Reflection + Engagement

This semester students gain vital experiences in working together as an artist collective to put together a group exhibition. The instructor serves as a mentor and resource as students work together in committees (Media and Communications, Hospitality, Gallery Liaison etc.) to execute the exhibition.

Active Participation

Active Participation in Class Sessions

This semester learners are divided into critique groups of six students based on which exhibition they are taking part in. Class time will be divided between committee work, sustained critique periods with the instructor and one group and studio work periods.

Learners are expected to come to class prepared for that day’s activities, having read the required readings and completed their artistic work and committee responsibilities. Due to the collaborative nature of the semester’s work failure to attend class and complete committee work has direct, negative impacts on your colleagues’ ability to proceed with their duties. Students will be held to a high standard for participation.

The following constitutes excellent (A range) active participation:

Committee Work

Students gain vital experiences in working together as an artist collective to put together a group exhibition. The instructor serves as a mentor and resource as students work together in committees (Coordinator, Design and Promotions, Hospitality, Written Communications, Preparator) to execute the exhibition.

30-45 minutes of class time most weeks will be dedicated to committee work. The show coordinator will chair the committee period. During this time committees will report on progress, make collective decisions and split into committees to work on projects.

Committee members will submit individual PEER ASSESSMENTS as well as a collaborative FINAL REPORT at the end of the semester and assess their own and their colleagues’ performance on committee work.

View Committee Reports and other useful resources from last year’s senior studio class here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TiDl1d8VWxJSE3D4BqXfoZ0REo8neH9L?usp=sharing

Senior Studio Committees

Coordinator
1 Coordinator

The coordinator is elected by the class and is the first official point of contact regarding all aspects of the senior show. Their responsibility is primarily delegation, coordination and facilitation of duties.
- Meets regularly with the instructor to discuss use of class time
- Facilitates committee work time (full class and small group)
- Keeps track of deadlines and ensures committees deliver on responsibilities in a timely manner
- Facilitates group decision making regarding show title, poster design, events etc.
Required skills: organization, delegation, leadership, provide constructive feedback

Time Commitment: Consistent throughout the semester
Design Committee
2 Committee Members
- Designs print poster (11×17″), email invitation, and social media “poster”
- Works with Hannah Flink to ensure that all materials comply to SAMC + TWU design standards (current logos, used appropriately etc.)
- Designs poster with show statement and artist bios to go in frames outside gallery
- Coordinates poster distribution on and off campus
Required Skills: Visual communication skills, Adobe Creative Suite, creativity, teamwork, time management

Time Commitment: Mostly January to mid-February
Social Media Committee
2 Committee Members (Photographer, Videographer, Writer, Poster) Ideally there will be one committee member from each show
- Works with Hannah Flink to come up with a timeline for promoting the Senior Show
- Develops a social media plan for the Senior Show (frequency of posts, post content, platforms etc.)
- Compiles images for use in social media posts
- Compiles and edits text to accompany images
- Runs social media campaign for the Senior Show
- Sends posts to Hannah Flink and Gallery Assistants to post on Instagram accounts
Required Skills: Photography, video, writing, social media experience, organization, teamwork

Time Commitment: Consistent throughout the semester with most activity just before and during exhibitions
Hospitality Committee
1-2 Committee Members
Ideally there will be one committee member from each show
- Determines the program for opening reception
- Contacts and invites speakers (eg. the dean, dept heads, senior show coordinator etc.)
- Responsible for inviting VIPs, professors etc. to the exhibition
- Ensures any in-person events are in compliance with public health guidelines
- Determines menu for reception and orders food from Sodexho
Required Skills: Event planning, communication skills, organizational skills, hosting skills

Time Commitment: Mostly mid-February to mid-March
Written Communications Committee
2 Committee Members
- Responsible for all written communications regarding the Senior Show. All written communications should be approved by the Writing and Communication Committee prior to publication
- Edits and compiles artist statements, bios and any other documents related to the publicity of the Senior Show
- Writes the group exhibition statement in consultation with the class
- Writes press release
- Coordinates with Social Media Committee to provide copy for social media campaign as needed
Required Skills: Written communication, editing, time management, teamwork, provide constructive feedback

Time Commitment: Mostly January and February
Preparator Committee
1-2 Committee Members
Ideally there will be one committee member from each show
- Determines the amount of space available for each student
- Maps out show layout on the gallery floorplan taking into account location of electrical outlets and other special needs
- Ensures that all artwork is exhibition ready (ready to hang)
- Compiles, formats and edits labels (artist, title, media, date etc.)
Required Skills: Exhibition install skills, painting/carpentry, scheduling and coordination, attention to detail

Time Commitment: Throughout the semester with more activity around install and deinstalls

Assessment:

Teamwork: student works well with others on the team. Shares responsibility equitably.
Communication: clear and timely communication with committee members, other committees and others outside the class.
Professionalism: attention to detail. Work completed to a high standard. Deadlines are met.
Overall contribution to the exhibition