The Lafayette College Art Department has a long tradition of bringing guest artists to campus through the Grossman Visiting Artist Series, the Experimental Printmaking Institute Artists-in-Residence program, studio art and art history programs. Over the years, scholars, painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers and other artists have helped enhance Lafayette’s learning community by providing students access to professional artists and scholars, diverse work and varied perspectives.
Our newest program, the Third Street Artist-in-Residence Program, will be an exciting addition to this tradition by offering opportunities for artists working specifically in photography and film to interact with students, faculty and the community through courses, critiques, exhibitions and public lectures. It will serve as a branch of the Photography program at Lafayette as a way to create opportunities for artists and students alike. This program is made possible by the generous support of Amy Smith and the AKS Foundation.
Each semester, two to three artists will be invited to campus either as a Visiting Artist (Spring 2010) or an Artist-in-Residence (Spring 2012). Visiting Artists will be invited to interact with advanced art and film students as well as art faculty in discussions and critiques. During the course of their stay, the artist will give a public lecture for the cultural enrichment and benefit of the campus and the surrounding community.
Artists-in-Residence will have an extended stay on campus in which they will be provided with the time and facilities to create their own work. They will be chosen not only for the quality of their work and their ability to engage with students but also for their ability to complement the interests and expertise of the faculty in the Art Department as well as other departments. Through the AIR/VAP program, students and members of the community will have the opportunity to learn about current trends in art making, gain a greater perspective on the art world and engage in critical discussions about contemporary photography and art that impacts their own art making and artistic experience. The program will also give the school and the community visibility as a place that not only supports the creative arts but supports artists as well.
VAP
Visiting Artists will be invited to stay at Lafayette College for two days in which they will meet with advanced photography and film students as well as faculty in discussions and/or critiques. They will be expected to give a public lecture open to the campus and surrounding community. A dinner and/or luncheon with Art Department students and faculty will be also be arranged in their honor.
AIR
Artists in Residence will be offered a one to two week residency that will include accommodations, unlimited access to our facilities and generous staff support. The resident will work closely with students who will serve as studio/research assistants during her/his stay. The resident will also be responsible for participating in several classes at the college and with the community that involve her/his expertise. The resident will meet with Honors students and give a public lecture offering insight into their own work and methodology.