[Jewelry making - Article 00596] - [Orchid] Closing metal jewelry program

[verna holland]

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    Dear members, I teach metals/jewelry at Lawrence University.  This
    university has decided to close the metals/jewelry program.  I was
    not included in on the decisions/discussions to do so as I am a
    visiting assistant professor.  We have a very small department. 
    There are three fulltime instructors, a painting/printmaking
    instructor, a sculpture instructor and myself, I teach
    metals/jewelry and ceramics.  The chair of the department is an art
    history professor who is happy if everything runs smoothly and he
    doesn't hear anything.  All the studio professors are new. Myself
    and the sculptor just finished our first year and the 2-do guy just
    finished his second.  The two guys are tenure track.  the 2-2-d guys
    fiance just received here mfa and can teach ceramics but not
    metals/jewelry--hmmmm.  The sculptor lusts after the metals space. 
    Thus, with there heads together they have convinced the school that
    metals/jewelry is too demanding for a small school atmosphere - and
    furthermore it is not art.  Now, I have not been officially told
    that these are the reasons but it seems quite clear. 

    I am probably giving you too much information.  The reason I am
    posting this is because I wish to write to the school in defense of
    the program but -as you can see - I am not great with words.  It
    breaks my heart to see this program dissolved.  My classes are
    overfilled, the students will be losing out.  The school will be
    losing out. 

    Some time ago another ganoksin member was in this situation and
    posted regarding her situation.  I have been trying to find those
    posts because maybe reading them will help me to write my letter.  I
    cannot remember the subject line so I have not been able to find
    them.  Does anyone remember those posts and if so could you help me
    find them. 

    Thanks so much you guys are always so helpful.  The current
    art/craft/wax/fabrication discussions have been so upsetting.  We
    must support each other because many are so ready to discount our
    work. 

Verna Holland

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