The Department of Art and Design launches its biannual professional development series Aug. 29 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Brick City 1, Room 312.
The series, “Professional Practice for the Studio Artist,” runs every Thursday during the fall semester from Aug. 29-Dec. 5, 2024.
According to Professor Sarah Williams, series organizer and graduate coordinator for the MFA in Visual Studies program, the series is designed to meet the unique needs of emerging artists by providing them with the tools and insights they need for career success.
“Ultimately, the professional development series aims to prepare students for life beyond academia, providing a solid foundation on which to build their careers,” Williams said.
Giving students career guidance
As coordinator of the series, Williams said she believes she has “an ethical obligation” to communicate to her students “the theoretical and practical aspects of succeeding as practicing artists beyond the academic setting.”
Accordingly, guest lecturers will provide insights into the skills necessary for a sustainable career as a visual artist, Williams added. Students will hear from a variety of experts, including business advisors, industry professionals and practicing artists.
Lecture topics include time management and goal setting, financial literacy, preparing artworks for exhibition and understanding contracts.
The series has already helped Missouri State art and design students find satisfying career paths, according to Williams.
“With the competitive nature of careers in higher education, it’s noteworthy that recent graduates like Teddy Osei (2023) and Erin Sedra (2024) have secured assistant professorships at four-year universities,” she said.
Brick City 1 is located at 327 W. Mill St., Springfield, Missouri. Call (417) 837-2330 for more information.