In Panel #7, the panelists touched on topics such as the pros and cons of a liberal arts education vs. a more focused fine arts education, and the importance of peer and instructor critique.

During the Q & A segment of the panel, questions were raised about the effects of young artists finding success very soon after graduating. Panelist Renee Stout noted that when she, herself, was an undergraduate art student, artistic development over extended periods of time was the standard approach to art making, whereas today, students are highly focused on showing their work in galleries as soon as possible, often as undergrads.

When it comes to pursuing a graduate degree, more and more students are choosing this path not only to develop a body of work or gain qualifications to teach, but also quite pointedly because certain schools have reputations as being supermarkets where gallerists shop for new talent. How are these trends affecting the art market at large? What happens to the young artist who finds fame directly out of school? Is early exposure discouraging the continuing development of her work, and what happens if she finds herself just as quickly brushed aside to make room for the next bright young thing?

Labels: Art Education, Panel 7