News and Media

Article By: Gina Marshall
Published: Oct 29, 2009

While Kristen Densmore (M.F.A. student in photography) worked on her final paper for her online contemporary art history course during spring quarter, her professor, Anne Swartz, Ph.D., sponsored her entry to the American Craft Council 2009 Conference’s call for papers. Densmore was awarded a scholarship that covers all conference registration fees and three nights’ hotel stay, enabling her to attend the October conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Densmore’s research paper, “Symbolic Craft in the Work of Faith Ringgold, Kara Walker and Sonya Clark,” discusses the work of Clark, one of the keynote speakers at the conference. In fact, Densmore learned about the conference while researching Clark. After realizing she was interested in all the speakers and events being offered, Densmore decided to apply for a student scholarship to attend.

Densmore—who uses alternative photographic processes to print on handmade papers and fabrics, then embroiders on top of the images—is incorporating craft into her M.F.A. thesis. With an affinity for handmade objects, the organic- and earth-based materials used in most crafts, and the long history of craft in American society, Densmore possess a thorough understanding of both new and historic crafts. She said craft media are not only practical, but also connect people emotionally; she has a personal connection to craft heirlooms handed down through generations in her family. “In this super-fast, instant-gratification and technologically complex world, I think it’s important to slow down, use our hands and reconnect with traditional mediums,” she explained.

Densmore said she is excited for the opportunity to attend this conference. She will meet well-known professionals in the craft field, build her network of contacts and make connections throughout craft fields. She’s also looking forward to being inspired by the art and ideas presented at the conference, she said. “I always get a lot of energy and artistic momentum from other people’s work.”

During this past summer, Densmore worked in Montana near Glacier National Park, where she spent her free time hiking and taking photographs.

Densmore utilized blended-learning option
Densmore originally began her SCAD studies in Savannah, then accepted an internship at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, which led to full-time employment. She eventually decided to return to SCAD, but knowing she would be unable to relocate to Savannah until Fall 2009, she decided to enroll in eLearning courses. In Spring 2009, she took Contemporary Art History and Digital Studio II online. “I found them to be super challenging, but I learned a lot and got great feedback from both my professors and other students,” she said.

All SCAD students have a blended-learning option, which allows them to take classes online at any point during their course of study. Students take online classes from any location and with no set class meeting time. Not only do online classes allow students increased flexibility, but online courses contribute to the conservation of energy and building space, and also minimize gas usage and parking space. Utilizing the blended learning option is a win-win situation for both students and the university. SCAD students interested in taking an online class should speak with their academic adviser.

Learn more about the American Craft Council 2009 conference.

SCAD eLearning students are encouraged to attend SCAD conferences and lectures. Additionally, lectures and events are available in the Virtual Lecture Hall and SCAD TV.