Profiles of Art Program Students at SUNY Plattsburgh

Student Profiles

Meet Some of Our Students

Danny (Shyang-Min) Chang, Junior

Danny Chang is from Taiwan (R.O.C) and is a junior in the Art Studio program with a concentration in Graphic Design.

• View Danny Chang's Portfolio

My Professors Helped Me Discover My Talent

"I never thought I could draw, and I never knew I could be a graphic designer. David Powell and Norman Taber are two professors who helped me a lot at SUNY Plattsburgh. I decided to major in Art/Graphic Design because I took a 2D Design class with David, and then I fell in love with graphic design classes because of these two professors. Richard Mikkelson's drawing class has been very helpful too. They are all professional and experienced.

"Since we always limit the number of the students in each class, most likely everybody knows his/her classmates and professors well. We always communicate/critique in the classes, and I learned from my classmates a lot. It's not your typical college, which has 300 students in a class or 60 students in a lab. This school is not a super size university, so I can learn directly from the professors.

"This program combines the traditional value of the art and cutting edge of graphic design. I learned a lot of fundamental skills from the fine art department. Drawing classes and basic 2D class made me stand out from students of other design schools. My artwork has been displayed in the 2005 undergraduate exhibition. I am currently designing a Non-Profit organization website and also working on logo/brochure design with Art Therapy Program.

"Our program is very successful program. We have the most powerful G5 lab (newest dual 2.5Hz with 1GB RAM) with Epson 4000, Epson 3000, and HP5100 printers, a large size scanner, and a projector. In the library, we have a large collection of Graphic Design/Typographic books, and magazines are also available."

Danny's Advice for Students

"If your goal is to be a successful Graphic Designer, this school is a good choice for you. We get everything you want/need here. If there is something you want to learn and we don't have it. Don't worry, ask the professors. They get way more than you can imagine."

Andrea Becker, Junior

Andrea Becker grew up in Austria and is a Fine Arts major with a minor in Psychology.

One Art Course Led to a New Direction

"I think the college is large enough to draw a diverse crowd, yet most upper level courses are small enough to allow personal communication between instructor and student."

"During my first year, I declared myself as a psychology major and I was pretty set to follow through with this decision. However, after taking an art course and being surrounded by art students and the artwork being produced I felt inspired and courageous enough to change my major and pursue art. I enjoy the diversity of students I meet and get to work with. The fact that the art program represents only one of many areas of study leaves room for exchange of ideas between students involved in completely different majors. I think this is vital for scholastic achievement.

"The entire art faculty and various professors that I have worked with for my requirements/electives have provided a rich source for intellectual exchange as well as toward growth as a student/person. In particular, I would like to mention Dr. Donald Maier whose Philosophy course I attended. Critical thinking entails a whole different meaning thereafter. I also have to mention Professor Peter Russom and Professor Diane Fine who have been excellent mentors in pursuing my study of painting and printmaking, respectively."

Genessa Chaimberlain, Senior

Genessa Chaimberlain is a senior Art major with a minor in Psychology from Plattsburgh, NY.

The Variety of Classes Helped Me Find My Strengths

"The art program allows for an exploration of multiple mediums prior to finding an area of concentration. The foundation classes allow you to discover your own talent. I never felt pressured to adapt to one concentration too quickly. When I did find my area of study, I was still able to incorporate other classes that I felt strengthened my work as a whole.

"I am especially grateful for their help in making the transition towards graduate school. I'm very appreciative of their help and support during that process."

"The Art department is continually increasing their facilities whenever possible. The Digital computer lab and the graphic design lab have recently received several new G5 apple computers and Epson printers. There is more access for students, and a higher quality of work being produced. I believe the department will continue to add new equipment to meet the needs of an ever-increasing student body.

"The art program at SUNY Plattsburgh seems to expand every year. In the three years I've been here, I have witnessed tremendous growth as far the physical student body, and what is accomplished by each senior class at the Senior Exhibition and the strength of their work."

Ryan Cohen, Senior

Ryan Cohen is from Mineville, New York and is a senior in the Art Studio B.F.A. program with a concentration in Graphic Design.

I've Gained Real Skills in Graphic Design

"I like the way that the program initially provides a strong foundation in drawing and 2-D design, and then really encourages students to explore their own interests in advanced classes. I feel like I've gained real skills as a designer and begun to develop something that can truly be considered "art" in my drawings. As a graphic design student, I also appreciated having access to a lab full of Mac G4s."

My Instructors and Classmates Challenge and Inspire Me

"The faculty is incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and treats even freshmen students with a great deal of respect. My instructors, David Powell, Graphic Design, and Peter Russom, Drawing/Painting have both been very helpful. Both often enthusiastically donated extra time to helping me whether during office hours or not.

"There is a great sense of community among the art majors at Plattsburgh State. Everyone learns from everyone else. I was constantly inspired and challenged by my classmates and I like the unpretentiousness of Plattsburgh State."

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about art at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:

Dr. Karen Blough, Chair
Office: Myers Fine Arts 211
Phone: (518) 564-2468
Email: karen.blough@plattsburgh.edu

Kimberly Hall-Stone, Secretary
Office: Myers Fine Arts 220B
Phone: (518) 564-2179
Fax: (518) 564-2199
Email: art@plattsburgh.edu

SUNY Plattsburgh
Art Department
Myers Fine Arts 220 B
Plattsburgh, NY 12901