Located in the heart
of Manchester's Victory Park National Historic District, The New
Hampshire Institute of Art celebrated it's 100th Anniversary in
1998. This notable achievement was a celebration for providing a
century of service to students, artists, and the community.
The New Hampshire
Institute of Art is a private, not-for-profit corporation founded
in 1898 for the purpose of providing educational opportunities
for a broad regional audience to learn about and experience the
arts, as well as to develop programs that increase individuals
understanding and appreciation for the arts and humanities.
The Institute offers
over 100 arts courses each semester to an enrollment of over
2,100 individuals per year in a urban campus consisting of three
historic buildings. 26,000 people visited the Institute's gallery
spaces in the past year, and almost 8,000 people attended the
live theatre performances in the French Auditorium.
At an independent
college of art like the Institute, all of the resources of the
organization - facility, faculty, student services, and the
educational program - focus on the needs of the professional artist. The small size provides an intimate and supportive
atmosphere, with a strong sense of community that grows out of a
common commitment and mutual respect.
The liberal arts
courses often meld with the studio courses. For example, a
psychology course might focus on the psychology of art, and
physics might focus on light and color theory. It is clearly
understood that students select the Institute's environment
because they want to become practicing artists.
In it's main
building, the Institute has presented important local, national,
and international art exhibitions as well as providing
educational programs for students. The edifice at 148 Concord
Street has been a showcase for the best of the performing arts
for young people and adults. The elegant French Auditorium on the
upper level of the historic 1916 building has been the site for
special events and festive gatherings.
In January of 1998,
the Institute expanded its physical plant to include the former
Hesser College building located at 159 Concord Street. This 1915
red brick building is now known as Institute Hall, and houses
sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking studios as well as
general classrooms, faculty offices, a student lounge, and is the
home of the Kid's Acting Loft.
In 1999, the
Institute also acquired the 30,000 square foot neo-classical
building at 156 Hanover Street to add to the rapidly expanding
campus. This dramatic new space graced with granite columns and
pediment, now houses exhibition and retail marketing spaces,
offices, photography studios, general studios, and classrooms.
The architectural firm of Lavalle/Brensinger was employed to
design the renovation of the former bank building. As "Fuller Hall",
it became available for public use in the Fall of 2000.
Bachelor of Fine
Arts
The Institute's
four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program
continues to grow and provide outstanding students with an
in-depth study of ceramics, painting, photography, art history,
and the general fine arts. This past year, the Institute refined
and expanded its Foundation Program and developed a new team
taught, Foundation II course that provides students with
opportunities to think creatively about the construction of
three-dimensional forms.
Accredited by N.A.S.A.D., the current BFA
basic degree requirements include a 120 credit hour total, with
72 to 81 credits in studio related courses. 15 credit hours are
required in the traditions and philosophy of the visual arts. 24
to 30 credit hours are in general academic studies. A minimum of
30 credit hours are required in the major area of concentration.
Certificate
Program
The Institutes
two-year Certificate program offers concentrations in acting,
ceramics, creative writing, drawing, interior design, painting,
photography, and sculpture. The May 1998 commencement saw 17
serious art students complete these programs.
The course
requirements for the Certificate in Ceramics include four
required courses and four elective courses. Additionally, a
Thesis Project must be proposed and upon acceptance by the
faculty, will proceed as the final semester-long project.
Lifelong Learning
In keeping with it's
mission statement, the Institute offers a broad range of Life
Long Learning courses designed to enhance individuals
understanding of and appreciation for the arts. This course
listing is ever changing and truly offers something for everyone
from young children to seniors. Many of the BFA and Certificate courses
are also available to Life Long Learning students, providing opportunities for
advanced study for those not enrolled in a formal degree program.
The faculty of the ceramic department include:
For more information,
contact the following:
The main phone
number is (603) 623-0313.
The fax phone number
is (603) 641-1832.
Official New Hampshire Institute
of Art Website
Jump right to the Institute's website.
© 2000 + 2001 + 2002 +
2003 J. Baymore
all rights reserved
|
|
Annual League of NH Craftsman's Fair |
|
|
Professional Kiln Design and
Construction |
|
|
Home Page |
|
|
Home Page |
|
|
Send EMail to River Bend Pottery |
Studio visits are welcome. Call 603-654-2752
to make sure I'm there.
This page last updated:
05/23/2003 01:17 PM
Free JavaScripts provided
by The JavaScript Source