My Third (Graduate School) Interview

Last, BUT NOT LEAST, I just came back from Buffalo and the Buffalo State Art Conservation Program, and it was quite an adventure. Unlike the other two programs, I had never visited Buffalo before, due to one major reason: I know no one anywhere near Buffalo. Well, I finally made it to Buffalo, for a very great reason, to interview at the program. I can honestly say I very much enjoyed Buffalo, or at least what I saw of it, which pretty much consisted of the conservation program at Buffalo State College and the surrounding neighborhood (Also the airport? But that never counts).

The interview itself was exactly as described on the website, a presentation of my conservation and art portfolio with questions. It was a conversation, and a friendly one. I was lucky to stay with a student-host who told me a bit about his experience in Buffalo. What he mentioned is something I think can be applied to the program, "it's friendly here."

The labs at Buffalo are currently being remodeled, so I was only able to see a portion of the facilities, and everything seemed great. Located on campus, the program is also directly across the street from the Albright Knox Gallery. Its surrounded by life, and seems to be buzzing with lively students and art enthusiasts. Because Buffalo used to be such a wealthy city, it has a lot of history, and the conservation program puts that to use, utilizing collections within the city as learning opportunities for the students.

The program itself is a community, of faculty and students, who work side by side together and support each other throughout the long hours in the labs. Professors are full time employees and work as mentors for the students lucky enough to be in the program.  The program is intensive, you live your life in the labs, so inevitably you become close with your fellow conservators in training.

I had a really wonderful time in Buffalo, although I did not have time to get buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar. Ultimately, it's a great program and congrats to those who will be accepted. We shall see if I am lucky enough to be one of them.