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catie
Student
Street, Maryland
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What colleges offer education in art conservation and restoration? What does college look like when I am studying in this field?
I've only been able to find like two colleges that offer programs that I am looking at. I would not like to go to a big college, I would do much better at a smaller one, I was looking at Marist College in New York but I need more than one option for college.
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Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Catie,
Good question! Art conservation and restoration is a highly specialized field, and while there are fewer programs compared to other disciplines, there are several smaller colleges and institutions you can consider beyond Marist College. Here's a list of schools with strong programs in art conservation and restoration:
1. Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) – This program offers a Master’s in Art Conservation and is one of the top programs in the U.S. While the University of Delaware is a larger university, the art conservation program is quite specialized and has a close-knit community of students.
2. SUNY Buffalo State College (Buffalo, New York) – Buffalo State offers a Master of Arts degree in Art Conservation. It’s a smaller program with a focus on hands-on experience in conservation labs, and they emphasize internships and practical skills.
3. Conservation Center, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University (NYU) – This program, while located at a larger university, offers a small and intimate conservation program with strong ties to museums and institutions in New York City. The program offers an M.A. in Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
4. Studio Arts College International (SACI) – Florence, Italy – SACI offers a unique setting for art conservation in Florence, one of the world’s cultural capitals. It’s a small school with specialized programs in both undergraduate and graduate art conservation. The program emphasizes hands-on work in the field.
5. University of Denver (Colorado) – DU offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a focus on conservation-related courses. While this isn’t a dedicated art conservation program, it can be a good starting point if you plan on specializing later in graduate studies.
6. Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UK) – If you're open to studying abroad, Camberwell offers a BA and MA in Conservation with a focus on fine art, paper, and 3D objects. It’s a small, specialized school within the University of the Arts London.
What Studying in This Field Looks Like
1. Foundational Coursework – Your first couple of years will focus on learning the science, history, and ethics of conservation. You’ll study chemistry, art history, materials science, and studio art to understand the physical makeup of artworks and the principles of preservation.
2. Hands-On Laboratory Work – Much of the program involves working in conservation labs, where you’ll practice techniques for cleaning, repairing, and preserving artworks and artifacts. You’ll learn how to use various tools and materials for treating different types of art (paintings, textiles, ceramics, etc.).
3. Internships & Practicum – Internships are often a mandatory part of art conservation programs. You'll have opportunities to work in museums, galleries, and historical sites, applying what you've learned in real-world settings.
4. Specialization – As you advance, you'll specialize in specific types of conservation, such as painting, paper, sculpture, or textiles. This involves taking more focused courses and deepening your practical experience in your chosen area.
5. Small Cohorts & Close Mentorship – Art conservation programs tend to be small, often with a tight-knit group of students and faculty. You’ll work closely with your professors, receive personal mentorship, and collaborate with classmates on projects.
6. Thesis or Capstone Project – Many programs require a final thesis or major project where you'll demonstrate your skills by working on a significant restoration or conservation project.
Given your preference for smaller colleges, SUNY Buffalo State, Winterthur/University of Delaware, and SACI might be good options to consider alongside Marist College.
Best wishes!
Good question! Art conservation and restoration is a highly specialized field, and while there are fewer programs compared to other disciplines, there are several smaller colleges and institutions you can consider beyond Marist College. Here's a list of schools with strong programs in art conservation and restoration:
1. Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) – This program offers a Master’s in Art Conservation and is one of the top programs in the U.S. While the University of Delaware is a larger university, the art conservation program is quite specialized and has a close-knit community of students.
2. SUNY Buffalo State College (Buffalo, New York) – Buffalo State offers a Master of Arts degree in Art Conservation. It’s a smaller program with a focus on hands-on experience in conservation labs, and they emphasize internships and practical skills.
3. Conservation Center, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University (NYU) – This program, while located at a larger university, offers a small and intimate conservation program with strong ties to museums and institutions in New York City. The program offers an M.A. in Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
4. Studio Arts College International (SACI) – Florence, Italy – SACI offers a unique setting for art conservation in Florence, one of the world’s cultural capitals. It’s a small school with specialized programs in both undergraduate and graduate art conservation. The program emphasizes hands-on work in the field.
5. University of Denver (Colorado) – DU offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a focus on conservation-related courses. While this isn’t a dedicated art conservation program, it can be a good starting point if you plan on specializing later in graduate studies.
6. Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UK) – If you're open to studying abroad, Camberwell offers a BA and MA in Conservation with a focus on fine art, paper, and 3D objects. It’s a small, specialized school within the University of the Arts London.
What Studying in This Field Looks Like
1. Foundational Coursework – Your first couple of years will focus on learning the science, history, and ethics of conservation. You’ll study chemistry, art history, materials science, and studio art to understand the physical makeup of artworks and the principles of preservation.
2. Hands-On Laboratory Work – Much of the program involves working in conservation labs, where you’ll practice techniques for cleaning, repairing, and preserving artworks and artifacts. You’ll learn how to use various tools and materials for treating different types of art (paintings, textiles, ceramics, etc.).
3. Internships & Practicum – Internships are often a mandatory part of art conservation programs. You'll have opportunities to work in museums, galleries, and historical sites, applying what you've learned in real-world settings.
4. Specialization – As you advance, you'll specialize in specific types of conservation, such as painting, paper, sculpture, or textiles. This involves taking more focused courses and deepening your practical experience in your chosen area.
5. Small Cohorts & Close Mentorship – Art conservation programs tend to be small, often with a tight-knit group of students and faculty. You’ll work closely with your professors, receive personal mentorship, and collaborate with classmates on projects.
6. Thesis or Capstone Project – Many programs require a final thesis or major project where you'll demonstrate your skills by working on a significant restoration or conservation project.
Given your preference for smaller colleges, SUNY Buffalo State, Winterthur/University of Delaware, and SACI might be good options to consider alongside Marist College.
Best wishes!
Thank you for giving me advice.
catie
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor