GOAL:

To provide School of Art students with valuable career development experiences through art patron sponsorships while raising funds to support special learning opportunities and related research. In this innovative course, taught by Professor Layne Goldsmith, each student learns strategies and skills for the design and production of custom carpets and accent rugs for a participating sponsor. Your participation in this project will ensure the success of this innovative educational opportunity.

Number of Sponsors: Limited to 15 per Winter Quarter

Sponsorship Amount: $350.00 for woven sample + xxxx* rug option

Commissions: The Artist-Client Process An Uncommon Learning Opportunity

The UW School of Art builds upon the successes of its existing B.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. programs with courses that expose students to career skills that are valuable to practicing artists. With this in mind, Professor Layne Goldsmith has developed a course curriculum that explores a career path followed by many artists, and that fills a need that has been repeatedly voiced by arts alumni.

Many visual artists supplement their income by working with clients to create one-of-a-kind, commissioned works; but it is rare that art students have the opportunity to gain practical experience with this type of professional relationship. Professor Goldsmith’s answer to the need is Commissions: The Artist-Client Process, an upper level course that is offered in Winter Quarter. By the end of the course, students will have participated in all phases of the commission process and will have learned many of the issues associated with the execution of an art commission. Coursework also covers small business development + business planning, copyright issues, fair trade and labor related issues, environmental and labor issues related to production, and more.

The Coursework:

Open to all advanced studio art majors by portfolio review, Commissions: The Artist-Client Process pairs a sponsor as “client” with a student as “artist.” Each pair works together – from initial consultation to presentation of the finished commission – to design custom carpets and accent rugs for a specific location identified by their sponsor. With Professor Goldsmith’s supervision, the client-approved designs are sent to Nepal where they are hand-woven. The cumulative process introduces students to issues of fair trade in developing economies, demonstrates the importance of the rug weaving industry to Nepal’s economy, and exposes students to the potential income represented in the interiors market. Students are also introduced to contracts, shipping, duties, and customs regulations. To augment their work with sponsors, students attend lectures, work sessions and discussions on a range of topics designed to outline the commission process. When the carpets are complete, students and sponsors have the unique opportunity to present their work in a group exhibition.

You Make the Difference As a sponsor in this project:

You have the uncommon opportunity to participate in an exciting learning experience for developing artists while supporting special student opportunities related research. When you support this innovative project, your investment helps the students in the School of Art become better equipped to meet the future demands of a career in the visual arts. In return, you receive a one-of-a-kind carpet designed for your home, office or other special site.