TECHNICAL STAFF
The technical staff in the art department works toward making the studios safe and smooth running, as well
as advising on technique. Contact them for questions on department policies, safety, studio logistics,
materials, and technical problem solving. Anders Nienstaedt is available by email, or by appointment for a phone conversation or virtual meeting. Email to set up a time; use the words ‘senior studies’ in the subject line.
STUDENT STUDIOS
You will be given the use of a shared student studio for the duration of the semester. Studio space is determined by intended process.
- You will be given your own access code – do not share this with others.
- Label your space —make a sign with your name on it.
- Follow all policies and safety information presented in the department’s Art Safety Manual.
- Practice good studio etiquette.
- Respect the needs of studio mates.
JANUARY STUDIO USE
If you want to begin using your studio during January, you must clear this in advance. It is your responsibility to know and follow all studio policies and safety guidelines found in the safety manual on the department website. Take note that building hours may be limited during January, and they must be followed.
- If use of a classroom studio (ceramic, printmaking, digital, sculpture, etc.) is desired during January, then the area professor MUST be around during January, agree to monitor your work there, and initial your proposal form. Tech staff must be made aware of this arrangement. Interim classes and Interim construction projects take priority.
- No use of the Center for Art and Dance is allowed during Christmas break or Interim break.
- Those from the topics class must clean up rather than spread out before January starts.
STUDIO USE POLICY
The department’s studio use policy states that only those enrolled in an art class may use the studio associated with that class. However, you are now registered for a class that is seen as an exception to that rule, in that you may be allowed to use a space in addition to your student studio out of necessity to produce your senior work. The use of such ‘classroom studios’ will be approved by the professor teaching in that area, and is based on the following:
- Student seeks approval from the area professor (approval is based on previous training and use of equipment and processes.)
- Student agrees to use only equipment and processes on which he/she has been trained.
- Student is aware of and follows all guidelines for safe operation of that studio and its processes.
- Tools may not be removed from classroom studios; those from the tool room must be checked out, and returned promptly.
- Scheduled classes and current students are given priority.
- Airflow for that space and building hours are adhered to.
ART SAFETY MANUAL
The Art Safety Manual is required reading for all students taking an art class. It is located on the department website: stolaf.edu/artsafety. Review the manual in preparation for this course —read the sections ‘General Information’ and ‘Safe Practices’, as well as the sections highlighting studio areas you will be using. Ask a professor or technician if you have any questions or need clarification.
SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, TECHNIQUE
The Art Safety Manual explains the limitations involved in bringing supplies or materials into the Center for Art and Dance (see Safe Practices>Approved Chemicals) before buying and bringing in any outside supplies.
The standard art materials fee is not charged for this course because of the variety of processes and studios used. You will be asked to keep a running tab (called the ‘materials fee tally form‘).
You should plan to discuss supplies with your advisor, the area professor, or with the technical staff once you decide on your supply needs. Some students may group up and place an order together through one of our college vendors. Some supplies may be bought from the department, if the inventory is sufficient. Some of you will pay a general fee up front to use a specific studio, especially if the usage is hard to quantify (as in casting bronze in the foundry, or working in ceramics).
- Plan how your work will be installed, and test it before installation.
- Use only techniques and processes with which you are already familiar.
- If you want to bring in a material or supply that isn’t something normally used in the department, then you need to do the following:
- Go to the manufacturers website and print 2 copies of the Safety Data Sheet.
- Set up a time to meet with technical staff to look over the Safety Data Sheet and decide if it is compatible with our system.
- If approved, go ahead and purchase.
- Agree to remove the product/item when you leave the Center for Art and Dance, and/or dispose of it properly.
- Even found objects such as weathered wood, reclaimed lumber, railroad ties, etc. can contain toxic elements like arsenic, lead, and creosote. They should be assumed toxic and not brought into the Center for Art and Dance without discussion with technical staff.
- Clay, wood, metal, spray paint, etc. must be used in proper spaces, NOT in student studios.
- Very clean processes ONLY are allowed in computer labs.
- No media use allowed at all in the matting room, the lighting studio, the galley, your dorm, etc.
- Large format print orders need to be made 72 hours prior to the day prints are needed. (Example: If you need your work by 4pm on Friday, the order needs to be placed no later than 4pm on Tuesday). All print jobs from the Media Room (DC 101) must be paid for at time of pick up.
- Working in CERAMICS? You must meet with the Studio Art Technician to discuss a firing plan and timeline. You are also expected to follow all studio timelines and processing procedures.
END OF SEMESTER
You are expected to clean your studio and box up belongings once your exhibit is installed.
During the scheduled final exam period, there will be a studio walk-through (see studio walk-through webpage) to assure that all has been put in order.
You will remove all your belongings from the Center for Art and Dance by the end of the day, Memorial Day.