Two exhibitions at MIAD gave visitors a chance to make a quick European trip without having to worry about exchange rates or jet lag.
“Paris and the Avant Garde: Study Abroad 2011” and “Landscape and Memory: Ireland 2011” featured works by students who participated in two of MIAD’s summer study abroad programs. Both exhibitions ran through Saturday, September 24.
The exhibitions also gave students an opportunity to understand the benefits of a study abroad experience.
“Travel programs provide students with unique opportunities to broaden their worldviews, immerse themselves in another culture and positively influence their work as designers and artists.”
– Jenny Krantz, Director of Facilities Planning and Educational Information
“Paris and the Avant Garde: Study Abroad 2011” was on view in the Entrance and River Level Galleries. It featured works across various mediums by the 14 students who studied in Paris with MIAD Art History Professor Chris Szczesny-Adams and 3D Chair and Interior Architecture and Design Professor Eric Vogel, who “immersed the students in the city’s democracy, revolution and avant garde.”
In Paris, the students saw the art and architecture for which the city is renowned, and learned about elements of architecture that can be applied to other mediums, according to Kyle Diener ’12 (Interior Design + Architecture).
“A favorite moment on the trip was walking into Notre Dame,” Diener said. “It gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes.”
“Landscape and Memory: Ireland 2011” featured the visual art and written work by MIAD students who studied at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, Ireland. The exhibition was in the East Gallery on the River Level.
“Ireland was beautiful, and the people were incredibly friendly,” Britney DeLeon ’13 (Communication Design) said. “The entire trip was a highlight.”
MIAD Writing Professor Judith Harway and Fine Arts faculty Bruce Grudzinski accompanied the students in their explorations of Ireland’s classic beauty. The students embedded themselves in the community to experience Irish culture along with the country’s unique landscape.
“Travel programs provide students with unique opportunities to broaden their worldviews, immerse themselves in another culture and positively influence their work as designers and artists,” said Jenny Krantz, Director of Facilities Planning and Educational Information.
According to Krantz, studying abroad generates intensive opportunities for personal development. She said students frequently note growth in confidence, independence and adaptability after time abroad.
MIAD offers students faculty-led travel programs during the summer and the J-Term (January) for three to six credits. Programs range in length from two to four weeks. Financial Aid may be available to some students. Most programs are open to students at all levels in all majors.
In 2012, MIAD students have the opportunity to study in London during the J-Term or in either China or Florence during summer. Students had to apply for London by September 15. The application deadline for China and Florence is December 1.
MIAD also maintains academic affiliations and exchange opportunities for students to study with other notable art and design colleges throughout the world. Click here for a list of those colleges.
Click here to learn more about MIAD’s study abroad program.
Top image: Twelve MIAD students participated in MIAD’s program with the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, Ireland.
Bottom image: Sheena Arnold ’13, “Home,” artist book from “Landscape and Memory: Ireland 2011”
