[Jewelry making - Article 00711] - Re: [Orchid] Closing metal jewelry program

[Ken Bova]

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<edit> 

    Thank you Ken Bova for sharing your private response to Verna with
    Orchid. 

    Hanuman 

</edit>

Verna, 

    Karen Christians forwarded the posting you made about your program
    closing.  I want to first state that I am NOT responding as a board
    member of SNAG and in NO WAY are my comments to be taken as
    representing the organization. That would be inappropriate and
    outside my authority. I'm writing as a concerned colleague and
    fellow jeweler and metalsmith.

    I have a few suggestions for you but it would be much easier and
    comprehensive to discuss them on the phone.  I can call you if you
    have a good time to talk.  Meanwhile here are a few ideas:

    1.  You should write a letter of protest to the chair and dean, and
    even the provost/president outlining the positive reasons, and
    educational value, of the program.   Be specific.  Be economic.  Be
    long term.  Be analytical.  Be clear and concise. Emotional appeals
    wont work.  Make sure the college/university understands THEIR
    benefits from continuing the program.  Money/student numbers/Positive
    parental or alum support/more comprehensive educational appeal, etc.
    (Re jewelry not being an art form or worthy of pursuit, you could
    point out that archaeologically it is the oldest known form of human
    creativity dating back 43,000 years, though I doubt it would do any
    good).

    2.  More importantly each and every student of yours should also
    write a letter. Yours will sound like you're trying to save your job.
    Theirs is the real power because they pay the bills. Even if it's
    hand written on notebook paper it will be effective.  Copy every
    document you can (ask each to give you one).

    3.  Persuade your students and classes to go to the chair/director's
    office EN MASSE and complain about the closure.  Then they should
    then go to the Dean in like manner. Have their parents call the
    department and register their complaints. (What the hell's going on
    at my kid's school?  Why are you shutting down a program my
    son/daughter is in your school to study?  What am I paying my kid's
    tuition for?  Etc. etc.)  This job is for your students to undertake.
     Be persuasive. Be aggressive.

    4.  Rally any community support you can to protest loudly and in
    writing to the officials making this decision.  This might include
    business owners, gallery owners, art center directors, curators, and
    local board members as well.  This must come from the community the
    school inhabits and works in on a daily basis.  Outside people don't
    count as much.  Then have alumni send letters and PHONE CALLS, and
    complain vociferously about this action.

    5.  Make the Chair of the department unhappy because things are
    notrunning smoothly. Expose or mention any collusion or potential
    nepotism.  Be honest, above board, and clear that your integrity wont
    be compromised in this and you wont stand by quietly ignoring the
    politics.

    That's all I can offer except my sincerest good luck wishes. Your
    work is cut out for you.  I'm copying Hanuman, Charles, and Karen on
    this so they know about my reply.  

Best wishes, 
Ken Bova

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