The Gallery Paper
[100 points toward final Grade] enables the individual student to gather information, of particular information to them, from various sources. The student will collect information; digest and interpret it, report the findings and conclusions in a meaningful and scholarly way, thus opening their eyes to the unseen aspects of artist production.
The student will choose an Art Gallery or Museum from the Middle TN Region, and prepare a formal Summary, of at least 3-5 typed, double-spaced, pages on their experience. The focus of this paper is to be on the type of work being exhibited and/or sold. Consider the method of production, variety of artists, and professionalism. The venue’s name, which you have chosen, must be submitted to me before you go.
It is intended to get you out as an active participant, experiencing art, as it exists, in our society. It is an opportunity to practice formal analysis in a secure context. Students will engage in the critical evaluation of artwork that has been proven by scholars and time as important to society. This assignment will also expose the balance of scholarly knowledge vs. subjectivity when experiencing art.
In a 3-5 page (typed) review include:
In the introduction/overview, name of the museum attended, sponsors of the exhibition, a description of the venue and general layout of the exhibition.
Choose at least 3 significant works to describe, in detail, using a formal vocabulary learned from the book, evaluate how the elements of design convey content, and consider the work’s social relevance
Most importantly include your opinion of this experience.
Research is not required for this assignment. If research wil be used to enhance your paper, the rules mentioned for MLA formatting will apply.
Do not place images / illustrations in your paper of any kind.
GALLERIES V. MUSEUMS
Galleries are like Retail Stores that sell handmade items. They are free to enter and the staff are like sales people.
Museums are spaces that exhibit work that has been scholarly and/or historically proven to be culturally significant. The artwork is not for sale. There is often a fee to enter (The Frist Museum is free for students on Friday nights, 5:00-9:00)
For a list of Tennessee Art Museums go to: Tennessee Museums
For a list of Tennessee Art Galleries go to: Art Galleries
Virtual Exhibitions: Free Virtual Tours
EXHIBITION REVIEW RUBRIC:
Overview – 20 pts.
Provide location name and address
Identify whether location is a museum or gallery
Describe the type of artwork shown upon initial observation
Provide a description of the space and the organization of the exhibition
Detailed description of Artwork and formal elements: 20 pts.
Choose no less than three artworks and provide a formal analysis to describe the work.
Use terminology obtained from chapters 1.1-1.9 of the text, including medium and visual elements.
Critical evaluation of design relating to content: 20 pts.
Analyze the content and context of each artwork
Compare/contrast to a historical and contemporary artwork
Information regarding criteria can be found in chapter 1.10.
Information about the Artist: 20 pts.
Include significant information about the artist(s)
This part of the paper may require additional research.
Be sure to write about their lifespan, training, cultural context, stylistic differences/similarities with other artists of their time.
Opinion of experience: 20 pts.
Provide your opinion of the experience at this venue
Use supporting evidence to justify your opinion
Explain how this artwork relates to you, your community, your heritage
This should include the layout of the space, interactions with staff, personal thoughts regarding the quality of artwork (and price, if applicable).
Grading Rubric for Grammar: the following will apply to the Exhibition paper.
1. Each occurrence of poor grammar and/or incorrect spelling: -5 points (minimum)
2. If the minimum length of written assignments is not met: -20 points per page.
3. A Works-Cited Page must be included if information in the paper was gathered published materials, outside of the students own experience. The lack of a work cited page may result in a F for assignment, or the course, and a charge of plagiarism. When no citations, if required, are present in the body of a paper: -30 points (automatic)
