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"Our
students have
exciting internship opportunities to work in museums
and galleries, design firms, and more. In New York, the students have
exposure to art of all time periods instead of relying on slides or
text books, which only approximate the actual experience of "real" art.
The students gain a broad understanding of the many ways one can
practice and exhibit art in the New York area."
Professor Emily Stern
Associate Professor of Art
School of Arts & Sciences
The College of New Rochelle
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Professor Stern, tell us a little about your academic background and
your current research interests.
I received a B.A. in Art from
Yale University and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Indiana
University.
Twice I chose a liberal arts setting rather than an art school!
When I was an undergraduate, I was fascinated by art and archaeology of
the Ancient Near East, and other ancient cultures. I vividly remember
multi-disciplinary team-taught humanities courses on Periclean Athens
and the High Renaissance. As a graduate student, I took courses in
linguistics and library science. Current interests include 20th Century
graphic design history, textile design and fabric painting.
In what medium is your
work?
I work mainly in two areas: studio art and design.
Sometimes the two spheres overlap, and other times they are separate. I
like to go back and forth between the two and I like each one for
different reasons.
In studio art, you get to explore the world of your
imagination with no limitations. The reward is having a visual piece
which is entirely your own. You get to decide everything for yourself -
the media, the subject, the scale - and everything is open. In studio
art, I am currently working with water-based media on paper, but I have
worked in many others, including fiber and video.
In design, the challenge of having very specific
parameters and deadlines helps to spur my imagination, and it's
rewarding to fulfill someone's specific need. Design can reach more
people than studio art. Of course the media usually involves computer,
unless it is a handmade piece.
How long have you been
teaching at CNR?
This is my 11th year.
What do you teach at the College?
I teach Computer Graphics 1
and 2, Design Foundations, Graphic Design, Illustration, Color and
Design, Intro to Computer Art for non-art majors in the liberal arts
core.
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The proximity to New
York
City, one of the most important international art centers, is a great
advantage. We have many trips to New York each semester and a Visiting
Artists Lecture Series where young professional artists of many
cultural backgrounds come to discuss their work.
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Why do you think that CNR is a good college for young artists?
It's a supportive,
non-competitive, intimate environment where the students get a lot of
personal attention and learn from one another as well as from the
faculty. The Art Department acts as a mini art-school within a larger
liberal arts environment. The students draw upon their liberal arts
classes for inspiration and a source for ideas. Original thinking and
conceptual development is emphasized: each student is encouraged to
develop her own ideas and sensibilities.
Every young artist is
encouraged to pursue her own direction throughout the four year
program, and every senior exhibition is unique. The students
learn to express themselves clearly in writing and to think critically
and analytically, which is essential not only to art-related careers,
but to all fields.
After graduation, the students have many options and remain
flexible. Students may need or wish to change careers later on
and they will be well equipped to do so.
The proximity to New York
City, one of the most important international art centers, is a great
advantage. We have many trips to New York each semester and a Visiting
Artists Lecture Series where young professional artists of many
cultural backgrounds come to discuss their work.
Our students have exciting
internship opportunities to work in museums and galleries, design
firms, and more. In New York, the students have exposure to art of all
time periods instead of relying on slides or text books, which only
approximate the actual experience of "real" art. The students gain a
broad understanding of the many ways one can practice and exhibit art
in the New York area.
What degrees or majors are offered in the Art Department at CNR?
B.A. and B.F.A in Studio Art,
B.A. Art History, B.S or B.F.A. in Art Education and B.S and B.F.A in
Art Therapy.
