For the past eight years, Melissa Kuntz, associate professor of art at Clarion University, has written art reviews for several different types of publications. She shared her expertise and experiences with the campus community as the opening speaker of the spring portion of the 2009-10 Clarion University Faculty Author Seminar Series.
In her presentation, "Writing About and Reviewing Art," Kuntz spoke about being a reviewer for Art In America magazine, one of the most prestigious art publications, and for the Pittsburgh City Newspaper. Her reviews are from exhibits of painting or photography of shows across
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| Melissa Kuntz |
Her love of art prompted Kuntz to want to write reviews of exhibits. "I was interested in writing about art," she explained. "I enjoy going to view the exhibit and doing the research needed to write the review. Art reviews can not be too negative because the art has to have some worth or it would not be reviewed."
There is a contrast between the writing styles Kuntz must use with the two publications. Art In America is more academic and her reviews must be writing in the voice of the magazine. The reviews are edited for style and content by the magazine. "It is rare for anyone's copy to be approved with no changes," said Kuntz.
By comparison, Kuntz called her reviews from the Pittsburgh City Newspaper, "More fun. They relate to popular culture and I can do a lot more with them when I am writing, because the pieces can be longer."
Kuntz is occasionally contacted by a publication to do a review, but the majority of her assignments start with her visiting an art exhibit. If the show interests her, she pitches the idea of a review with a publication, with about half of them being accepted.
"I spend time with each piece of art," she said. "It there is nothing written about the artist, I contact them and talk with them about their work. I also research other articles written about the artist."
Her efforts have led to additional writing opportunities. Kuntz was asked to write the forward for a book collecting the photography of Scott Peterman.
Kuntz brings her experiences back to her classroom at Clarion University. "I use it a lot in my teaching," she said. "I tell my students interesting facts. The images translate into teaching. I take my students to shows when it is possible."
She has taught at Clarion University since 2004 and previously taught at Purchase College SUNY, Purchase, N.Y. She received her M.F.A. degree and master of arts degree in modern and contemporary art, theory and criticism from Purchase College SUNY, B.F.A. from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and B.A. degree in philosophy from University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan.
The Faculty Affairs Committee of Clarion University Faculty Senate in cooperation with the University Libraries sponsors the Faculty Author Seminar Series. This initiative is funded through the Clarion University-Wide Faculty Development Committee's Presidential Advancement Award. For further information, contact pkolencik@clarion.edu.
The upcoming speakers on the Spring 2010 program include Dr. Kevan Yenerall, political science, Wednesday, Feb. 10, and Dr. Greg Goodman, education, Monday, March 22. All presentations begin at 12:15 p.m.
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