Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Conversation by Email


These emails have been copied verbatim in the order that they occurred with the exception of changing the names.  



Subject: Navigating the Art World

Hello Professor Krapf, 

I am an MFA student at UP and will be teaching Navigating the Art World this summer.  I understand you are currently teaching the course.  Would you be able to meet with me and give me a little more guidance toward teaching the course?  Best practices, resources for the students and myself, how you think the course might best be compressed and organised in a summer term, etc.

Thank you very much, 

Michael Merry

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Subject: Navigating the Art World

Hello Michael-

I offered ART321 during Winter Term and it was tough covering the 14 week syllabus content in 5 weeks.

I will send you copy of my ART321 syllabus however I think you should seek mentorship form Chair Hester on how to teach the course.

I do not have time to meet with you as I am under a show deadline for a June 1, 201 opening.  

If your summer course is offered in second session I might be able to consult with you.  I did not receive notice that ART329 was to be offered.  Perhaps the ART123 Approaching Paintings would be a better summer course offering.

Regretfully,
Val

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Subject: Navigating the Art World

Hi Val, 

Ok.  That winter term syllabus would be appreciated.  

Thank you very much, 

Michael

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Subject: Requests for Art 321 Info.

Hey Michael-

You may be MERRY but I am not.

I do not have electronic copy of that Winter Term syllabus as it was on my UP computer which went down in the middle of F10 and has not been repaired.  I have no ability to get anything off the hard drive.

I can only give you my S11 syllabus because that is what is handy.   I do not have time to hunt around for other back years copy.  I must submit my syllabus  for ART321 to the Art Office each semester I teach and they should be able to give it to you-- especially if they assigned you to teach it!  Are they telling you to contact me?

I was not notified of ART321 being scheduled in Summer Session.  Did you ask to teach this ART321 class?  I want to know more about who assigned you to teach it.  I know nothing of your background but the course description clearly states the course problems include both 2d & 3D creative problem solving. I do not recognize your hotmail email.  Are you even a UP Grad student?   If so in what studio concentration?   WHo are your MFA advisors?   Perhaps they could mentor you as I do not have time to do this on short notice.

Regretfully,
-Val.

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Subject: Requests for Art 321 Info

Hi all,

Michael Merry is indeed a grad student , and Val I am one of his advisors, I've never taught 321 nor do I have a syllabus. Michael is a painting concentration grad. Please give Michael any insight that you have about 321, I am available to help. Is there a syllabus in the office to consult? 
P

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Subject: Requests for Art321 Info

Professor Krapf, 

I'm sorry if I bothered you or wasted your time.  

Sincerely, 

Michael Merry

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Subject: Check This Out

Hey Man, check this out!  

Scroll Down.

M.

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Subject: Requests for Art 321 Info

Hi Val,

Michael Merry is a first year MFA painting student.  I am one of his advisors  - as are Amanda and Patrick.

Sounds like Michael needs to get the syllabus from the office, he is teaching Intro to Print this semester and I believe he is capable of teaching 321 - both the 2d and 3d.

Best,

Vanessa

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Subject: Thanks for your help.

Hi Vanessa & Patrick, 

Thank you for the emails.  

This doesn't look like an avenue I care to explore any further.  I'll figure it out.  

Thank you again, 

M.

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Subject: Clogged Channels

Michael-

I am not faulting you- but feel strongly that some of this communication should have come from the Art Office when they solicited you to teach.

The channels are clogged. 

However I will tell you that I clearly did not recognize who you are from your email address.  I bit of background on yourself might have provided a smoother introduction.

I would have still said I do not have time right now.  Ask the Art Office for the electronic syllabus and then ask me again at the end of the S11 term.

I feel strongly that W term and Summer Session should not offer the same 3 credits if the same amount of work cannot be produced.

-Val

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Subject: Requests for Art 321 Info

Hello Val and Michael,

Congratulations on your upcoming show, Val, if it is in the area I hope to be able to attend.

This is the first that I am hearing about this class, but I am more than happy to help you, Michael, in any way I can. As Val has pointed out, the syllabus for the course is in the Art Department office, let's get a hold of a copy of that to begin with and then meet to discuss your ideas for teaching the course. 

Again, good luck with your show, Val.

Best,


Amanda

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Subject: Apologies

Hi Michael,

My apologies for Val. She has had a difficult time of it for the last decade or so at UP and as a result just oozes bitterness. Just shrug it off and I'll be happy to help you with the class.

Thanks for your help with the poster, by the way (I was a total jerk and forgot to thank you earlier today).

Amanda

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Subject: Apologies

Hi Amanda, 

No Problem.  

I figured out the bitterness pretty quick & just told her I'm sorry for bothering her.   

I had the syllabus from the website.  The class, as she teaches it, looks very dense.  I was asking about any additional resources she uses and a little advise about how to compress the class into a shorter term and still meet the objectives.  

Anyway, I can figure it out.  If you can spend a few minutes looking at it with me I would appreciate it.  

Thank you very much.  

M.

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