignments and calendar for this course are contained in the attachments to
this syllabus. Please note that the instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule at his
discretion.
Required Materials
The following materials are required for this course:
•
Finished original work (paintings, prints, drawings, photos, sculptures, ceramics, etc.)
•
Access to computer, internet access, and word processing software.
•
Framing / Matting Supplies (will be discussed in detail at a later point)
There is no textbook required for this course. Instructor will provide handouts and links to
online resources to supplement course content.
Students requiring assistance for disabilities or learning needs, please meet with me after the
first class to make arrangements for proper accommodations. Our college offers a wide range of
learning and assistance services.