<p>Does anyone have experience with the SUNY New Paltz fine arts programs (such as painting)? </p>
<p>I like what I hear about NP so far, but not much about the art department. Please advise!</p>
<p>Hi - my son is an art student at SUNY New Paltz. Although he is a graphic design major he has taken all the art foundation courses all art students take. The art school has a great reputation. My son has had a good experience with his art classes. The classes are small and the student support each others work. The population tends to be artsy as is the surrounding area and town. Have you been to visit yet?</p>
<p>D is a JR with a double degree- B.S. in Fine art/painting, B.A. in Eng. Lit. The fine art program is fantastic. You should visit, the facilities are great. The course selection is very good. She has had some teachers she loves, some not so much, but all in all she has had a great experience. Her advisor has been excellent at helping her negotiate her complicated schedule, so she will graduate in 4 years with both degrees and a study abroad. Great student body, she has met so many talented kids in all of the different art programs (photo, painting, sculpture, graphic) that kind of feed off each other for creativity and work together on projects. IMO NP has possibly the best fine arts program of SUNY. Lots of talented teachers that are working artisits in the field. She loves to be able to hop on the bus and go to the galleries in NYC (many for free). Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Yes, I’m looking forward to visiting!</p>
<p>Also check out SUNY Purchase.</p>
<p>Great program and they offer a BFA! The opportunities are tremendous. The school culture, facilities, and location are tailor made for that major.</p>
<p>Are you referring to NP or Purchase? Does NP offer a BFA?</p>
<p>What is the real difference between a BFA and a BA/BS in fine art? What are the advantageous/disadvantages of each?</p>
<p>Yes, NP offers a BFA. My son who transferred to NP chose not to do the BFA because it is a more extensive program requiring more classes and would have extended his graduation time. I think it is probably better to do a BFA though. He is doing a BA in visual art with a concentration in graphic design.</p>
<p>I’m sorry, that was unclear…I did mean to respond to the OP. I was referring to NP and yes they offer BFA’s. Good luck on your visit!</p>
<p>The curious thing is that NP makes you apply to the art school for a BA or BS as a freshman, and then in your sophmore or junior year you have to submit a portfolio and reapply if you want a BFA. I wonder if many people get rejected for the BFA? If seems like an iffy proposition. Seems to me that if you know you want a BFA you would go to a school where you can apply for a BFA as a freshman.</p>
<p>You can also get cut, after a year or two, from programs that accept you up front. Either way is iffy. The life of an artist is competative.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry too much about not getting accepted as a BFA applicant or getting cut at New Paltz. My son is not a top notch art student by any means and is managing quite well. His professors don’t only grade by talent, they grade by effort and creativity too. His good friend is a BFA student and by his estimation he is more talented than she is and she is not having any problems in the program either.</p>