Reorientating the Art Department

The recent formation of a liaison committee between the Graduate School of Design and the Fine Arts Department emphasizes the University's need for a more adequate program of creative arts. Five years ago, after a drastic policy change, the College abolished its Art Department. As the department was then relatively ineffective, the change was justified; but since then there has been no reorganization. The current "Art Department" contains one man who gives three half courses in painting and design, and another who comes from Providence one day a week to teach sculpture. Beyond these classes--which, because of the large demand, are normally restricted to juniors and seniors, Harvard offers no other opportunities for painting. It thus remains the only college of its kind without a sufficient creative art program.

To make additions to the Art Department's distinctly limited staff would not be enough. It the committee is to improve the status of art at Harvard, it must instead plan a complete program. The creative art programs of other universities offer possible suggestions. Yale has a large new Art Department with an extensive school of its own; Columbia now requires a course in drawing and art appreciation of all sophomores. But neither of these programs seem wide enough in their coverage to suit Harvard's needs.

Perhaps the wisest answer to the College's problem would be to combine two suggestions made by former committees. Four years ago the University was urged to establish a studio for students interested in painting on their own, and to hire a teacher to give instruction to those wanting it. More recently many people have asked Harvard to make an agreement with the Art School of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, by which College students majoring in Art could study at the museum's school for credit. Although Tufts College is already considering such an arrangement, there is no reason why two colleges could not maintain working agreements with the museum, which is one of the country's top art schools.

By establishing a studio for all students interested in painting, and by also forming a relationship with the Museum of Fine Arts' school, Harvard could solve its problem. In this way the University would provide both casual and serious artists with greater opportunities.