Student Experiences, 2023

Blair Tyler Peters (Graduate, MFA)

A literal and figurative maze, Venice makes it its goal to disorient you so that to truly delve into everything it has to offer you need dedication and time.  And that is precisely what the Pratt in Venice Program offers: dedication to its rich history of art and the luxury of time to experience it while culturally immersed. Venice is a mysterious city that slowly reveals itself if you give it time and attention. Its beauty is entwined in its decay and fully appreciated as you recognize and understand its long history.

As a second year MFA graduate student on the program, I was both a painting student and an assistant in the printmaking studio. The studio courses allowed me time to process my experience visually, as well as learn new skills and resurrect old ones in the printmaking studio.  I had the time to focus on my work and at the end of the six weeks, I completed a significant body of work that will be an on-going part of my art practice. 

The strength of the program lies in the faculty and the inclusion of all students on every art history field trip. The schedule is set so that no class overlaps allowing each student the opportunity to attend every field trip. Professors Gisolfi and Kopta are experts in their field and bring Venetian and Byzantine art to life. This unique exposure and education offers further insight into Venetian history and culture while providing a counterbalance to the studio experience.  The scheduled field trips outside of Venice are incredible as well.  Our visit to the Scrovegni Chapel to see Giotto’s frescos was a highlight. Thanks to the co-ordination by Professor Gisolfi, we had an hour long private viewing of the chapel.  The vaulted ceiling with its blue mantle of stars surrounded by 14th-century frescos, brought to life by our professors was an unforgettable experience. 

Maria Yaksun (Undergraduate)

My experiences this summer can only be described as life changing, with the Pratt in Venice program surpassing my wildest expectations and having a transformative impact on my art and studies and myself as a person. 

While intimidating and challenging at times, the immersion of the Pratt in Venice program was incredibly eye opening! Throughout the six weeks I was experiencing Venice in its present and historic state: studying the Piazza San Marco through paintings and readings, then dashing through the Piazza itself, past the Basilica and the Doge’s palace, to catch the vaporetto on my way to class in the mornings. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to conduct independent research in that environment! With the support of Pratt in Venice professors I was able to conduct my own field research which took me to strange and exciting places, such as an interview with the monks at San Giorgio Maggiore, and on wild goose chases through churches and libraries. Beyond acquiring enough material for my paper, this experience showed me what being an art historian could truly mean, and where my hard work and commitment could take me. 

My time in Venice was also incredibly inspiring artistically, and I felt that my research and my art finally began working together in harmony. I was inspired by the ornamental architecture, paintings, textiles, and vistas of Venice, and translated what I was seeing and learning through class notes and drawings. The numerous museum visits, trips, night drawing walks, walking tours, etc offered during the program were opportunities to draw firsthand from the historic elegance of Venice and from the works of past masters, and build up a library of influences and references that I continue to draw from in my work. 

I attribute my strengthened confidence in myself and my abilities, and my better understanding of myself as a student, artist, and person to my time spent in Venice this summer surrounded by amazing professors and people. I am truly grateful for this experience and would not trade it for anything!

Dayne Traynor (Undergraduate)

Pratt in Venice was a truly unique and invaluable experience that I am forever grateful to have been a part of. Not only was I able to gain knowledge and exposure to a wealth of artistic history and culture, but I met some amazing people along the way. Each of my peers introduced me to a new mindset, lifestyle, or perspective and the mutual exchange of ideas and experiences was genuinely beneficial to all of us. The PiV faculty were all so passionate, knowledgeable, and encouraging, and I felt immediately welcomed in this new city with such supportive people around me.

I was initially intimidated by the intensity of the program, but I quickly became immersed in the city and all it had to offer. Pratt in Venice exceeded my expectations in every way, opening doors to opportunities I had never even considered. It was so exciting to access behind-the-scenes insights and knowledge from conservators, workshop staff, and other experts. The impact of on-site exploration, where I was able to witness Venice’s rich art and architecture firsthand, was a transformative experience. Wandering through the historic streets of Venice, Padua, Ravenna, and other nearby areas, I felt a profound connection to the art and culture that had previously only existed for me in books. In our free time, we were encouraged to venture outside Venice, allowing me to visit Aquileia, a place I had always dreamed of seeing. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the entire PiV team for making this experience possible and for their dedication to fostering such an enriching learning environment. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a special and unique program that will stay with me for a lifetime.