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Joseph Cunniff

Continuing Studies Instructor

Contact

Bio

Continuing Studies Instructor (1997). BA, Liberal Arts, 1974, M.Ed, Fine Arts, 1980, Loyola University. American Conservatory of Music. Concurrent Positions: Faculty, DePaul University (1984); Open University, Jewish Community Center (1976). Publications: Hyde Park Herald, North Shore Magazine, Downbeat Magazine. Membership: Chicago Tour Professionals Association, 1997-present.

Experience at SAIC

The students are of all ages, and come from many places and from all walks of life. It is so enjoyable to have atmosphere in which people, regardless of their background, feel free to explore art and to talk about art. So many people in the classes become friends with others in the class, and that fosters and even more relaxed and fun atmosphere of learning.

Personal Statement

I try to devote my life to continuous learning. Each morning, before I allow myself to read anything in English, I study a few minutes of French, and look up a few words in Spanish, German, and Italian, including opera works. Every day I then read a saying of Confucius, a page about the saint of the day, and a line from Goethe's "Faust" in German and in English. Then I can study art history. I try to help instill in others a love of continuous learning and a growing appreciation about how art, architecture, music, theater, and film all relate to one another and, each in his own way, to each of us.

Actor-voiceover for stage, television, and radio. Instructor-speaker for many groups, schools, and universities including DePaul University (1984-present), Wright College, Edison College of Florida, Mt. Carmel High School, Jewish Community Centers Open University. Certified Member: Chicago Tour Professionals Association (1997-present). Has taken or led 16 art and music study trips to Europe.

Current Interests

Classical music, opera, jazz, theater, languages, travel, continuous reading, and the collection of the Art Institute itself.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This course examines seminal works in the Art Institute of Chicago collection. Classes meet in the galleries and observe, discuss, and find connections between works in different points of history. Students learn how to analyze a work of art and gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and the range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. This course begins with Ancient Greece and Rome. It continues through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th and 18th century Romantic periods, ending with the late 19th century and the dawn of Impressionism. Such renowned artists as El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner are included, along with lesser-known artists.

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Class Number

2391

Credits

1

Description

Exploring the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course takes advantage of one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and van Gogh, among others. Through lectures and discussions, students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the period in which it was created.

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates.

Class Number

2295

Credits

1

Description

This course examines seminal works in the Art Institute of Chicago collection. Classes meet in the galleries and observe, discuss, and find connections between works in different points of history. Students learn how to analyze a work of art and gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and the range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. This course begins with Ancient Greece and Rome. It continues through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th and 18th century Romantic periods, ending with the late 19th century and the dawn of Impressionism. Such renowned artists as El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner are included, along with lesser-known artists.

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Class Number

2392

Credits

1

Description

This course examines seminal works in the Art Institute of Chicago collection. Classes meet in the galleries and observe, discuss, and find connections between works in different points of history. Students learn how to analyze a work of art and gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and the range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. This course begins with Ancient Greece and Rome. It continues through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th and 18th century Romantic periods, ending with the late 19th century and the dawn of Impressionism. Such renowned artists as El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner are included, along with lesser-known artists.

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Class Number

2296

Credits

1

Description

The Art Institute of Chicago's collection includes nearly 300,000 works of art. Spend five weeks with an experienced guide exploring highlights from several periods. Each day you will meet in the Art Institute galleries to view artworks, share perspectives, ask questions and learn engaging stories and important information about some of the most revered artists and art movements in western history. Lectures will provide insight into the lives of artists and will build connections across various art periods highlighted in our world-class museum.

Week one: Old Masters
Week two: Impressionists
Week three: American Art
Week four: Early Modern
Week five: Newer Trends

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Class Number

1009

Credits

1

Description

The Art Institute of Chicago's collection includes nearly 300,000 works of art. Spend five weeks with an experienced guide exploring highlights from several periods. Each day you will meet in the Art Institute galleries to view artworks, share perspectives, ask questions and learn engaging stories and important information about some of the most revered artists and art movements in western history. Lectures will provide insight into the lives of artists and will build connections across various art periods highlighted in our world-class museum.

Week one: Old Masters
Week two: Impressionists
Week three: American Art
Week four: Early Modern
Week five: Newer Trends

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Class Number

2372

Credits

1

Description

The Art Institute of Chicago's collection includes nearly 300,000 works of art. Spend five weeks with an experienced guide exploring highlights from several periods. Each day you will meet in the Art Institute galleries to view artworks, share perspectives, ask questions and learn engaging stories and important information about some of the most revered artists and art movements in western history. Lectures will provide insight into the lives of artists and will build connections across various art periods highlighted in our world-class museum.

Week one: Old Masters
Week two: Impressionists
Week three: American Art
Week four: Early Modern
Week five: Newer Trends

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Class Number

1419

Credits

1