Precollege Programs at FIT

experiencing dreams… before college

Instructor Spotlight: Josef Zutelgte

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Marta

Professor Josef Zutelgte has been teaching in the Fine Arts Department at FIT since 2000, drawing, 3-D design and sculpture. He was born in Germany, attended the Westfaelische Wilhelms University and the Kunstakademie Muenster/Duesseldorf and received an MFA in 1983. After moving to New York in 1986, he studied at The City College of New York and earned an MFA in Sculpture. Zutelgte also collaborates with Phil Art Academy, preparing foreign students for U.S. undergraduate and graduate studies. Over the last several years, he has traveled to South Korea and China to coordinate intensive college preparation workshops. In the past, he has taught at Parsons and University of Pforzheim,Germany.

As a working artist, Josef Zutelgte has exhibited throughout the US and Europe, including the Corcoran Gallery, Washington DC, Jack Tilton Gallery NYC, Roman Zenner Gallery, Germany, Konrad Moenter Gallery , Germany, Univerity of the Arts, Philadelphia, Hunter College, NYC , University of Hawaii.

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Sculpture by Prof. Josef Zutelgte

Awards include Triangle Foundation NYC (Residency), National Foundation of the Arts , Miami (Residency) , and the Art Development Grant.

Website:
www.josefzutelgte.com

Prof. Josef Zutelgte Teaches:
HSX 021: Observational Drawing for Portfolios
HSX 022: Portraits for Portfolios
HFA 148 55A Fine Arts Portfolio

Teaching Philosophy:
In this age of globalization, digitalization, and climate change, the world (both natural and constructed) seems to change dramatically from one day to the next. It is my goal to help students hone their observational skills and encourage them to spend time looking at the world, question why things exist as they do, and propose alternatives in an ever-changing world.

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Sculpture by Prof. Josef Zutelgte

I view the classroom as a place for knowledge and inquiry, experimentation and discovery, failure and success. A successful art education allows and encourages the imagination to flourish. Through teaching, I have observed that as students develop their visual skills, they look more closely at their surroundings. As they find outlets for expression, they gain a deeper understanding of themselves—and this is the starting point for creatively engaging with our world. The creative process should be inviting, challenging, and fun. It is serious work, but we won’t find success if it doesn’t bring us pleasure.

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Sculpture by Prof. Josef Zutelgte

Advice for young students:
An important aspect of learning is to “play.” Art invites and encourages play and, in the process, you learn to take risks, solve problems, and find alternative solutions—all important things you can apply to other life situations.

On Precollege Programs:
It is absolutely awesome to work with many young motivated students and it is a great opportunity for students to find others with similar interests and desires.

Artwork by Prof. Zutelgte

Artwork by Prof. Zutelgte

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Sculpture by Prof. Josef Zutelgte

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Sculpture by Prof. Josef Zutelgte

Instructor Spotlight: Cristina Razzano

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Marta

Cristina Razzano is a 28 year old FIT Graduate, with her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. She is a South Shore Long Island New York native, working in many mediums. Her recent work primarily focuses on using found objects with embroidery/crochet/stained glass and painting in 2D and 3D; pencil drawings and jewelry made from sea life.

www.cristina-razzano.com
Professor Razzano teaches Middle School Workshops:
JSX 037 Middle School Sculpture
JSX 038 Multiple Media Workshop

Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching philosophy is based strongly on my years as a student; taking my experience under different types of teachers and professors, and translating that into my own classroom. As a teacher, I believe in providing students with a safe environment to explore their own methods of creating art and developing their own ideas, while connecting with fellow students. My goal is to provide an environment where they will learn relevant art history, different methods for making art, and to give them time and direction in order to focus on their personal artistic development. I strongly believe that nourishing the creative mind is crucial at every age, and my students will be immersed into art via classroom time as well as a field trip on the third class session to the art galleries a few blocks away in Chelsea. It’s very important to me that my students walk out of my classroom feeling confident, inspired and motivated.

On Precollege Programs:
The Precollege programs offered at FIT are a unique opportunity to experience college life and independence at a young age. As a graduate from FIT, as well as a former Precollege student from FIT, I can truly say that this program is an excellent step towards the future for these students. With courses geared towards different programs at FIT, all available to experience before even entering high school, students can begin to develop and expand their creative minds; and in what better environment than New York City, under the direction of professional New York based artists and creative minds.

Industry Experience/Recent Exhibitions:
Miniature Sculptor/Illustrator for Dwarven Forge; Art Instructor for SASF Jamaica NY, Art Instructor at Applied Arts, Amagansett NY

Recent exhibits include “Home” at Morris-Jumel Mansion and “A Show of Heads” Limner Gallery, Hudson NY

Past experience in Interior Design, Fashion Design, Accessories Design and Textile Design.

Artwork by Christina Razzano: