Meet Suzanne Julig, Director of Summer Study at Sotheby’s Institute of Art – New York. We spoke to Suzanne about her extensive career in the New York art world and to find out more about the forthcoming 2016 program of Summer Study courses.
Where did it all begin for you? How did you develop a passion for art?
My love of art began with my parents. Although they were not collectors they did acquire some original drawings, and they had art books in the house, which I remember poring over. I particularly loved a book on Michelangelo and the close-up photos of the Pietà and Sistine Chapel frescoes. My parents also took my siblings and me to museums, which I recall thinking were the most amazing places.
Tell us about your career trajectory and how you came to work at the Institute in New York.
My career in the art field has consisted primarily of working in the New York gallery world and as an art advisor. My first job was as a lecturer and educator at the IBM Gallery of Science and Art, followed by positions as a Director at three major New York galleries, and culminating with the establishment of my own art advisory company. Throughout, I have specialized in American, European and contemporary art, placing works in collections, organizing exhibitions and teaching. I hold B.A. and M.A. degrees in Art History from Rutgers College, NJ and Hunter College, NY respectively. Directing the Summer Study Program at the Institute in New York has been a wonderful extension of the interest I have had in art education throughout my career.
In your experience as the Director of Summer Study in New York, how do the Sotheby’s Institute of Art summer courses lend themselves to learning about the art world?
Our 2 and 4-week courses in the areas of art business, contemporary art and art history are comprised of approximately 1/3 each in-class lectures, site visits and guest speakers, providing privileged access to both art venues and the expertise of practicing art professionals. Special site visits include historical New York City neighborhoods, Sotheby’s Auction House and other exclusive art venues. Lunchtime lectures by experts on topics such as auctions, careers in the art world, art advisory and the art market all enhance learning about the art world.
“Our faculty members and guest lecturers bring real-world experience to the program, sharing practical insights into the inner workings of the fine art business”
How does being an active professional in the art world as well as an instructor and lecturer benefit those who come to study at Sotheby’s Institute of Art on the Summer Study programs?
Our faculty members and guest lecturers bring real-world experience to the program, sharing practical insights into the inner workings of the fine art business, from an expert practitioner’s perspective.
In your opinion, what advantages are there to studying for a Summer Study course at Sotheby’s Institute in New York?
New York City, one of the great art capitals of the world, is the perfect place to take summer art courses given the wide range of excellent museum and gallery exhibitions, outdoor installations, art fairs and auctions. Students also have the opportunity to participate in myriad other cultural offerings, such as theater, music and dance.
“The Sotheby’s Institute Summer Study experience is immersive, exciting and transformative”
What is the best thing about New York in the summer?
New York is a fascinating city to navigate, and it’s wonderful to be able to walk from one place to another - or hop on a bus or subway - to easily take advantage of all the city has to offer indoors and out.
How would you capture the Sotheby’s Institute of Art – New York Summer Study experience into three words?
Immersive, exciting, transformative
What advice would you have for someone starting out in their career in the international art world?
I would suggest learning as much as possible about the numerous and varied career paths in the global art world and developing as many contacts as possible in the field. The Summer Study Program in New York is a phenomenal place to begin or to continue building a knowledge base and connections.
About Suzanne
Suzanne Julig is a fine art professional with 30 years in the field. She began her career at the IBM Gallery of Science and Art, first as a lecturer and educator, and then in the areas of exhibitions and communications. As a Director at three major New York galleries, she specialized in American, European and contemporary art. Suzanne has placed works with private, museum and corporate collections, in addition to curating exhibitions, lecturing on a variety of art-related topics, and teaching at NYU and the Sotheby's Institute of Art. In 2008, she founded her company Suzanne Julig Art Advisory, where she provides expertise to collectors, and in April, 2015 joined the Sotheby's Institute of Art as Director of the Summer Study Program in New York. Suzanne earned a B.A. from Rutgers College, Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude and with departmental honors in Art History. She holds an M.A. in Art History from Hunter College, with distinction, and was a recipient of the Harriet Rutter Eagleson Scholarship Award.