I am relieved to let you know that I made it through the Spring semester, teaching history of decorative arts in the Master of Arts program in Fine and Decorative Art and Design at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I had hoped to announce my appointment to the faculty of SIA at the beginning of the semester in January but I have been too busy preparing and teaching!
Sotheby’s Institute of art is an offshoot of Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auction house, and offers both Batchelor’s and Master’s programs in New York and London. The SIA website notes that the graduate level Fine and Decorative Art and Design curriculum “is based on a simple belief: the fundamental currency of the art world is objects. The Master’s program examines the diverse cultural histories of objects, makers, patrons, and related markets, focusing on providing a strong foundation in the history of art and collecting, iconography and provenance, materials and techniques, represented and experienced on a global platform be it in the Americas, Europe, Asia or Africa. Students learn how to engage directly with the marketplace and gain essential skills in connoisseurship, valuation, and curation, which are necessary to study and evaluate objects. Whether in sales, valuation, art history, or cultural institution management at museums, galleries, or auction houses — graduates of the Master’s degree program in Fine and Decorative Art and Design are prepared for a range of careers and leave with an expanded professional network.”
I am grateful to Ann-Marie Richard, Director of SIA New York, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated over many years to students who are just starting their journey. Ann-Marie oversees a wonderful facility, as you can see in the photos, as well as an outstanding degree program.