Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSurface pattern design major in VPA to be cut
Abstract:
Surface pattern design, a program in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, will no longer be offered as a major, said Marion Dorfer, an associate professor in the program.
A required meeting for SPD students and faculty will be held today at 11:30 a....
- Displaying 1 - 11 of 11
jacobina3
posted 5/17/09 @ 9:33 PM EST
Originally posted byVPA alum
I find it curious that VPA is identifying SPD (with 30-40 majors) as a small program, and justifying this is the reason for its dissolution. Especially considering that programs like Sculpture also have only two full time faculty members and ONLY 10-12 undergaduate majors TOTAL (including 3 graduating seniors). Or Fibers and material studies, with only one undergrad major (who is graduating). What these programs do have, however, is space (Most of Comart). It also doesn't make sense that SPD was relegated into a shoebox; meanwhile the 7th, 6th, 5th, and 2nd floors of the warehouse (previous temporary home to Architecture) are COMPLETELY EMPTY.
It is a shame that this program, which has a respectable internship record and market viability, has become victim to university bureaucracy. Whether or not we realize it, surface pattern design is probably the the only type of art that most people in this country have in their homes, on their bodies, in their wallets, and interact with on a daily basis. My heart goes out to you SPD, it is very sad you have become a victim of space politics.
let alone the fact that this program has had 100% job placement over the last 20 years... very disturbing
Working VPA Alum
posted 3/04/09 @ 2:15 PM EST
Not only is this frustrating and sad, but it is a direct result of very poor planning and the VPA administration's neglect. The SPD students are being punished and penalized because their professors can't get along and work together. They have yet to find common ground and it is the students who suffer from their petty differences. It has been a problem for a very long time, the office politics surrounding the SPD department. As a SPD grad working in the Home Furnishings industry I know first hand the benefits of being well trained in surface design. Having a good hand, color sense, design skill set and being computer savvy are necessities, most of which I learned at school. While the computer lab was archaic, the skills were still valuable. I competed against and work with FIT grads, who are going to completely dominate the industry if SPD doesn't continue to live on. I recommend new faculty and staff with more current work experience and who are able to work together and not against each other. What a shame this was to find out. This is because of very poor decision making and many of these problems that were very apparent as many as 6 years ago continue to be an issue.
Art Director, SPD Alum
posted 3/04/09 @ 3:48 PM EST
What the VPA administration does not realize it the importance of these graduates in the Fashion, Home Fashion and many other industries. This major does not merely breed artists who can paint flowers well - but rather creates individuals who serve as the link, bridging the gap between fine art and the corporate world. SPD students create artwork for every type of product in this consumer driven marketplace.
They are more qualified and knowledgeable than any graphics majors, illustration majors, and graduates from other school with similar degrees.
Its insulting that the VPA would discredit a program so vital to the workforce. Especially one that boast of high job placement. Good luck placing those cermaics majors!
They are more qualified and knowledgeable than any graphics majors, illustration majors, and graduates from other school with similar degrees.
Its insulting that the VPA would discredit a program so vital to the workforce. Especially one that boast of high job placement. Good luck placing those cermaics majors!
VPA Alum
posted 3/04/09 @ 5:21 PM EST
Unbelievable! One of the few programs in VPA Art & Design that has graduating students with jobs in their chosen field. I think that this was a way to end the feuding of the SPD faculty. Grow up ladies and think of your students for once! If VPA is going to end a program take a look at the Fibers program. Oh I forgot...that's where Ann Clarke came from.
susan williams
posted 3/05/09 @ 6:22 AM EST
As a parent of an SVA graduate who majored in surface pattern design, I heard stories from my daughter about the lack of facilities and the outdated computers the students had to work with. I know they tried to get help from the administration but had no luck. Meanwhile, I was paying every semester an additional fee because my daughter took art classes. She also complained to us that professors in the "fine arts"were often less than complimentary about surface pattern majors. How sad for Syracuse and for SVA that they can be so short sighted as to eliminate a program that trains artists for real jobs.
Courtney Vagliardo
posted 3/05/09 @ 3:20 PM EST
This is so unacceptable. My entire career is built from what I learned in SPD. So many industries will suffer from this.
Class of 99' alumni
Class of 99' alumni
Senior Designer, SPD Alum
posted 3/09/09 @ 10:53 PM EST
I find it really disheartening that a program that is over 70 years old and is so well known in the home furnishings and textile industry for producing such skilled and talented designers is being cut. This is so unacceptable, I would not be where I am today if it weren't for this program and the amazingly talented professors I had. In our field all you have to do is mention Syracuse and SPD and peoples ears perk up. I alone have had the pleasure of working with six different SPD grads since I graduated from Syracuse. We are constantly in touch with our fellow graduates and are always looking out for one another. Everyone knows the caliber of designer that comes out of this program and I think its a real disgrace that incoming students will not have the opportunity to major in Surface Pattern.
Deborah Benson
posted 3/11/09 @ 11:31 AM EST
SHAME ON ANYONE wanting to eliminate this as a major. I would not be where I am today had it not been for my major in SPD. This is a travesty. And a VERY foolish decision. Why eliminate a major that has such a high job placement for its graduates?!? This makes me furious, and sad for those who do not get the chance to gain this amazing, unique niche degree. Syracuse SPD graduates are SOUGHT AFTER in the industry.
Successful 1999 SPD Alum
Successful 1999 SPD Alum
jacobina3
posted 5/17/09 @ 9:31 PM EST
as a vpa grad- class of 89- i have to say that i am disgusted by this turn of events.
since i can remember- at least since 1984, the powers that be have been threatening to cut the spd program. they have always been looking for a way to get this accomplished and apparently it has happened. since the 80's the space that was allotted to the major- i.e studio space- was constantly being cut little by little and given to other programs; this major has always been the butt of jokes from those in id, interior design, architecture, to be sure, and painting and graphic design majors, professors etc...
it is maddening to know that s.u is cutting of an integril (sp?) part of their program; people who major is this program start their careers as designers who after working their way throught their industries, become design directors, creative directors, and eventually vice presidents and presidents of design in the most influential design houses in the world. it is the only major that had 100% job placement post graduation over the last 20 years, at least.
further- the program was the most widely recognized program for having the most talented, well trained young designers in the country.
i have been in the field for over 20 years, and have ended up hiring people from many programs over the the years, and s.u grads were always the most prepared, understood technical issues that grads who attended other programs.
this news is disconcerting, at best and is disturbing and maddening, sad and hard to understand why this major has, over the years, gotten so little attention from the vpa deans on down.
disappointed that someone or a group of people let this slip through their fingers and dropped the proverbial ball on keeping the program alive.
since i can remember- at least since 1984, the powers that be have been threatening to cut the spd program. they have always been looking for a way to get this accomplished and apparently it has happened. since the 80's the space that was allotted to the major- i.e studio space- was constantly being cut little by little and given to other programs; this major has always been the butt of jokes from those in id, interior design, architecture, to be sure, and painting and graphic design majors, professors etc...
it is maddening to know that s.u is cutting of an integril (sp?) part of their program; people who major is this program start their careers as designers who after working their way throught their industries, become design directors, creative directors, and eventually vice presidents and presidents of design in the most influential design houses in the world. it is the only major that had 100% job placement post graduation over the last 20 years, at least.
further- the program was the most widely recognized program for having the most talented, well trained young designers in the country.
i have been in the field for over 20 years, and have ended up hiring people from many programs over the the years, and s.u grads were always the most prepared, understood technical issues that grads who attended other programs.
this news is disconcerting, at best and is disturbing and maddening, sad and hard to understand why this major has, over the years, gotten so little attention from the vpa deans on down.
disappointed that someone or a group of people let this slip through their fingers and dropped the proverbial ball on keeping the program alive.
eric
posted 5/18/09 @ 8:49 AM EST
Is it just me or does it look like that girl is doing lines off the table? Yay optical illusions!
- Displaying 1 - 11 of 11
VPA alum
posted 3/04/09 @ 11:45 AM EST
It is a shame that this program, which has a respectable internship record and market viability, has become victim to university bureaucracy. Whether or not we realize it, surface pattern design is probably the the only type of art that most people in this country have in their homes, on their bodies, in their wallets, and interact with on a daily basis. My heart goes out to you SPD, it is very sad you have become a victim of space politics.