Master of Arts in the History of Decorative Arts
to Unite Distinguished Institutions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corcoran College of Art + Design
and The Smithsonian Associates announced today a new collaborative venture to
offer a Master of Arts in the History of Decorative Arts. Combining the
distinguished record of educational and cultural excellence held by these two
world-renowned institutions, the graduate degree program will provide students
with an unparalleled academic experience.
Beginning in the Fall of 2005, students will have the opportunity to study
with a distinguished faculty of leading decorative arts experts and curators
taking advantage of the collections at the Corcoran Museum of Art and
Smithsonian museums including the American History Museum, National Portrait
Gallery, Renwick Gallery, Freer and Sackler Galleries, and the Smithsonian
Castle. The degree program will provide students object-based academic study
balanced with the professional connoisseurship training afforded by unique
behind-the-scenes access.
"Expanding the Corcoran's graduate degree offerings by partnering with The
Smithsonian Associates is an excellent example of leveraging the strengths of
two of Washington's greatest cultural assets," said Christina DePaul, Dean of
the Corcoran College of Art + Design. "As the only museum school in the city,
the Corcoran provides an unmatched educational experience for undergraduate
and graduate degree students, as well as continuing education students
interested in pursuing studies related to the arts, whether for personal or
professional enrichment."
"Completing this master's degree in the history of decorative arts
provides students with the scholastic and connoisseurship skills that open
expansive career opportunities to them as a museum curator, historic site
director, auction house representative, author, educator and more," said
Cynthia Williams, Director of the Masters Program.
In addition to the immense historical resources offered in the Washington,
D.C. region, students will also have the opportunity to study at the Sotheby's
Institute of Art in London under the direction of an international faculty and
auction house staff through the Institute's existing relationship with the
Corcoran.
Degree candidates may choose to enroll as full or part-time students with
the opportunity to expand their studies to include electives in fine and
studio arts, design, interior design and more.
For more information on the Master of Arts in the History of Decorative
Arts visit http://www.corcoran.edu or call 202-786-3229.
ABOUT THE CORCORAN COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN
Founded in 1890, Corcoran College of Art + Design is Washington's only 4-
year college of art and design, offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
degree program in Fine Art (painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking,
ceramics and digital art), Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Photography
and Photojournalism; a two-year Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree program in
Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Digital Media
Design, a Masters of Arts (MA) degree in Interior Design, Teaching and
Education, as well as a 5 year combined BFA/MA in Teaching; and a Continuing
Education Program encompassing more than 250 courses and seven certificate
programs aimed at meeting the needs of part-time adult students; as well as
year-round classes designed especially for children and teens. The Continuing
Education Program, which offers part-time credit and non-credit classes for
children and adults, draws more than 3,500 participants each year.
ABOUT THE CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
A privately funded institution incorporating both a museum and college of
art and design, the Corcoran Gallery of Art was founded in 1869 as
Washington's first museum of art. It is one of America's oldest art
institutions, predating both New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the
Boston Museum of Fine Arts and is known internationally for its distinguished
collection of historical and modern American art as well as European painting,
sculpture, photography and decorative arts.
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at New York Avenue and 17th Street,
NW, Washington, D.C., and is open every day, except Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
and until 9 p.m. on Thursday. The museum is closed every Tuesday. Admission
to the Corcoran is: $6.75 for adults; $4.75 for senior citizens; $3 for
students with current ID; and $12 for families. Free for Members and children
under 12. Admission is "pay as you wish" on Monday all day and on Thursday
after 5 p.m. A satellite educational facility is located at the Corcoran's
historic Fillmore School in Georgetown at 1801 35th Street, NW. The public
information line for the museum is 202-639-1700; the website address is
http://www.corcoran.org. The public information line for the college is
202-639-1800; the website address is http://www.corcoran.edu.
ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
The Smithsonian Associates is the Smithsonian's center for life-long
learning, creating educational and cultural programs that highlight and
complement the work of the Smithsonian Institution. Each year it offers more
than 1,500 performances, lectures, courses, workshops and special events on
the National Mall and across the country. Now in its 39th year, The
Smithsonian Associates is the nation's largest and most intellectually diverse
museum-based continuing education program. Individuals of all ages and
backgrounds engage in the life of the Smithsonian by participating in these
events. The Smithsonian Associates can be reached at 202-357-3030 or
http://www.SmithsonianAssociates.org. The ticket and administrative offices
are located at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, Suite 3077, 1100 Jefferson Drive,
SW.
ABOUT THE MASTERS PROGRAM IN THE HISTORY OF DECORATIVE ARTS AT THE
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES
The prestigious two-year Masters Program in the History of Decorative Arts
prepares future design and decorative arts historians, curators, educators,
and administrators. Leading to a Master of Arts degree, the curriculum
includes courses in furniture, ceramics, glass, metals, textiles and costume.
Studies address a wide range of issues including social, economic and cultural
history, critical theory, styles and techniques, and professional field
training. Students benefit from the unparalleled resources afforded by the
Smithsonian Institution, the Washington, D.C. region and an expert faculty of
scholars and decorative arts professionals. The Masters Program in the
History of Decorative Arts can be reached at 202-786-3229 or
DecArts@tsa.si.edu.
CONTACT: Lara Kline of the Corcoran College of Art + Design,
+1-202-639-1833, LKline@corcoran.org; or Christine Cimino of The Smithsonian
Associates, +1-202-786-3248, ciminch@tsa.si.edu.
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