Modern & Folk Art Programs in New York City

Christie's Education, New York:
Christie’s Education New York (situated in midtown Manhattan opposite Bryant Park and the New York Public Library) is validated by the New York State Board of Regents to offer Master’s programmes in Modern Art, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market, and Folk Art Studies. Students are offered an unparalleled set of resources for professional training, academic learning, and personal growth through the study of the arts.

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Master's Degree - Modern Art, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market:

Program Objectives:
The Master of Arts in Modern Art, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market is designed to prepare students for the following:
* Visual Analysis, Identification, Interpretation and Description of Works of Art
* Assessment of Quality
* Art Historical Knowledge* Cataloguing
* Research
* Promotion of Independent Thinking
* Knowledge of the Art Market and the Auction House
* Preparation for Employment

The master’s program is made up of the following components:
* Modern Art Survey: Provides the basic frame work for understanding art history. The course is arranged chronologically from circa 1860 – present.
* Connoisseurship Seminar: Teaches the critical skills needed to look at art, write about art, research and evaluate works. Students regularly handle or view art objects from Christie’s Education’s study collection and visit artists’ studios, conservation labs, museums and alternative spaces.
* History of the Art Market Seminar: Introduces the institutional network that supports and promotes modern and contemporary art. Students frequently visit Christie’s to meet with specialists.
* Professional Practices: Enables students to understand the inner workings of the art world. Students hear from a range of professionals such as auction house specialists, curators, arts administrators, art dealers, private dealers, critics and many others.
* Historiography and Methods of Art History: Introduces students to the origins and development of the discipline of art history. This course serves as a general preparation for researching and writing the thesis.
* MA Thesis: Addresses topics in the history of fine art from 1860 to the present with emphasis on the problems of connoisseurship and/ or the history of the art market.
* International and National Study Trips: Every year the class attends a major contemporary art event such as the Venice Biennale or the Cassel Documenta. Each term students travel on day trips to visit great collections in neighbouring cities such as the Newark Museum, Ballatine House, and the Wadsworth Athenaeum.
* Internship Program: An opportunity for students to use the skills that they have obtained through the program. Typical internship opportunities include Christie’s, commercial galleries, museums, non-profit arts institutions, and elsewhere. Christie’s Education also selects one qualified applicant to intern with the Peggy Guggenheim collection in Venice.

Master's Degree in Folk Art Studies:

Program Objectives:
The Master of Arts in Folk Art Studies is designed to prepare students for the following:
* Visual Analysis, Identification, Interpretation and Description of Works of Art
* Assessment of Quality
* Art Historical Knowledge
* Cataloguing
* Research
* Promotion of Independent Thinking
* Knowledge of the Art Market and the Auction House
* Preparation for Employment

The master’s program is made up of the following components:
* Folk Art Survey: This lecture class provides a comprehensive survey for Folk Art Studies of the last three centuries, offering an in-depth study of Folk Painting, Sculpture, Textiles, Ceramics and Furniture.
* Connoisseurship Seminar: Explores issues of connoisseurship, to develop visual analysis, help with written description and practical connoisseurship skills. Emphasis is on art historical material under consideration in the Folk Arts Survey.
* History of the Art Market: Provides an introduction to the history of the art market and its practices; special emphasis is placed on understanding the auction house.
* Professional Practices: Organized around a series of panel discussions, lectures, and occasional trips to public and private collections, designed to build awareness of the arts in a wide range of arts related professions.
* Historiography and Methods of Art History: The goal of the seminar is to help students identify and to begin to utilize art historical methodologies appropriate to the field of Folk Art in general, and to their chosen thesis topic in particular.
* MA Thesis: Theses address topics in the history of folk art from the late 18th century to the present with emphasis on problems of connoisseurship and/ or the history of the art market and art patronage.
* International and National Study Trips: Christie’s Education students and faculty go on study trips relevant to the field of Folk Art, such as to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, and the Museum of International Folk Art in Sante Fe.
* Internship Program: An opportunity for students to use the skills that they have obtained through the program. Typical internship opportunities include Christie’s, commercial galleries, museums, non-profit arts institutions, and elsewhere. Christie’s Education also selects one qualified applicant to intern with the Peggy Guggenheim collection in Venice.

Certificate in Modern Art, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market:

Program Objectives:
The Certificate program is offered as a non-degree option for those who are unable or do not wish to commit to a full-time degree. The program begins in late September and ends in early June.

The program is made up of the following components:
*Modern Art Survey Lecture Course - Chronologically organized lecture series from Realism to Contemporary Art.
*Certificate Seminar - Intimate classroom sessions with occasional field studies to enable students to develop basic connoisseurship skills and become familiar with the recent markets and the New York art world.
*Professional Practices- A series that exposes students to practical knowledge and career options.