Our advising team consists of faculty and professional staff who have been specially trained to assist students just like you. They are familiar with the drive you have, as well as the challenges you face. They also are specialists in SMFA Continuing Education. They know the educational options we offer through both Continuing Education and the School’s full-time programs, as well as the strengths of each of our faculty members.

They can help you choose the course that’s right for you, plan a path of study based on your strengths and interests, or guide you if you are interested in building a portfolio.

At the SMFA we recognize that disciplines converge and influence each other, and that contemporary art is truly interdisciplinary. Therefore, in addition to encouraging you to build a solid foundation in your medium of interest, our advisors may suggest you acquire skill sets in new media in order to create new possibilities and forms of artmaking.

The Advising Team

Robert Siegelman has taught and advised students at the Museum School for more than 20 years. He also privately coaches, critiques, and mentors artists working in various mediums, and is co-director of Art in Amsterdam, an intensive studio program that brings artists to Amsterdam each summer to make art.

Abby Zonies received her MFA in painting from Museum School/Tufts in 1981. She has been teaching drawing and painting in Continuing Education and summer sessions for over 20 years. Abby has advised many students over the years and has participated in SMFA review boards and mid-semester critiques. Along with teaching and advising experience, Abby continues to educate herself by enrolling in printmaking and ceramics courses through the Continuing Education department. 

You may also meet with Debra Samdperil, director of continuing education, or Dan Johnson, assistant director, regarding your advising needs.