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[50+]

Are any of you in the Fine Arts field?  I'm wondering about campus visits - what do they expect you to do?  I'm specifically wondering about visual arts / studio arts.

[Professor Emulsion]

A campus visit in the visual arts/studio arts will include a meeting with the chair of the art department, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, a 45 minute presentation on your work as it relates to contemporary art and sometimes a "mini" lesson/demo in your field to the search committee. Expect a long day, with lots of meetings and time for lunch in between.  Don't order food that requires a lot of chewing, as you will be asked questions during lunch. Be sure to ask for some time to set-up/prepare and gather your thoughts before you lecture. Most schools are still using slides for presentations, however sometimes art history rooms are set up for powerpoint presentations. Best of luck to you! Professor Emulsion

[Xanthus]

At my small liberal arts school you would have a lengthy schedueled interaction with the students during which you would talk about your work, how you would help them in their various pursuits, and how you would improve/revamp the program. Figure out if what the department wants is what you do--painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, whatever. Take the student interaction very seriously as it is critical. The other professors will be looking for "energy" and how effectively you communicate your ideas. You may even be asked to take part in a critique this time of year as seniors are graduating. Try to have fun with all this and be yourself--good luck!

[Etienne]

Some schools, if you're shortlisted, the meetings will be initially with the faculty search committee and the academic deans. At times, the first time you'll meet with the students, is when you're hired.
If the interview is close enough to home, a good practice is to make a discrete visit to the studio areas/gallery, and find out the style and content of the work being produced therein. Also a good means to check on the facilities without asking at an interview questions about institutional liabilities.
If your asked in, do well, but do not assume that it will necessarily lead to a posting. The MFA type jobs get so many applicants, that often the decision is made in house, sometimes prior to reviewing all the applications.  In some cases a field visit, is a acknowledgement of hiring procedures, and not necessarily legitimate.
Also, screen your work, if asked to do a presentation for faculty/deans and etc.  Often the manner of thing produced in grad schools, is not the manner of work with which to get the posting.  Very helpful to know the cultural environment of the school to which your applying...and set your slides to fall within that range.
Grad school art paradigms, as fun as they might be at the time, are often a style and situation which is very, very specific.  Ironic really.

[50+]

Etienne,  please give me some examples of types of work that would not be suitable for presentation to get the job.  My own work is somewhat traditional in appearance - the core of it is in the subtleties.  I am assuming that one of the prejudices in a department might be against work that appears too traditional or realist - am I off the mark?  50+

[Prof. Emulsion]

Dear 50+. The best approach is to be yourself. Would you be a good fit within their department, and vice versa. I wouldn't tailor your slide presention too much. If you do end up going to a school with a specific "agenda" or approach,  are you okay with that? Etienne has given good adivce, it is wise to check out the modis operandi of the department you visit. Just don't edit yourself out of the edit. It's imporatant to show them your work, who you are and what you offer. Best of luck. Prof. Emulsion

PS. Did you attend CAA by any chance? I'm assuming you've already interviewed with this art dept. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your teaching philosophy, teaching style, strengths/weaknesses, your ability to do service/committee work, your work as it relates to contemporary art, the role of theory or art history within the studio based classroom, exhibition trajectory, future goals, etc.. You will also be asked questions regarding your work, and the relationship between your studio work and teaching.

[50+]

Thank you Prof, wise and comforting words - I have to remember that it's the fit of the position that is important for all involved.  The thought of "editing" myself is quite depressing.
50+