Description

Florence Revealed: Communication Arts in Florence

The Global Education Office and the Department of Communication Arts in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study on site in one of the world's foremost cultural capitols. Florence is a quintessential Italian city with cobblestone streets and art museums that are filled with some of the most impressive and historical art and architecture ever created. It has wonderful cafes and galleries and grand piazzas where one can watch the world go by. There's something new to view around every corner be it statues, fountains, churches or simply a picturesque winding alley.

Course and Credit Options: 6 VCU Credits
* COAR 391 Fundamentals of Drawings (Taught by Prof. Epsteyn)
* COAR 391 Landscapes & Cityscapes (Taught by Prof. Alcorn)

Course Description:
Courses will be conducted in the heart of Florence, Italy, which is known as the cradle of the Renaissance. Employing mixed media to create imagery "all'aperto" (in open air), students will address the fundamental analytical, anatomical, structural and compositional challenges involved in drawing directly from life. These include, but are not limited to: linear and atmospheric perspective, proportion, space/shape relationships and their measurement.

The program will be co-led by Stephen Alcorn, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Arts, and Albert Epshteyn, adjunct professor in the Department of Communication Arts.

Stephen Alcorn is a printmaker, illustrator, designer, painter and author with an international reputation. He studied at the Instituto Statale d'Arte in Florence before moving to the United States to study at Cooper Union New York, NY. His curriculum vitae lists 45 international, national and regional exhibitions, which includes five separate exhibitions at the Society of Illustrator's Museum of American Illustration in New York City. He has illustrated 32 books and is currently working on Forever Dylan, a book focused on the life of Bob Dylan. Mr. Alcorn's work spans a broad spectrum of technical excellence from traditional woodblock printmaking to digital communications.

Albert Epshteyn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Orel Arts College in Russia and a Bachelor of History and Education from L.N. Tolstoy Tula Pedagogical University in Tula, Russia. He is a painter and master draughtsman with an expertise in fundamental, analytical, anatomical and structural drawing from observation.

Highlights

While in Italy
The program will include museum visits and study tours, most notable of which is an overnight excursion to the historic and breathtaking city of Venice. Considered an architectural marvel, Venice is a city that is in jeopardy of sinking. Participants will also have the opportunity to join other excursions to a variety of memorable Italian locations or may spend their weekends enjoying the marvels of Florence. Additionally, students will visit the Vatican Museum, as well as explore the surrounding hillsides of Florence with Prof. Alcorn.

Housing:
Housing will be arranged on a double occupancy basis in two-bedroom apartments, about a 15-minute walk from the Art Institute of Florence. Students will be able to prepare meals in their apartments or may elect to eat at the Art Institute of Florence or in one of the many local cafés and restaurants in the city.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Art/fine Arts
• Arts
• Communications

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD3,000 + airfare + tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,900 - USD3,100 and includes the following:
* Accommodations
* Italian health insurance
* Study tours and admissions
* Florence museum pass
* Excursions to Rome, Siena, Pisa and Venice
* CAPA International Program Services
* On-site Program Director support
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identity Card
* VCU administrative fees
* Application deposit

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Most meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program estimated at $1000
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 16.

Experience Required

yes

This program is open to all applicants, regardless of major, with a 2.0 GPA or higher.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

1838