DUE: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 by 3 pm
Email to Peter Nelson (nelsonp)
The objective of the Emerging Artist program is to offer St. Olaf graduates an intensive “Artist in Residence” experience to better prepare them for graduate school or a professional career in the arts. The program is designed for self-motivated artists and curators who wish to make visual arts the core of their professional future. In the academic year after graduation, Emerging Artists receive a stipend for art materials, create and exhibit their own artwork, and make positive contributions to the community of art students, faculty, and staff. They also act as mentors to undergraduate art students and help facilitate community events, including the department gathering in the fall and the juried exhibition in the spring.
The Emerging Artist program is generously supported by the Leean Carpenter Endowed Fund.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ART AND ART HISTORY
- The department will provide studio space appropriate to the media and scale of your work. Specific studios change occasionally depending on department needs, so the assigned studio may change from year to year.
- The department will provide a stipend of $1500 Fall and Spring semesters. Spring semester stipend is dependent upon successful development of work during the Fall semester.
- Faculty members will offer informal, critical feedback at the request of the Emerging Artists.
- The department will provide access to studio equipment with permission of instructors. (Students enrolled in classes will be given priority for equipment use.)
- The department will provide exhibition opportunities and support for Emerging Artists both on and off campus.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMERGING ARTIST
- In accepting this position you commit to remain in the program for the full term of the appointment (Academic Year)
- The official contract runs from September 1 – June 1. We reserve the right to shorten that time frame due to extenuating circumstances (such as Covid-19). No access to CAD outside of that time frame.
- Emerging Artists must have completed their B.A. degree by September 1.
- Emerging Artists will adhere to studio rules, safety guidelines, and model good work habits throughout the year.
- Emerging Artists will work closely and informally with a professor in their chosen area of studio interest.
- Emerging Artists will work approximately 20 hours per week in their studios. Informal critiques with faculty should be initiated regularly.
- Emerging Artists will assist with studio classes relevant to their areas of expertise, help with general department needs and events such as the fall picnic, the juried show prep and installation, introducing senior studies guests, the drawing co-op, offer informal critiques and assistance to senior studies students for an average of 5 hours per week.
- Emerging Artists will participate in two to three group exhibitions: an in-progress exhibit in the Virginia & Jennifer C. Groot Gallery, approximately November 15 – December 15, and one or two fully developed exhibits in Northfield or the Twin Cities, depending on availability in the spring semester. These shows, while considered a responsibility, are also a privilege that may be revoked if other responsibilities are not met.
- As graduates of St. Olaf College, Emerging Artists are no longer considered students. Emerging Artists are held to the same professional standards as staff members.
- St. Olaf College prohibits Consensual Relationships between a faculty or staff member and any student enrolled at the College.
- Emerging Artists are expected to act in a professional manner, both in person and on social media.
- Emerging Artists may not live with students in residence halls..
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Senior Studio Art majors who wish to apply for the Emerging Artist Program should meet with their Art-343 advisor to discuss their application. Advisors will recommend candidly whether or not the student should apply and may provide feedback on a draft of the letter of application.
LETTER OF APPLICATION AND RESUME
The letter of application should include a description of your work and how you hope to develop your work during the course of the Emerging Artist program. The letter should be no more than 600 words.
- What are your goals for the Emerging Artist program?
- How will the Emerging Artist program contribute to the development of your work?
- Include a resume.
- Include five images of your work.
Usually there are four Emerging Artists chosen each year but this does not mean that four are always selected. The studio faculty will make selections after the opening of the last senior show. Selections are made based on the quality of senior work, the student’s work ethic, (self-‐motivation, ability to work without supervision), studio work habits (regarding safety, housekeeping, studio policy) and previous contributions to the life of the department. Emerging Artists must have a record of good citizenship, good stewardship of materials, and responsible use of the spaces in the Center for Art and Dance.
Email your PDF letter of application, resume, and 5 images of your work to Chair, Peter Nelson – Department of Art and Art History.
The department chair will notify students who are selected by May 1.