1. art and entertainment

Program Approval
Form
For approval of new programs and
deletions or modifications to an existing
program.
Registrar.
Action Requested:
X
Type (Check one):
Create New (SCHEV approval required except for concentration, minors, and
B.A.
certificates)
Delete Existing
Modify Existing (check all that apply)
X
Title (SCHEV approval required except for concentration, minors, certificates)
Degree Requirements
Admission Standards
Application Requirements
Other
Changes:
College/School:
Submitted by:
CHSS
Brian Platt
Effective Term:
Fall
Department:
1253
Ext:
B.S.
Minor
Undergraduate Certificate
M.A.
M.S.
M.Ed.
Ph.D.
Graduate Certificate
Concentration
Other:
History and Art History
Email: [email protected]
Please note: For students to start a new degree, minor, certificate or concentration, the
program must be fully approved, entered into Banner, and published in the University
Catalog.
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Justification: (attach separate document if necessary)
This proposed degree is distinctive from the existing MA in art history in several respects, but the main one is that the focus of is on
decorative objects. The degree would be a collaboration between George Mason University’s program in Art History (in the
department of History and Art History) and the Smithsonian Institution. A degree program with this basic structure has been run by
the Smithsonian since 1996 in collaboration with the Corcoran Museum. The curriculum, along with the resources and prestige of
the Smithsonian, has been a strong draw to prospective students. The demand is evidenced by the program’s track record of strong
enrollments (currently, 70 students). The program has the potential to add significant diversity to Mason’s offerings in art history.
Existing
New/Modified
Program Title: (Required)
The History of Decorative Arts
Concentration Title(s):
NA
Admissions Standards /
Application
Requirements: (Required
See attached catalog copy.
only if different from those
listed in the University Catalog)
See attached catalog copy.
Degree Requirements:
(Consult University Catalog for
models, attach separate
document if necessary using
track changes for
modifications)
NA
Courses offered via
Distance:
(if applicable)
48
TOTAL CREDITS
REQUIRED:
Approval Signatures
Department
History and Art History
Date
College/School
CHSS
Date
Provost’s Office
If this program may impact another unit or is in collaboration with another unit at Mason, the originating department must
circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay
action on this proposal.
Unit Name
Unit Approval Name
Date
Required for Undergraduate Programs Only
Unit Approver’s Signature
Date
For Graduate Programs Only
Graduate Council Member
Provost Office
Graduate Council Approval
Date
For Registrar Office’s Use Only:
Received_____________Banner_________________________Catalog_________________________
revised 2/2/10
STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR VIRGINIA
PROGRAM PROPOSAL COVER SHEET
1.
Institution
George Mason University
2. Program action (Check one):
Spin-off proposal
New program proposal
3. Title of proposed program
4. CIP code
History of Decorative Arts
5.
Degree designation
6. Term and year of initiation
Fall 2011
Master of Arts
7a. For a proposed spin-off, title and degree designation of existing degree program
7b. CIP code (existing program)
8. Term and year of first graduates
Spring 2014?
9. Date approved by Board of Visitors
10. For community colleges:
date approved by local board
date approved by State Board for Community Colleges
11. If collaborative or joint program, identify collaborating institution(s) and attach letter(s) of
intent/support from corresponding chief academic officers(s)
12. Location of program within institution (complete for every level, as appropriate).
School(s) or college(s) of
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of History and Art History
Division(s) of
Campus (or off-campus site)
Fairfax and Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC
Distance Delivery (web-based, satellite, etc.)
n/a
13. Name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address of person(s) other than the institution’s
chief academic officer who may be contacted by or may be expected to contact Council staff
regarding this program proposal.
Prof. Robert DeCaroli Director of Art History Program, George Mason University.
Telephone 703 993-3479 Email [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM ...............................................................................................1
OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................................1
CURRICULUM ............................................................................................................................................................2
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................4
FACULTY ...................................................................................................................................................................4
ASSESSMENT .............................................................................................................................................................5
BENCHMARKS OF SUCCESS ........................................................................................................................................7
EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING PROGRAM .....................................................................................................................7
SPIN-OFF PROPOSAL .......................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
COLLABORATIVE OR STANDALONE PROGRAM ..........................................................................................................7
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROPOSED PROGRAM .........................................................................................8
RESPONSE TO CURRENT NEEDS .................................................................................................................................8
EMPLOYMENT DEMAND .......................................................................................................................................... 10
STUDENT DEMAND .................................................................................................................................................. 12
DUPLICATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
PROJECTED RESOURCE NEEDS ........................................................................................................................ 16
APPENDICES............................................................................................................................................................ 22
APPENDIX A – SAMPLE ―ABBREVIATED CV’S‖ FOR FACULTY ..................................................................................1
APPENDIX B – SAMPLE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT WITH URL AND DATE ........................................................................1
APPENDIX C – SAMPLE SURVEY INSTRUMENT ..........................................................................................................1
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Description of the Proposed Program
Overview
We propose to offer a Master of Arts in the History of Decorative Arts as a joint program with
the Smithsonian Institution. It will be directed through the Fairfax campus of George Mason
University and run by administrative staff at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.
This program will be committed to object-based teaching in a professional environment, made
possible by the many opportunities for direct observation and hands-on examination facilitated
by the collaboration with the Smithsonian Associates program of the Smithsonian Institution.
Our goal is to integrate the close study and formal analysis of works of art with substantive
critical analysis and historical research.
This collaboration brings together the unparalleled resources and collections of the nation's
foremost public museums with the experience and expertise of the George Mason University Art
History faculty. The Smithsonian Institution has expressed a strong desire to relocate their
successful Masters in Decorative Arts program to an University that is well-suited to meet the
high standards of the Smithsonian and the academic needs of their students. They identified
George Mason University as that location and initiated discussions that have led to this exciting
potential partnership.
The goal is to offer a unique program that will prepare students for employment in the field of
the decorative arts, a field for which Virginia’s historical heritage offers infinite resources – from
historic homes and plantations to art museums. Among the finest collections of decorative arts
in Virginia are those of the world-class Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with its new addition
designed by Rick Mather, the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, and the Museum of the Shenandoah
designed by Michael Graves.
The program is ideal for those students interested in pursuing "object-center" careers as curators,
art dealers, appraisers, and art education. This master’s degree will also be an ideal jumping off
point for those planning to continue on for a Ph.D., as well as for those interested in art
conservation. The Smithsonian already has attracted a large number of student to their existing
program and we are sure those numbers will rise as a result of our cooperation.
Our students would have direct access to the Smithsonian’s incomparable resources in pursuit of
the MA – in Washington, the African Art Museum, the Air and Space Museums, The American
Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, the American History Museum, the American Indian
Museum, Freer/Sackler Galleries, the Hirshhorn, the Anacostia Museum, the National Zoo, the
Natural History Museum, the Portrait Gallery, the Postal Museum, African American History
and Culture, and Arts and Industries, as well as the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in
New York.
Only recently has scholarship in the history of the decorative arts been treated with the critical,
intellectual, and theoretical rigor that it deserves. The areas of historical study that would be
available to our MA students include craft, architecture and interior design and furnishings,
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metalwork and jewelry, textiles and costume, ceramics and glass, and, more broadly, material
culture in America, Britain, and France. The roles of history, ideology, and politics in the
introduction of classical, Asian, and ancient American influences on the European decorative arts
will be examined in detail.
Traditionally, study of the decorative arts has been dominated by connoisseurship, material
production, and provenance, all of which are integral to the subject, but which adhere to a far
more limited focus than we expect to offer. This masters program will be committed to
expanding the scholarly discourse surrounding the many fields of the decorative arts, and to
recognizing the historical, theological, and political backgrounds to the creation of objects
ranging from a craftsman’s tools to stained glass windows in a cathedral.
This program will present students with the intellectual challenge of integrating the history of the
decorative arts into the study of art history and cultural studies as a whole. In order to understand
the place of the decorative arts in context, students will undertake coursework on museology, on
decorative arts theory, and on material culture in context.
The students’ study of art history is will be enriched by this attention to all those arts once
relegated to the category of ―minor arts,‖ now understood as providing the visual framework for
empire-building, diplomacy, personal stature, and for philosophical, and intellectual pursuits.
The significant objects in categories ranging from tools to tapestries to luxury arts offer
extraordinary opportunities for graduate students to contribute to and define a rapidly growing
field of scholarship.
The majority of courses for this degree will be offered at the Fairfax Campus of George Mason
University, but some of the seminars will also be held at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington
D.C. Classroom space in the S. Dillon Ripley Center will be made available to us for this
purpose. Additionally, this context will allow instructors to use first-hand examples from the
Smithsonian Collections in their teaching.
Curriculum
The MA in the history of decorative arts requires 48 graduate credits. A maximum of 9 credits
may be transferred into this program.
The MA in decorative arts requires 48 graduate credits. A maximum of 9 credits may be
transferred into this program.
There are a total of 8 core courses (24 credits) distributed as follows:
Four core courses (12 credits)
Three required core courses (9 credits)
o *ARTH 570 Survey of Decorative Arts I
o *ARTH 571 Survey of Decorative Arts II
2
o *ARTH 572
Proseminar in Decorative Arts
One elective core course (3 credits) chosen from:
o *ARTH 573
o *ARTH 574
o *ARTH 575
Theory of Decorative Arts
Museology and Curatorial Studies for the Decorative Arts
Material Culture in its Contexts: History and Theory
Four additional core courses may be chosen from the following courses in the decorative
arts curriculum:
ARTH 573
ARTH 574
ARTH 575
*ARTH 580
Theory of Decorative Arts (if not already used)
Museology and Curatorial Studies for the Decorative Arts
(if not already used)
Material Culture and its Contexts: History and Theory
(if not already used)
Topics in Individual Decorative Arts (courses specializing in a
single decorative art
Eight elective courses (24 credits) chosen from the list below. The ―topics‖ courses may
be repeated for credit when the topic varies. A 6-credit thesis is optional. Students who
chose to do a thesis will have 6 fewer elective credits.
o ARTH 573
Theory of Decorative Arts (if not used to fulfill a core
requirement)
o ARTH 574
Museology and Curatorial Studies for the Decorative Arts (if not
used to fulfill a core requirement)
o ARTH 575
Material Culture in its Contexts: History and Theory (if not used
to fulfill a core requirement)
o ARTH 580
Topics in Individual Decorative Arts (courses specializing in a
single decorative art)
o ARTH 593
Art History Internships (change name to Internship in Art History
and the Decorative Arts)
o ARTH 594
The Museum
o ARTH 596
Independent Study
o ARTH 599
Special Topics in the History of Art [change name of this course as
suggested to: Special Topics in Art History and the Decorative Arts] (when topics
are Design and Design History, Historic Houses and Historic Preservation,
Individual Designers and Makers, Museum Studies, Conservation, and
Collections Management, and others as approved by the director of the program)
6 credits of thesis: ARTH 799 (optional)
Students who choose the thesis option have six fewer credits of electives.
*New Courses (7)
3
Admission Requirements
The following are required for admission in to the MA in the history of decorative arts.
University Admission Requirements:
Completed online Application for Graduate Study
Application fee
Two official transcripts from all institutions attended
Goals statement
Two academic letters of recommendation from professors or others associated with
student’s professional activities
Additional Requirements for the MA in the History of Decorative Arts:
GRE scores (Successful applicants will have verbal scores in top 50%ile.)
This requirement is waived for students who completed their undergraduate degree 10
or more years ago or who hold another graduate degree.
Current Resume or CV
Professional Writing Sample: Essay, review, project plan written within last 3 years
for academic course, college publication or competition, or in course of professional
or community activity.
Required interview with program director, scheduled after confirmation that all
application materials have been received.
Faculty
The proposed MA in History of Decorative Arts will use six full-time tenure track faculty and
two full-time term instructors from the College of Humanities and Social Science. One of them,
Carol Mattusch, occupies the endowed Mathy Chair for Art History. These faculty have the
scholarly expertise to teach the range of courses in the proposed curriculum. Additionally, they
would be supported by faculty from other programs, like the Robinson Professors Program,
History and Anthropology, as well as by qualified Adjunct instructors. Appendix A provides a
brief biography of faculty committed to the program.
The Full Time tenure track faculty bring a wide range of expertise and experience to the
program. All full-time faculty members have attained a Ph.D. in Art History or Archaeology or a
MA in the Decorative Arts. Among them they have published more than a dozen book length
monographs, numerous edited volumes and a vast number of articles and scholarly essays. They
have received prestigious grants from The Center for the Advanced Study of the Visual Arts, The
Phillips Collection, The Fulbright Program, The Getty Research Institute, The Folger Institution,
and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Three of the six faculty members have been
awarded the University Excellence in Teaching Award. Recently one member of the faculty was
awarded the top book prize in art history, The Charles Rufus Morley Book Award, which is
awarded by the College Art Association (the premier professional organization for Art Historians
in the US). Carol Mattusch’s, The Villa dei Papiri at Herculaneum: Life and Afterlife of a
Sculpture Collection was the recipient of this prestigious award. An earlier book of hers received
4
the Archaeological Institute of America’s James R. Wiseman book award. In addition to these
accomplishments, all faculty members maintain numerous external affiliations with scholarly
journals, museums, galleries, and professional organizations.
See Appendix A for details on individual faculty members.
Assessment
As a liberal arts discipline within the Humanities, History of Decorative Arts will emphasize the
analysis of visual data in a historical context. The program will engage work in all media
(painting, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, photography, and the range of new material
employed by contemporary artists) and their relationship to the wider fields of visual and
material culture.
Student Learning Outcomes
George Mason University graduates with an MA in History of Decorative Arts should be able
read, write, and think at a highly-sophisticated graduate level, having encountered challenging
ideas and having had years of basic practice communicating their reaction to them. They should
have a basic understanding of the canon of both Western and non-Western art as well as their
standard periodization. This general knowledge should be complimented by a deeper knowledge
about a handful of fields in art and architecture of their own choosing. They will have been
exposed to the intersection of visual art and larger culture in different historical fields, and
should have internalized the habit of seeking out the larger context of works of art. They should
have research skills that use both traditional library and on-line electronic tools. They should be
competent in reading and discussing visual material, and have the ability to understand different
critical stances towards it. They should have practice giving formal oral presentations to an
audience of peers, using slides or other visual presentation technology. They should have some
working knowledge of the behind-the-scenes operations of the professional art and museum
world, including current thinking on ethics. Finally, they should finish the program with some
working knowledge of how the world of art works.
Individual student work will be assessed on a course by course basis through traditional methods,
including research papers, exams, and course projects. This work will be evaluated by the
instructor for the course but students who exhibit continued difficulty in achieving graduate level
standards will be required to meet with their graduate advisor so that appropriate measures can
be undertaken.
1. Competency in visual analysis and its vocabulary, with different artistic media and with basic
methodological concepts (e.g. style, iconography, social history, archaeology).
2. Familiarity with many major periods, styles, and monuments of Western art and non-Western
art.
5
3. Familiarity with the art produced in a particular context (geographic area or time period), as
well as with the approaches appropriate to that context.
4. Familiarity with museums, the local resources, and the issues regarding collection,
management, display of objects and issues of cultural property.
5. Research skills: competency in library and electronic database searching and the preparation
of bibliographies; ability to obtain research material on and off-site. Facility in using both visual
and textual evidence.
6. Demonstration of critical thinking abilities: this will include demonstrable awareness of
arguments, visual and historical evidence, and interpretive/analytical methods.
Measurable Outcomes
A selection of student work will be set aside for evaluation by a faculty committee on an annual
basis. The committee will evaluate this work based on criteria pertaining to art historical
analysis, research, writing, and presentation.
Additionally our outcomes will be informed by Graduate Student Alumni surveys conducted by
the university and sent to all graduating majors. The university asks students a series of questions
related to their educational experience. These topics include experience with student advising,
satisfaction with the major and with general education requirements.
We also will make use of a university-generated survey of faculty. For our purposes, this survey
covers topics including programmatic support of teaching in both the major and in general
education, student academic preparedness and improvement, and compatibility between degree
requirements and program goals.
Additionally, every two years the program would be expected to submit assessment updates to
the University for review and oversight. This biannual review is part of the new WEAVE system
implemented by the University and features an ongoing assessment process. Finally, the work of
individual faculty members within the program will be reviewed by the Director and the
Departmental Chair yearly on the criteria of Research, Teaching, and Service. The outcome of
these individual reviews will directly impact salary and promotion. These departmental reviews
are in addition to College and University requirements designed to assess those seeking tenure or
promotion. The program would also participate in ongoing training and assessment from the
University Writing Center in support of the Writing across the Curriculum program. If the
program fails to meet any of these goals, the information gained from this review will be used to
make adjustments to the program as needed. These changes will continue to be made until the
results meet the initial expectations established by the faculty and college.
6
The proposed program will be reviewed on the seven-year cycle typical of programs within the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Program review takes place under the guidance of
the Office of Institutional Assessment and requires four semesters to complete. The outcomes of
the process are a series of deliverables—a self-assessment report and academic plan written by
program faculty and a report by a review team external to the program—and changes made to
enhance the program. The Department of History and Art History is scheduled for review of its
programs beginning in the 2015-16. The proposed M.A.in History of Decorative Arts will also
be included in the university’s 2011 reaffirmation of accreditation. Finally, the Board of Visitors
will conduct its initial review of the program in 2015.
Benchmarks of Success
Benchmarks for success will include the timely completion of the program by a majority of
entrants, the meeting of projections for enrollment, and successful rates of job placement or
acceptance into graduate programs by graduates.
The proposed program has established the following benchmarks of success:
80% of full-time students will complete the program in three years or less.
60% of graduates will have earned jobs, received promotions in their current job or be
placed in doctroal programs within three years.
Maintain at least 20-30 MA students within five years of starting the program
70% of graduates will report program satisfaction on exit surveys
Expansion of an Existing Program
This is not an expansion of an existing Program. The proposed M.A. will make use of the same
faculty currently running the Art History M.A. and BA programs but the degree programs will
run independently of each other
Collaborative or Standalone Program
The M.A. in the History of Decorative Arts will be the product of a collaboration between
Mason's Art History program and the Smithsonian Institution. This is a pre-existing program
that the Smithsonian has been running since 1996 in collaboration with the Corcoran Museum.
The Smithsonian will, beginning in Fall 2011, switch its partnering institution to George Mason
University. The Smithsonian Institution will provide most of the administrative support for the
program. The program already has a Director and a staff person to handle recruitment,
admissions, advising, scheduling, and other administrative matters; the Smithsonian will bring
those personnel, and the resources they draw upon, into the partnership. Mason's Art History
faculty will provide oversight of the program as well, particularly in the area of admissions and
curriculum. Mason's Art History faculty will add to the instructional resources already offered
7
through the Smithsonian Institution's existing program. George Mason University will award
the degree.
This is a standalone program. No other organization was involved in its development, and no
other organization will collaborate in its operation.
Justification for the Proposed Program
Response to Current Needs
According to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources Website ―Wonderful things happen
when communities take stock of their historic resources and put them to work for public benefit:
for Montgomery County, it means reclaiming the heritage of an entire region. For Richmond, it
means turning an abandoned building into a state-of-the-art Governor’s School. For Roanoke, it
means fueling economic development with a $22 million rehab of the historic Hotel Roanoke.
For the Shenandoah Valley, it means creating a major tourism asset from a key theater of conflict
in the Civil War. For Tidewater, it means teaching adults and children about their local heritage
from the most recent archaeological finding. Virginia communities are using preservation
approaches to build civic pride, revitalize downtowns, spur economic development, generate
tourism, and educate residents and children about their local heritage.‖1 Or as Preservation
Virginia asserts ―thousands of visitors and school groups [visit] its properties each year and help
the Commonwealth and the nation economically and educationally.‖2 The Commonwealth of
Virginia’s official website lists 463 historic buildings, 277 historic homes and 51 plantations and
118 art museums.3 Almost all of these sites incorporate the decorative arts into their presentation
of Virginia’s history. Without these objects the numerous visitors to these sites could not begin
to imagine the lives of Virginia’s early inhabitants. These objects help us to fill the historical
void. By observing these objects visitors can begin to determine something about the class,
tastes, or personality of the original owner.
Virginia boasts an entire museum devoted to the decorative arts in Colonial Williamsburg: The
Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and many other museums have stunning decorative
arts collections. Among these are the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Valentine Richmond
History Center, and the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, the Chrysler Museum of Art
in Norfolk, and the collections of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Belle Grove
Plantation, the Violet Bank Museum, and the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum.4 Despite
Virginia’s impressive decorative arts collections, there is not a single graduate program
dedicated to the study of this burgeoning field. In addition to Virginia’s own resources,
Washington DC broadens the reach of the state’s decorative arts resources and capitalizes on the
collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. For instance, the Renwick Gallery houses the
Smithsonian's American craft and decorative arts collections and programs. In addition to
mounting special exhibitions, the Renwick houses a rich collection of artifacts dating from the
1
http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/
http://www.apva.org/
3
http://www.virginia.org/
4
http://www.virginia.org/
2
8
19th-century to the present, including works in wood, metal, glass, fiber and textiles.
Washington’s Textile Museum brings together ancient to contemporary textiles in all materials
and techniques, and offers multiple hands-on educational activities, including internships.
Finally, the National Gallery of Art houses the Index of American Design, a vast scholarly
resource created under the auspices of the government in the 1930s. A major exhibition about
Pompeii at the National Gallery of Art in 2009 also featured an entire section about the influence
of ancient Roman decorative arts on 18th- and 19th-century taste. These and other resources offer
possibilities for research, education, and display.
Indeed, scholarship in the history of decorative arts has only recently been treated with the
critical, intellectual, and theoretical rigor that enriches the study of art history. Whereas Oxford
University Press first published its Dictionary of Art in 1996, the press didn’t come out with an
equivalent volume on the decorative arts until 2006.5 But in November of 2008, as an indication
of the field’s growing importance, Grove Art on-line dramatically expanded their coverage of
decorative art with ―more than 500 new articles in the update [that] featured prominent artists,
such as Robert Chamberlain,18th century English enameller and porcelain manufacturer, and
American industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, in addition to entries on pieces and techniques,
such as hooked rug, crackle, Amberina glass, and Denby Pottery. Complementing these articles
were more than 300 updated decorative arts bibliographies, expanded to include the latest
scholarship in this burgeoning field of interest. The update also included fresh decorative arts
content with 185 new images throughout the site.‖6 Moreover there are currently numerous
journals7 and scholarly organizations8 dedicated to the decorative arts, many of which have been
established in the past decade. The serious scholarly attention being focused on the decorative
arts in terms of publications and on-line resources has not yet been matched in terms of academic
programs, however, indicating the growing demand for such programs. The joint Master of Arts
degree in the History of Decorative Arts at George Mason offered in conjunction with
Smithsonian Associates would serve such a need.
Another testament to the growing interest in decorative arts is the ever-increasing popularity of
the PBS television show Antiques Roadshow. Established in 1997, the Antiques Roadshow was
PBS’s most popular show by 2004-05, averaging 5.27 million viewers per week.9 Indeed, since
its debut, the Washington Post referenced the Antiques Roadshow 193 times in its articles and
editorials. And in 2005 it ran a feature article on antiques appraisers, describing the high demand
5
6
Campbell, Gordon. The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.
http://www.oxfordartonline.com.mutex.gmu.edu/public/page/June2009
7
These include journals such as Decorative Arts Society Journal (Decorative Arts Society 1850 to the Present),
Journal of Decorative & Propaganda Arts (Wolfson Foundation of Decorative and Propaganda Arts), Journal of
Design History (Oxford University Press), Journal of Material Culture, and Studies in the Decorative Arts (Bard
Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts)
8
Two College Art Association affiliated societies: AIGA Professional Association for Design, and Design Studies
Forum (established in 2009). As well as the New York based Decorative Arts Society.
9
Paul Farhi ―Fairness in the Balance; Public Broadcasting Is Under Scrutiny. Neither Side Seems To Like What It
Sees,‖ The Washington Post, July 17, 2005, Sunday Arts, N01.
9
for professional appraisers in connection to the popularity of Antiques Roadshow.10 Similarly,
Newsweek mentions the show’s ―explosive popularity.‖11 Virginia is on the cusp of this
burgeoning interest in antiques. Auctionzip.com lists over 400 auction houses doing business in
the Commonwealth of Virginia; and the Commonwealth of Virginia official site lists over 360
antique shops doing business in the state.12 Moreover, the American Society of Appraisers, is
located in Northern Virginia (Herdon), and lists the importance of a college degree in its
accreditation process, but there is no program in Virginia or the Washington Metro area that
currently meets this need.13 The Master of Arts degree in the History of Decorative Arts would
be ideally positioned to train the professionals needed to take advantage of the expanding market
and the accompanying public interest.
Graduates in the Master of Arts degree in the History of Decorative Arts offered in conjunction
with Smithsonian Associates would be ideally suited to serve and staff the many institutions and
sites that preserve the past. The world-class museums that preserve our culture and the site
museums that commemorate the central events in the past of both the state and the nation draw
visitors from all over the world. It is important that these locations are served by individuals who
have the training and education in the decorative necessary to conduct the work thoroughly and
responsibly, and to spotlight some of the greatest of Virginia’s treasures.
In addition to Virginia’s own resources, Washington DC broadens the reach of the state’s
decorative arts resources and capitalizes on the collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.
For Instance, the Renwick Gallery houses the Smithsonian's American craft and decorative arts
collections and programs. In addition to mounting special exhibitions, the Renwick houses a rich
collection of artifacts dating from the 19th-century to the present, including works in wood,
metal, glass, fiber and textiles. Washington’s Textile Museum brings together ancient to
contemporary textiles in all materials and techniques, and offers multiple hands-on educational
activities, including internships. Finally, the National Gallery of Art houses the Index of
American Design, a vast scholarly resource created under the auspices of the government in the
1930s. These and other resources offer possibilities for research, education, and display.
Employment Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nationwide growth of 14%-23% between 2008-2018
for Archivists, Curators, Museum Technicians and Conservators. This is an average projected
job growth of 18% overall. (Appendix C Job and Employment Information) The Occupational
Outlook Handbook, also maintained by the Bureau of Labor, describes the competition for entry
to these programs as ―keen‖ (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos065.htm). And, it indentifies a Masters
degree in Art History or Decorative Arts as one of the recommended backgrounds for these
positions. It also points to work experience and internships as being important factors in securing
10
Annie Groer, ―What's It Worth? Appraisers Put a Market Value On Fine Art or Beatle Dolls‖ The Washington
Post, October 13, 2005, Home, H01.
11
Anna Kuchment, ―Tip Sheet,‖ Newsweek, June 13, 2005, 81.
12
http://www.virginia.org/
13
http://www.appraisers.org/ASAAccreditation/ASAAccreditation.aspx#Overview
10
these jobs. For many years George Mason University has successfully placed interns in such
distinguished institutions as the National Gallery of Art, the various Smithsonian museums,
private sales galleries such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and public institutions such as Wolftrap
and the National Archives.
This new job growth would be in keeping with a trend that has continued consistently over
several years. Even as employers have come to require more credentials from prospective
employees, the job market in this area continues to expand. The most recent information from
the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that jobs for Curators in Virginia increased from 240 in
May of 200414 to 330 by May of 200815 while Museum Conservator positions grew from 250 to
300. A similar trend holds true for the District of Columbia and Maryland. For example
Curatorial jobs in Washington DC increased from 130 to 150 between 200616 and 200817 while
jobs for Archivists rose from 160 to 200 over the same two years. Statistics from Maryland
reveal a similar trend. Jobs for Archivists rose from 260 in 200618 to 270 in 200819 and jobs for
Conservators and Museum Technicians increased from 500 to 600.
(http://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_arch.htm)
It is also worth noting that Washington DC has one of the highest concentrations of employers
for Curators20 and Archivists21 anywhere in the nation. Even when ranked against much larger
states it is in the top two employment regions nationwide. Additionally, these jobs tend to be
among the best paid in the field. The Washington DC metropolitan area, including Alexandria
and Arlington, also has the highest concentration of jobs and the highest paid positions for
Museum Technicians and Conservators anywhere in the nation, with Maryland ranking in the top
three. http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes254013.htm
This growth in Virginia jobs related to the History of Decorative Arts is confirmed by the
projections made by the Virginia Workforce Connection. This group projects that State jobs for
Curators will have increased by 19.6% (347 to 415)22 between the years of 2006 and 2016. Jobs
for Archivists are predicted to increase by 20% (115 to 138)23 during that same time frame and
careers for Museum Technicians and Conservators will jump by 23% (345 to 427)24. As with
most degrees in the Humanities, the critical thinking and writing skills learned with an art history
degree prepare students for a wide range of possible careers and employment potential
14
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2004/november/oes_va.htm#b25-0000
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_va.htm#b25-0000
16
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2006/may/oes_dc.htm
17
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_dc.htm#b25-0000
18
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2006/may/oes_md.htm#b25-0000
19
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes_md.htm#b25-0000
20
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes254012.htm
21
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes254011.htm
22
http://www.vawc.virginia.gov/analyzer/qsoccproj.asp?quicksearch=True&setvar=True&cat=HST_EMP_WAGE_
OCC&session=OCCPROJ&subsession=99&areaname=
23
http://www.vawc.virginia.gov/analyzer/qsoccproj.asp?quicksearch=True&setvar=True&cat=HST_EMP_WAGE_
OCC&session=OCCPROJ&subsession=99&areaname=
24
http://www.vawc.virginia.gov/analyzer/qsoccproj.asp?quicksearch=True&setvar=True&cat=HST_EMP_WAGE_
OCC&session=OCCPROJ&subsession=99&areaname=
15
11
One further measure of the strength of employer demand in the arts locally would be the
continuing success of our Departmental Internship Program which places several students each
semester in the most prominent arts institutions in the area. A list over the last few years would
include every major museum in Washington, including the National Gallery of Art (3 students),
the National Museum of American Art (2 students), the Corcoran Gallery (1 student),
Dumbarton Oakes (1 student), the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Asian Art (3 students), the
National Archives (2 students), the American Museum of Natural History (1 student), the
National Museum of Women in the Arts (1 student), the Phillips Collection (1 student), the
Museum of the Art of the Americas (2 students), and the Hirshhorn Gallery (4 students).
Students have worked under Art History faculty advising in local house museums, including
Mount Vernon, Hillwood, Montpelier, and George Marshall’s Dodona (7 students total). Other
students have worked for private galleries such as Zenith and the Washington Project for the
Arts, for Sotheby’s (England and US) and Christie’s auction houses (5 students total), and on artrelated projects for performing arts institutions such as Wolftrap Park for the Performing Arts (1
student). In addition, we have placed student interns at Virginia regional museums and historic
monuments such as the Manassas Museum, the Virginia Museum of Art, and Virginia Marine
Science Museum (9 students total). Since 1999 we have successfully placed 52 student interns.
Recent graduates have turned these internships into full-time jobs at the Museum of the Art of
the Americas (1 student), the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1 student), and the
National Museum of American Art (1 student), among others.
This record of internships is significant because the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists work
experience along with a degree in Art History or History of Decorative Art as important factors
in securing jobs in these fields (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos065.htm). Additionally, the
American Society of Appraisers is based in Northern Virginia and there is a steady stream of
employment for those will to work as appraisers for Insurance Agencies, Legal Firms, and even
the Internal Revenue Service.
But there is often a ceiling to this sort of employability. While our BA has a demonstrable
market value in the instances listed above, a Masters Degree is essential for most professional
gallery work and entry level curatorial jobs. It is often sought as a second degree supporting
MBA. MPA, and MA in Arts Administration degrees, as evidence of serious familiarity with the
Arts world and appraisal skills. "Degree inflation" has occurred in the institutional art world as is
has everywhere else, and our students are increasingly finding it necessary to pursue and MA or
a certificate program, or both, to start to further their career progress in the arts. Additionally, the
MA in History of Decorative Arts will be one stepping stone to entry into the most prestigious
PhD. programs, especially for students who want to keep seriously involved with graduate study
but who are unable or unwilling to commit just yet to full-time PhD Programs out of state.
See Appendix B ―Sample Job Announcements‖ for a selection of recent examples of job listings.
Student Demand
The proposed program responds to repeated student requests for course on object-centered skills
and connoisseurship that are not systematically taught in the standard Art History MA program.
12
The potential partnership with the Smithsonian Institution opens a whole new range of courses in
these subject areas and, for the first time, will allow us to accommodate these student requests.
These skills are particularly useful for students interested in gallery work, curatorial work, jobs
in the art market, and anywhere else skills in appraisal are useful. This demand has been
heightened by the fact that no other university in Virginia offers Masters level training in the
History of Decorative Arts.
The Smithsonian Institution's current Masters in Decorative Arts (which will be closing when
they join George Mason University) currently enrolls approximately 60 to 70 students at any
given time. These numbers are a realistic representation of demand in the Northern Virginia
region and there is no reason to believe that this demand will in any way diminish when that
program transitions from Washington D.C. to Virginia. In addition to the number of students
already seeking degrees from the Smithsonian program the benefit of lower in-state tuition sees
for Virginia residents is sure to attract students for whom the current fees are unaffordable.
In order to gauge the level of interest in a History of Decorative Arts MA among out current
students, a survey was produced. This questionnaire (See Appendix C) was distributed to
current Art History Majors and Minors in their classes as well as over an email list service.
When asked if they would consider pursuing a Masters Degree in Decorative Arts at some point
in the future, 11 out of 35 said it was likely. Of the remaining 24, 12 said they would possibly
consider it and 12 said it was unlikely.
When asked If they were interested in getting an MA in the History of Decorative Arts, would
they be interested in pursuing that degree at George Mason University, 16 out of 35 reported
themselves likely to do so. Of the remainder, 9 stated that they would possibly do so and 8
considered themselves unlikely to do so. 2 students did not respond to the final question.
Therefore, the results of the survey indicate that roughly two-thirds of our students have some
interest in a Masters in the History or Decorative Arts and approximately a third of them are
likely to both consider this option seriously and to pursue it at George Mason University.
Additionally, we offer a small selection of undergraduate Art History courses whose topics fall
under the heading of Decorative Arts. The popularity of these lower division courses off a good
indication of the interest we might expect at the MA level. Here are some recent examples,
Term
Spring 2010
Spring 2010
Fall 2009
Spring 2009
Course
ARTH 399
ARTH 350
ARTH 430
ARTH 399
Arms and Armor
History of Photography
Textiles and Trade
Arms and Armor
Enrollment
45 out of 45
42 out of 45
21 out of 20 (over-enrolled)
39 out of 40
Although we are not able to offer many Decorative Arts courses at the Undergraduate level,
when we do they are almost always quite popular. This high demand and excellent enrollment
record offers some indication that the MA will be correspondingly attractive to potential
students.
13
_____________________________________________________________________________
STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR VIRGINIA
SUMMARY OF PROJECTED ENROLLMENTS IN PROPOSED PROGRAM
Projected enrollment:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Target Year
(2-year institutions)
Year 5
Target Year
(4-year institutions)
2010 - 2011
2011 - 2012
2012 - 2013
2013- 2014
2014 - 2015
HDCT FTES HDCT FTES HDCT FTES HDCT FTES
16
11
29
20
32
22
35
24
GRAD
--
HDCT
35
FTES
24
Assumptions:
80% Retention
75% Full-time students, 25% Part-time students
Full-time student taking 9 credits hours
Part-time students taking 6 credit hours
Full-time students graduate in 3 years
Part-time students graduate in 5 years
Duplication
1. Virginia’s Public Universities. The MA in Decorative Arts would be unique in the state.
There are only three active Art History MA programs in Virginia: at the University of
Virginia in Charlottesville, at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and at
George Mason in Fairfax. Since the MA program in Art History at James Madison
University is inactive, our current program is the only MA Art History degree offered in
Northern Virginia. None of these programs currently offers a track or concentration in
decorative arts, despite Virginia’s wealth of historic house museums, living history museums,
and museums such as the Chrysler in Norfolk or the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in
Richmond that feature major decorative arts collections. This fact alone, we think, is a
powerful argument for approval of this degree. None of these existing programs is affiliated
with the Smithsonian Institution, another powerful argument for approval.
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, MA in the History of Art and Architecture.
Twelve courses (36 credit hours), as well as a master’s thesis are required. Four courses
are required: ARAH 501 Library Methodology, ARAH 801 Theory and Interpretation,
and ARAH 804-805 Master’s Thesis. At least three courses must be taken in the declared
major field, one of the following: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, Modern,
14
GRAD
13
American, South Asian, and East Asian. Reading proficiency in one foreign language is
required. There is no concentration in decorative arts, nor do individual courses in the
decorative arts appear in the Art History course listings. The only course duplications
would seem to be in architectural history (ARH 5601: Historic Preservation Theory and
Practice, ARH 7701: Early American Architecture, and similar); as well as standard
graduate courses in theory and research methods. In short, there is little similarity
between our proposed Decorative Arts MA and the University of Virginia MA in the
History of Art and Architecture.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. MA in Art History. Three tracks
are offered: Architectural History (39 hours), Historical Studies (30 hours), and Museum
Studies (36 hours).
All require an introductory course in historiography and
methodology, art history period courses, and a six-hour thesis. There is no track in
Decorative Arts. Individual courses include the standard graduate courses in theory and
research methods, museum theory and practice, and special topics in various periods.
There appear to be no dedicated courses in decorative arts, although presumably these are
or may be taught as special topics courses.
George Mason University. MA in Art History. Our current MA program is a general
historical course of study requiring 30 hours, which include courses on theory and
research methods, museum or applied study, digital application, and a seminar. A
language, essay, and comprehensive slide exam are required. Our current offerings
include occasional undergraduate courses in the American decorative arts and history of
photography. Our current graduate courses do not include decorative arts courses beyond
one mixed grad/undergrad seminar on textile history, ARTH 430/599. There is little
duplication between our current MA program and the proposed Decorative Arts MA,
except for a few standard courses in theory, research methods and museum studies. The
new MA would be substantially different, offering a unique opportunity in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
2. Enrollment figures in comparable programs at Virginia’s public universities
[SCHEV-derived chart—tomorrow, not tonight]
3. Virginia’s private colleges and universities. There are no MA programs in Art History at
Virginia’s private colleges or universities.
4. Local programs outside of Virginia:
There are several institutions within the region that offer a Masters degree in Art History. Among
those that offer the degree are George Washington University, Georgetown University,
American University, and Catholic University. While they are accessible to Northern Virginia
residents, they are ―out of state‖ institutions, which means higher tuition costs for Virginia
residents. In addition, they are private schools, which also translate into a sharp increase in cost.
Both of these facts make George Mason’s program more accessible for Virginia residents.
15
Of these Georgetown is the only real competition for the MA in Decorative Arts that we envision
at GMU. Since Georgetown is out-of-state, private, and expensive, this is not a realistic option
for many Virginia residents. Our program would be the better option for Virginia residents, as
well as convenient and appealing for District of Columbia and Maryland residents because of the
Smithsonian location
Projected Resource Needs
We have designed the program to take advantage of existing departmental resources and recent
faculty hires, so that no additional state resources are required to launch and run it. We would
love to see the program grow and flourish, of course, and would anticipate expanding it down the
road if future enrollments justify it. We are confident that this program answers a demand in the
Northern Virginia region, from students and from employers alike.
We believe that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has all the faculty, classified
support, equipment, library, and other resources necessary to launch the proposed MA in History
of Decorative Arts. The following subsections detail the resources required to operate the
program from in the Fall of 2011 through the target year of 2015-2016. Assessments of need are
based on the following ratio of student enrollment to faculty effort for master’s programs: 9 FTE
of enrollment requires one FTE faculty for instruction. In addition, because the instructional
effort will be shared with the Smithsonian Institution, George Mason University will only require
0.60 FTE to launch, increasing to 1.30 FTE by the target year of 2015-2016.
Full-time Faculty: Our proposed program has been designed to use existing faculty and
resources, building upon collaborations with History colleagues and trained adjuncts with
previous work history at the Smithsonian Institution with whom we will cross-listed courses.
The proposed MA in History of Decorative Arts has 6 full-time tenure track faculty and three
full-time term instructors committed to the program. The proposed program will require 0.50
FTE to launch, increasing to 1.00 FTE by the target year of 2015-2016.
Part-time Faculty: No Part-time Faculty will be required at launch.
Adjunct Faculty: The College of Humanities and Social Sciences The Smithsonian Institution
has already been employing a large number of skilled adjunct instructors trained in appraisal and
with extensive work experience. Therefore, we project that a minimum of adjunct faculty will be
necessary from George Mason University. The proposed program will need 0.10 FTE of adjunct
faculty to launch, rising to 0.20 FTE in the target year of 2015-2016.
Graduate Assistants: No graduate assistants are required to support the MA in History of
Decorative Arts.
Classified Positions: The administrative needs will be met solely by the Smithsonian
Institution.
Targeted Financial Aid: No targeted financial aid is required to support the proposed MA in
History of Decorative Arts
16
Equipment: Because no new full-time faculty or staff are required to launch or maintain the
proposed program, we project no new equipment costs.
Library: George Mason University libraries routinely commit $3000 to the purchase of
research journals and books for new master degree programs.
Telecommunications: Because no new full-time faculty are required to launch or maintain the
proposed program, we project no new telecommunications costs.
Space: No additional space is required to launch or sustain the program.
Other resources: No resources other than those described above are required to support the
proposed MA in History of Decorative Arts
______________________________________________________________________________
PROJECTED RESOURCE NEEDS FOR PROPOSED PROGRAM
Part A: Answer the following questions about general budget information.
Has or will the institution submit an addendum budget request
to cover one-time costs?
Has or will the institution submit an addendum budget request
to cover operating costs?
Will there be any operating budget requests for this program
that would exceed normal operating budget guidelines (for
example, unusual faculty mix, faculty salaries, or resources)?
Will each type of space for the proposed program be within
projected guidelines?
Will a capital outlay request in support of this program be
forthcoming?
Yes
No
x
Yes
No
x
Yes
No
x
Yes
Yes
x
No
No
Part B: Fill in the number of FTE positions needed for the program
Program Initiation Year
2011 - 2012
17
Expected by
Target Enrollment Year
2015 - 2016
x
On-going and
reallocated
0.50
Added
(New)
0.00
Added
(New)**
0.50
Part-time faculty (faculty FTE
split with other unit(s))
Adjunct faculty
0.00
0.10
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.20
0.00
Graduate assistants
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Classified positions
0.00
0.00
0.00
TOTAL
* Faculty dedicated to the
program
** Added after initiation year
0.60
0.00
0.70
0.00
1.30
Full-time faculty*
18
Total FTE
positions
1.00
0.30
Part C: Estimated resources to initiate and operate the program
Expected by
Target Enrollment Year
2013- 2014
Program Initiation Year
2009 - 2010
Full-time faculty
0.50
0.00
0.50
1.00
salaries
$45,000
$0
$45,000
$90,000
fringe benefits
$13,811
$0
$13,811
$27,621
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
salaries
$0
$0
$0
$0
fringe benefits
$0
$0
$0
$0
0.10
0.00
0.20
0.30
$2,880
$0
$5,760
$8,640
$220
$0
$441
$661
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
salaries
$0
$0
$0
$0
fringe benefits
$0
$0
$0
$0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
salaries
$0
$0
$0
$0
fringe benefits
$0
$0
$0
$0
salaries
$47,880
$0
$50,760
$98,640
fringe benefits
$14,031
$0
$14,251
$28,282
Total personnel cost
$61,911
$0
$65,011
$126,922
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,000
$0
$0
$3,000
Telecommunication costs
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other costs (specify)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$64,911
$0
$65,011
$129,922
Part-time faculty (faculty
FTE split with unit(s))
Adjunct faculty
salaries
fringe benefits
Graduate assistants
Classified Positions
Personnel cost
Equipment
Library
TOTAL
Part D: Certification Statement(s)
19
The institution will require additional state funding to initiate and sustain this program.
Yes
Signature of Chief Academic Officer
x
No
Signature of Chief Academic Officer
If “no,” please complete Items 1, 2, and 3 below.
1. Estimated $$ and funding source to initiate and operate the program.
Funding Source
Reallocation within the
department or school (Note below
the impact this will have within the
school or department.)
Reallocation within the
institution (Note below the impact
this will have within the school or
department.)
Program initiation year
2011- 2012
Target enrollment year
2015- 2016
$61,911
$126,922
$3,000
$3,000
$0
$0
Other funding sources
(Please specify and note if these are
currently available or anticipated.)
2. Statement of Impact/Other Funding Sources.
Reallocation within the department or school. This proposed program is being jointly offered
with the Smithsonian Institution; each institution possesses the resources to launch and maintain
this program’s costs through a reallocation of resources.
Reallocation within the institution. The University libraries routinely allocate $3000 to new
master’s programs to support relevant additions to library holdings.
Other funding sources. No additional funding sources will be required to support the program.
3. Secondary Certification.
20
If resources are reallocated from another unit to support this proposal, the institution will not
subsequently request additional state funding to restore those resources for their original purpose.
x
Agree
Signature of Chief Academic Officer
Disagree
Signature of Chief Academic Officer
21
Appendices
22
Appendix A – Abbreviated CV’s for Faculty
Full Time Faculty
Robert DeCaroli: PhD. 1999, UCLA. Faculty Member, Director of Art History, Arts of South
and Southeast Asia. Associate Professor.
Ellen Wiley Todd: PhD. 1987, Stanford University. Faculty Member, Undergraduate and
Graduate Advisor, Art of the United States. Associate Professor.
Lawrence Butler: PhD: University of Pennsylvania, 1989. Faculty Member, Medieval, Islamic,
and Byzantine Art. Associate Professor.
Michele Greet: PhD. 2004, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. Faculty Member, Modern
Europe and Latin America. Assistant Professor.
Carol C. Mattusch: PhD. 1975, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Faculty Member,
Ancient Art, Greece and Rome. Professor.
Cynthia Williams: MA. 1998, Parsons School of Design/Cooper-Hewitt, National Design
Museum, Smithsonian Institution. US Decorative Arts, Full-Time Term Faculty Member
Margaret Richardson: PhD 2005, Virginia Commonwealth University. Contemporary Asian,
European and American Art. Full-Time Term Faculty Member
Christopher Gregg: PhD 2000, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Ancient
Mediterranean Art and Archaeology. Full-Time Term Faculty Member
Associated Faculty
Robinson Professors Program
Carma Hinton: PhD. Faculty Member, Documentary Film, Chinese Art. Professor
History Program
Marion Deshmukh: PhD. Faculty Member, Germany and Modern Europe. Professor
Adjunct Faculty (who teach on a consistent and ongoing basis):
Lisa Bauman: PhD. Introduction to the Arts, Renaissance Europe.
Andrea Nicolls: PhD. African Art
Richard Mason: PhD. Ancient Near East, Egypt and Classical and 18th c. Europe.
A-1
Appendix B – Sample Job Announcements
Conservation Intern D - Paintings
Company: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Requisition Number 1005-0179 Date Posted 05/28/2010 Title Conservation Intern D - Paintings Location BRUTON
HEIGHTS WALLACE BLDG Work Hours 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours weekly Starting Pay
12.00 Benefits Eligible Yes Position Type Temporary regular ending Primary Duties Works under supervision of
the conservator in carrying out conservation techniques including examination, completing treatments and photodocumentation and writing treatment reports as appropriate for the project Receives training on treatment methods
as needed Qualifications Graduate of a recognized conservation training program, or have equivalent apprenticeship
training with appropriate experience. Knowledge of and experience working with decorative arts objects.
2. Detroit Institute of Arts. The Department of American Art at the DIA is responsible for American painting,
sculpture, and decorative arts from the beginning of European contact until 1950, with modest attention to Canadian
and Latin American materials. Recently reinstalled in a major suite of galleries, the DIA’s collection of American art
is one of the most comprehensive and complete in the world. The search committee will consider candidates
specializing in any aspects of American painting, sculpture, or decorative arts prior to 1950, but will be especially
interested in candidates who specialize in American painting or sculpture in the period 1870 – 1950, or in any area
of American decorative arts.
This position works under the direct supervision of the Curator of American Art, who serves as Head of the
Department and as Chief Curator. The candidate selected for this position will be expected to contribute to all
aspects of departmental operations, including the development of new exhibitions, refreshing installations in the
long-term galleries, research on the collections, acquisitions and deaccessions, conservation of objects, educational
programs, the production and supervision of grant applications, and donor cultivation. The candidate selected for
this position will also be expected to maintain and develop their scholarly expertise and contacts, and to disseminate
the fruits of their original research via appropriate scholarly publications. Other duties performed as assigned.
Timeline: We hope to begin the interview process in June, 2010 and to have the candidate selected in place by
September 1, 2010. Candidates for this position must have expertise in one or more areas in the history of American
painting, sculpture, or decorative arts prior to 1950. A Ph.D. in the history of American art is preferred. However, a
graduate level (M.A.) degree is a requirement. We are especially interested in candidates who have worked in a
museum for at least two (2) years, or have had comparable experience working with art objects. Strong interpersonal
skills; the ability to work successfully with cross-disciplinary teams, strong written and verbal communications
skills, and strong organizational skills including the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment are
essential.
http://www.dia.org/employment/547/Assistant-or-Associate-Curator,-American-Art.aspx
B-1
Historic Preservationist
Dewberry is augmenting their cadre of part-time and intermittent staff to perform disaster work for FEMA.
Dewberry has supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) for over 25 years on disaster response and recovery assignments.
All positions are intermittent (part-time), on-call (travel and field work required). Conditions in the areas affected
can be very challenging. While the work is arduous, it is also very satisfying.
Opportunities may also exist supporting other Federal customers on a similar basis.
Dewberry is actively seeking Historic Preservationists for assignments nationwide.
Required Skills
Successful candidates will:
Must be able to commit for a minimum 90-day assignment.
Pass an FBI Background Clearance check.
Possess a minimum of a 4 year degree in architecture, architectural history, art history, historic
preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history. And one or more
of the following:
o At least five years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American
architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical
organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
o Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in
the field of American architectural history.
o At least four years of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects. Such
graduate study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation
of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation
projects.
Required Experience
Ability to meet Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History, Historic Preservation
Planner or Historic Architecture.
At least five years full-time professional experience in the field of Section 106 compliance, with prior
federal government experience being desired.
Ability to identify historic preservation issues and identify Areas of Potential Effect (APE). Physical field
inspections of APEs may be required on occasion.
Ability to complete informal and formal Section 106 consultation with Historic Preservation Officers with
minimal technical supervision; may occasionally include the drafting Memorandums of Agreements
(MOA).
A solid knowledge base about the function and design of historic structures and a demonstrated ability to
justify National Register eligibility determinations and assessments of effects in accordance with Section
106. This may include the preparation of historic structures research reports and the identification of
appropriate treatment measures for affected historic structures.
Ability to effectively coordinate with involved parties to make important decisions about project
alternatives and the resolution of adverse effects to historic resources.
Ability to document the Section 106 review process within the database and use Microsoft Office Programs
with relative efficiency.
Job Location
Fairfax, VA, US.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/JS_JobSearchDetail?jobid=28727417&jobSummaryInd
ex=103&agentID=
B-2
GS-1171-13 APPRAISER
GS-1171-13 APPRAISER (5392567)
Location: Multiple Locations, Nationwide (USA) - United States
Posted: 6/13/2010
WHAT DOES AN IRS REAL ESTATE APPRAISER DO? An Appraiser serves as a technical
authority, reviewing and/or conducting independent appraisals of property. Your work is
determining valuations of estate tax, gift tax, and charitable contributions involving
residential, commercial, historical property, and easements. You would use extensive
research and analysis to prepare a valuation report. Appraisals have significant tax
consequences, may be vigorously contested and differences must be resolved in a
reasonable and professional manner. WHAT IS THE LARGE AND MID-SIZE BUSINESS
(LMSB) DIVISION? The Large and Mid-Size Business (LMSB) Division services corporations
and partnerships operating in the US with assets greater than $10 million. Please, do not
select a location that you are not willing to work. NOTE: Most selections will be filled from
the Primary locations indicated. However, if vacancies still remain, selections will then be
considered from the Alternate cities: PRIMARY Positions are located in Birmingham, AL
Phoenix, AZ, and San Francisco, CA. ALTERNATE Positions are located in Laguna Niguel, CA,
San Jose, CA, Jackson, MS, Charlotte, NC, Portsmouth, NH and Manhattan, NY. The majority
of Selections are anticipated to be made from qualifying applicants who apply prior to the
first cutoff date of 3/26/2010. The anticipated entry date for this cutoff is 6/21/2010.
Selections made from the remaining qualified applicants and those who apply prior to the
next anticipated cutoff date of 6/4/2010 will have an anticipated entry date of 9/13/2010.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: No Moving Expenses Please click "Print Preview" to review the
announcement before applying Recruitment Incentives & Student Loan repayment may be
offered. Back to top Duties Additional Duty Location Info: many vacancies - Throughout the
Nation As an Appraiser, you will perform valuations of real property on projects with a
significant tax impact and that may affect large segments of the taxpaying public. You
examine and appraise extensive property holdings in estate portfolios for recognized
businesses and industry leaders. You identify industry trends that will be used to interpret
similar cases and affect changes in the practice and policy of the IRS. You need strong oral
and written communication skills to conduct conferences and explain findings that may be
contested. You prepare appraisal reports documenting the facts and arguments that support
your conclusions. You may be called to serve as an expert witness in court cases. Back to
top Qualifications and Evaluations QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: To qualify for this
position you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to
the GS-12 level in the Federal Government. Specialized experience is experience
that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the
competencies required for successful job performance. Qualifying experience is
experience that demonstrates knowledge of appraisal principles, concepts and
methodologies. Examples of specialized experience include: experience using
commonly applied appraisal practices, principles, and methodologies; experience
in interpreting established appraisal standards and analyzing property data using
the accepted valuation approaches; experience in using knowledge of property
B-3
data to research, gather, and interpret information to determine their effect on
value and arrive at fair market value. BENEFITS: This is a permanent, careerconditional appointment. If selected, you will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual
(vacation) and sick leave, Thrift Savings Plan with government contributions and will be
covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Ray Terry Phone: 631-687-3864 Fax: 631-687-3855 Email: [email protected]
Agency Information: Internal Revenue Service 1040 Waverly Avenue Stop 11/RT Holtsville,
NY 11742 Fax: 631-687-3855 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: We will communicate with you using
e-mail throughout the hiring process. You will receive an electronic Notice of Rating that will
provide you with information regarding your eligibility for the occupations covered under
this announcement.
Additional Requirments / Information
Job Capacity:
Employee (full-time)
Minimum Education Level:
See Job Description
Visa Sponsorship:
No
Related Industries:
Financial Services
http://www.campuscareercenter.com/full_jobs/5392567/Internal_Revenue_Service/GS_117
1_13_APPRAISER.html#spec-1
B-4
Museum Assistant
Community Relations Office
Print
This part-time wage position will be responsible for staffing and interpreting the St. Luke and
Odd Fellows Hall for visitors. Position will also be responsible for cataloging, conservation and
maintenance of the museum collections, volunteer coordination and training and general support
of museum programs. Position will also assist with special projects (such as exhibit displays) and
various other duties as assigned. This position will report to the Community Relations Office
under the direction of the Museum Administrator.
A college degree and three years of museum or other non-profit work is required. Relevant
experience in lieu of a college degree is acceptable. Qualified applicants must be able to
effectively present information to museum visitors, volunteers and employees in both verbal and
written formats. Computer experience and graphic design experience are a plus.
Hourly rate is $12.00. 20 hours per week is required and hours of work will be scheduled with
the Museum Administrator. This position will not exceed 1,040 hours per fiscal year.
A Town of Blacksburg application is required for this position by 5:00 PM on June 18, 2010.
Applications are available at the Human Resources Office located in the Municipal Building at
300 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or may be downloaded at www.blacksburg.gov.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in the application process may call 540961-1188 (voice) or utilize the VA Relay Center at 711 (TDD).
An EEO Employer
M/F/D/V
http://www.careerjet.com/job/74ae23be6e808558a4221a51d193170d.html
B-5
Historic Preservationist (43319)
Dewberry is augmenting it's cadre of part-time and intermittent staff to perform disaster work for
FEMA. Dewberry has supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over 20 years on disaster response and recovery
assignments.
All positions are intermittent (part-time), on-call (travel and field work required). Conditions in
the areas affected can be very challenging. While the work is arduous, it is also very satisfying.
Opportunities may also exist supporting other Federal customers on a similar basis.
Dewberry is actively seeking Historic Preservationists for assignments nationwide.
Requirements
Successful candidates will:
Must be able to commit for a minimum 90-day assignment.
Pass an FBI Background Clearance check. Possess a minimum of a 4 year degree in
architecture, architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related
field, with coursework in American architectural history. And one or more of the
following:
At least five years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American
architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical
organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly
knowledge in the field of American architectural history.
At least four years of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects.
Such graduate study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic
structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and
specifications for preservation projects.
Experience Required
Ability to meet Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History, Historic
Preservation Planner or Historic Architecture.
At least five years full-time professional experience in the field of Section 106
compliance, with prior federal government experience being desired.
Ability to identify historic preservation issues and identify Areas of Potential Effect
(APE). Physical field inspections of APEs may be required on occasion.
Ability to complete informal and formal Section 106 consultation with Historic
Preservation Officers with minimal technical supervision; may occasionally include the
drafting Memorandums of Agreements (MOA).
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A solid knowledge base about the function and design of historic structures and a
demonstrated ability to justify National Register eligibility determinations and
assessments of effects in accordance with Section 106. This may include the preparation
of historic structures research reports and the identification of appropriate treatment
measures for affected historic structures.
Ability to effectively coordinate with involved parties to make important decisions about
project alternatives and the resolution of adverse effects to historic resources.
Ability to document the Section 106 review process within the database and use
Microsoft Office Programs with relative efficiency.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=PIKV&ff=21&APath=2.2
1.21.0.0&job_did=J7X5605Y5ZMKBVZTW4Y
B-7
Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)
Job Title: Museum Specialist
Department: Department Of The Army
Agency: Army Training and Doctrine Command
Job Announcement Number: SCAQ10671873-351456COEMP
Salary Range:
Series & Grade
:
Promotion Potential:
Open Period:
48,408.00 - 62,926.00 USD /year
GS-1016-09
09
Thursday, June 03, 2010 to Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Position Information: Full Time Career/Career Conditional
01 vacancies - Fort Lee, VA
Duty Locations:
Who May Be Considered:Status Candidates
(Merit Promotion Eligibles)
Job Summary:
Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily
available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its
military and civilian members to form a Total Army.
About the Position: Fort Lee, Home of Logistic Warriors, is a US Army installation located near the Tri-Cities of
Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell, VA. Fort Lee is south of Richmond, the Capital of Virginia. There are
a number of important missions accomplished by the activities located here. The missions accomplished at Fort Lee
include combat and training development and the professional development of military personnel through various
training programs. The civilian employees serve a vital role in direct support of the US Army mission that is crucial
to supporting military operations. Fort Lee offers a broad range of civilian employment opportunities for people.
Key Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Serves as the Registrar for the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum. As such, incumbent
is responsible for all aspects
of the accessioning, tracking, storage, location and retrieval of material in the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum
collection.
Qualifications:
THE GS-09 REQUIRES:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the federal service which is
in or related to museum specialist work. Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or
similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections
management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of
museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular
subject-matter specialization,
GS-09: Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or
equivalent graduate degree that is related to the position being filled.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened for the Office of Personnel Management's
basic qualifications requirements, and the skills needed to perform the duties of this position as described in this
vacancy announcement.
B-8
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook
of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's web site at
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as
for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.
To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each
position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: For positions at GS–4 and above, related course work is required. Related
fields of study include art, history, museum studies, scientific subjects, or other courses related to the position to be
filled.
Other Requirements:
ervice at the next lower grade (or equivalent).
-Employment Certification Statement for
Selective Service Registration.
announcement.
f the required information as stated in the vacancy announcement will result in an
ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/jobs/Museum-Specialist-1928411.html
B-9
Appendix C – Student Interest Survey
Dear Art History Majors and Minors
We are in the process of trying to get a Masters Degree in History of Decorative Arts
offered through the Art History Program at Mason. As part of the approval process, the State
Council for Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has asked us to conduct a survey designed
to gauge the level of student interest. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you would take the
time to fill out this very brief survey.
I suspect that there might be some questions about what skills and topics this degree will cover,
so I will provide a brief explanation.
The History of Decorative Arts MA would primarily concentrate on object-centered skills and
connoisseurship with additional focus on function, aesthetic development, and an understanding
of material culture. In short, these are the skills often used by those working in auction houses
and galleries.
Please indicate your response by marking the line next to the option that most closely represents
your answer.
Would you consider pursuing a Masters Degree in the History Decorative Arts at some point in
the future?
Likely ___________________
Possibly__________________
Unlikely__________________
If you are interested in getting an MA in the History of Decorative Arts, would you be interested
in pursuing that degree at George Mason University?
Likely ___________________
Possibly__________________
Unlikely__________________
C-1