Students air complaints with Art Department

Amidst seven year review, Art Department admits problems

Oberlin's museum is known for respecting the artists of old. But recently the Oberlin Art Department has heard a lot of complaints about its dedication to developing new artists.

Oberlin's Art Department is currently in the process of receiving its department review, a procedure undertaken every seven years to evaluate departments and identify areas that have room for improvement.

Art students and professors alike have admitted to some problems currently plaguing the department. But Associate Professor of Art Erik Ingils emphasized that the review is normal procedure and doesn't indicate a crisis.

He also admitted to some serious problems within Oberlin's art department. Ingils said "[It is] clear there are space constraints, particularly on the studio side." Moreover, he cited understaffing as another problem in the department. Studio classes are especially popular, which results in a dilemma since small class sizes are particularly necessary.

Art students especially have been vocal in their discontent with the Art Department. College senior Jen Wunderle, a studio art minor, said, "You literally have to fight to get into a class." As a first semester senior, Wunderle was denied entrance into a studio class.

College junior Amy Wo�, a studio art major, confirmed Wunderle's complaints and suggested that students proficient in certain fields offer ExCo courses or work as teacher's aides.

Ingils also expressed his hope that the Allen Memorial Art Museum will attract more of the College community to art.

Last week's visit by Karen Finley was an example of the sort of work the Art Department and Museum could achieve together. Although sponsored by the Museum, she held two workshops for art students and visited classes.

Wolf expressed agitation with the lack of space the Art Department offers, citing "poor use of resources" as a flaw. She pointed to the pressing need for a welding room, believing the department could solve this and other space constraints.

Several students stated displeasure with the narrow range the studio art curriculum covers. Wolf strongly stressed the necessity for more introductory art courses that serve to initiate less experienced students.

A number of students also criticized the faculty for creating a snobbish departmental atmosphere. One student suspected many art faculty members take issue with conventional realism, finding it dull and antiquated. Another art student criticized the department of displaying favoritism toward pieces straying from realism. "If you can make up a good lie to go along with your work, you're set," he said.

A committee consisting of two Oberlin professors not involved with the art department and some specialists unaffiliated with the college direct the department review. Professor of Politics Eve Sandberg and Professor of History Geoffrey Blodgett are orchestrating the review of the Art Department, which is still in progress. Sandberg said that she and Blodgett would meet later this week to compare notes and turn them into the department. Departments are reviewed every seven years.

Crowded house: One of the recent complaints with the Art Department has been class availability. (photo by Heidi Good)