As a staff member at the University, you are probably juggling many hats. On the one hand, you serve as a resource to students, faculty members and the community about your department and programs. On the other hand, you are typically supporting or running a program, and sometimes teaching classes or workshops at the University. This section of our web site is designed to help you to use the Fine Arts Center in all the facets of your work here at the University.

The Fine Arts Center's Education/Access and Marketing Departments are collaborating on a new initiative called Class Act! which seeks to integrate the Fine Arts Center's programs and exhibitions more fully into the curriculum of the University. We are very interested in helping teaching staff to utilize the Center's programs in their classes, and the resources presented on this site are one expression of this effort.

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A LITTLE Q&A....

WHAT IS THE FINE ARTS CENTER?

New staff members, in particular, are often unfamiliar with the Fine Arts Center and its resources. It's confusing: there's the building called the Fine Arts Center, and then there's the organization called the Fine Arts Center. So here's a bit on the organization: The Fine Arts Center consists of six performing arts programs, four art galleries and three educational programs (all are listed under the Centerwide Programs section of this web site). Our events range from Broadway musicals to sound installations, and our emphasis is on presenting a world view of the arts.

WHAT TEACHING RESOURCES DO YOU OFFER FOR UNIVERSITY STAFF?

From the multitude of teaching resources available at the Fine Arts Center, we have culled those that have particular relevance to staff. Just click here to go to that part of our site.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT EVENTS AND EXHIBITS ARE SCHEDULED?

On this site, you will find two calendars: one lists all the events of the Fine Arts Center, and the other lists just the educational programs that are linked to events--this way you can locate the information that is most useful to you. We hope you will take the time to peruse each calendar to learn about what we have to offer.

HOW DO I SIGN UP MY STUDENTS TO ATTEND EVENTS AND EXHIBITS?

Remember that admission to all of our galleries is FREE of charge, except for special events. Most of the educational offerings (such as master classes, residencies, lectures and similar events) are typically offered free of charge as well. And Five College students can get discounted tickets to all of our performing arts events--as can staff! So here's how you do it: if you want your class to visit an exhibit during gallery open hours (again, check this web site for the gallery hours), just call the gallery in advance to let them know you are coming. If the gallery staff is available at that time, they may even be able to bring your group on a tour. For performing arts events, many staff members just collect money from their students to buy tickets in a block, so everyone can sit together. Otherwise, students can buy their own tickets by calling (413) 545-2511 or visiting our online ordering center. Teaching staff who assign their class to attend a ticketed performing arts event are entitled to one free ticket, based on availability (provided it isn't sold out). Call Maren Brown at (413) 545-4164 for more information.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A MASTER CLASS OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MY STUDENTS?

Many of our programs already have associated educational events which are typically open to the University community. However, if you are interested in booking a master class or other event for your students, we would like to help facilitate this process. Please call the Director of Education/Access, Maren Brown at (413) 545-4164 and she will help to connect you with the appropriate Fine Arts Center staff member who can help you.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any questions after perusing this site, please feel free to call Maren Brown, Director of Education/Access at (413) 545-4164 for additional assistance.