Winter 2012

We are engaged in entering the well of our life and in reaching as deeply into its sources as we can.
~Ira Progoff

In many cultures winter is traditionally a time of gestation and reflection. Moving into a deepening relationship with individual and collective sources of creative energy is an integral component to the flowering of new life. It allows us to trust in the greater cyclical processes that continually move around and within us. As artists, each time we reach toward the sources that support us in our creativity, we find a place of renewal and inspiration.

Program updates: Every six years each program enters into a university review process to examine the strengths of the program and to consider areas that need to be modified. These areas include enrollment, assessment, course content, learning outcomes and professional development. 2012 is designated as the official review year for A&C although we began a process of re-visioning last year based on our own internal needs. Input is continuing to be gathered on possible directions for A&C’s future through student and faculty meetings, a student survey and a series of meetings with MA and MFA alumni who were selected from a wide range of criteria including graduation dates, creative practices and career applications. Future actions to be taken include student and alumni meetings, an alumni survey and the development of an A&C program advisory committee.

Staff changes: Core faculty Robbyn Alexander will be leaving her position as an A&C administrator as of January 14th. She will continue to teach, be on Review committees and be available for Final Project Advising. Adjunct faculty Amy Conger has accepted a part time Affiliate faculty position and will be coordinating Midpoint and Final Reviews and the Mentorship program as well as advising students on academic choices as they move through their programs.

Welcome to new faculty Sas Colby who will be facilitating A&C5670 Group Studio Practice: Art as Improvisation in the Winter quarter.

Upcoming events:
NexUS12, the A&C Community Art Exhibition reception is Saturday, January 14 from 6:30-9pm.
Bring a pot luck dish, family and friends and celebrate the dynamic and vital creativity that of our program.

An Open House for perspective students will take place on the Berkeley Campus on Saturday, January 28 at 10:30am. Please pass on this information to everyone you know who could benefit from an A&C immersion into creative practice. Many people who enter the program have said that a talk with a student or alumni convinced them to explore Arts & Consciousness. You have the capability to create a growing A&C community through your inspiration and actions!

Partial Spring course preview:
New course and faculty: A&C5670 Group Studio Practice: Writing and the Creative Process with faculty Alisa Golden, 1 unit, Thursdays, 4:30-7pm
New course: A&C5670 Group Studio Practice: Dream Collage with faculty Robbyn Alexander, 2 units, Saturdays, April 14, 28 and May 12, 10:30am-6pm
Returning: A&C5342 Art and Shamanism with faculty Dr. Mark Levy, 3 units, Mondays, 4:30-7pm
A&C5675 Career Pathways with faculty Seth Eisen, 3 units, Wednesdays, 7:30-10pm
A&C 5320 Art and Symbolic Process with faculty Margaret Lindsey, 3 units, Tuesdays, 4:30-7pm