If you’re thinking about it, or if you know someone who is thinking about it, then the answer is straight up DO IT. There are so many reasons to go to art school–these are just five of my top reasons.
- Facilities
I felt like I walked into a Harry Potter film when I first walked through the main building of the University of Manitoba’s school of art. I was a Wizard, and I was going to WIZARD SCHOOL. I was going to learn MAGIC. The excitement only grew as I wandered floor by floor. Studios specifically for painting, other studios for drawing; lecture rooms, and rooms full of tables, layered with paint, pigment, dried glue, charcoal–markings of a space devoted to the mess of making. Over the next few semesters, I navigated my way to the Art Barn where clay and sculpture classes took place, and then into the basement under the music and theater building where the darkrooms were located. Not to mention all the galleries located throughout the campus. For the duration of my studies I stayed in a state of awe and appreciation for access to these facilities. In a very experiential way, I learned that access to facilities determines creative vision. If you want to expand your creative vision, gain access to art facilities. It’s that simple.
- Comrades
As someone who has made art and intends to make art for the duration of my life, I can confirm that the stereotype of the solitary artist working alone in a studio, possibly hungry and a little dispairing is not entirely without a foot in reality. There are isolated and isolating moments in making work. Especially if you follow your muse down dark alleyways, or perhaps, you know, into the woods. One thing I loved about art school was the sense that I was surrounded by comrades. I didn’t have to know them, spend tons of time with them, or even like their work necessarily to appreciate our presence together. There is just something really empowering about knowing that there are a bunch of us who are devoting ourselves to pursuing our creative voice.
- Professors.
I cannot say enough positive things about professors. Yes, of course there are exceptions, and the hierarchy within the university structure creates problematic power dynamics that I would love to obliterate–but even within the context of institutionalized knowledge, you will find professors who are deeply devoted to expanding the world of students. The thing is, you don’t know what you don’t know. And it is the professors who have not only spent their academic careers devoted to the topic you are interested in, but they share the wealth of their experiences and knowledge with you–all you have to do is listen. Think about it: they have done the hard work of cultivating an entire garden of thought, and then for the duration of a class they select their best plants and give them to you for your garden. It’s amazing. I still can’t get over how incredible this is.
- Opportunities
I can honestly say I would not be doing what I am doing now if it weren’t for the opportunities that arose during my experience attending the SOA. I am not so much talking about the experience of networking and exhibiting, as I am referring to the practice of networking and exhibiting. The art world is an intimidating place, full of strange rules and invisible power dynamics. Without the experience of professors inviting me alongside to help facilitate exhibits, many positive experiences collaborating with artists, and valuable time spend participating in the infrastructure of art, I think I would be too intimidated to be writing, curating and planning my own artist run organization. Attending art school was an experience not just learning how to do art, but also taught me how to make art happen.
- Critiques
Yes, that’s right. Crits. Unpopular opinion, but I think crits are, well, critical. In fact during one of my first crits I realized this is what I was missing. I had had folks tell me they “liked my art” or that “it was so beautiful!” but to have peers and professors take the time to look, engage and ask questions was an experience I didn’t know I was thirsty for. I am not talking about bullying, abusing power, or tearing down someone’s efforts–those all happen, I have seen it and experienced it. I would say those experiences are violent and highly damaging to artists who are making themselves vulnerable in their practice. I place critiques in a totally different category. Critiques, the best ones, or the ones that helped me grow, were the ones that asked hard questions, maybe even scrutinized my choices, but did so from places not only of care, but care informed by context. I am talking about professors and students who have seen other art in dialogue with my materials, themes and efforts, who bring these other voices into the conversation which helps me to refine and expand my own vision. As an artist, having people engage your work with critical care is important for developing your voice as an artist, and Art Schools make time and space for that to happen.
So, there. Those are five reasons I think everyone who is interested should go to art school.
And, if you’re wondering, you guessed it, next week I will write 5 reasons why you should NOT go to art school!
I am “Yes, and…” kind of woman.
Alexandra Ross Works 