Bard Graduate Center is devoted to the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through research, advanced degrees, exhibitions, publications, and events.

Bard Graduate Center advances the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through its object-centered approach to teaching, research, exhibitions, publications, and events.

At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life.

Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum.

BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026.

Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College and a member of the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH).

Professor Kenneth L. Ames moderates “Conversations with Alumni: Life After BGC” with panelists (from left to right) Meaghan Cain, Adrienne Bateson, Emily Klug, Csongor Kis, and Patrick Sheehan.

Alumni Conversations

On September 13, the Bard Graduate Center held “Conversations with Alumni: Life After BGC,” a special program designed specifically for current students and alumni to learn more about the kinds of jobs that our graduates find.
In addition to gaining first hand tips and advice from individuals working in a particular field, these programs are an important way for students and alumni to connect with their colleagues. The focus of this event was auction houses, galleries, and appraisal firms. Professor Kenneth L. Ames moderated the panel, which featured five alumni.
Patrick Sheehan (MA 2003), currently an appraiser at Gurr Johns, shared his experiences as a specialist at auction houses and how he successfully transitioned into becoming a professional appraiser. Csongor Kis (MA 2006) and Adrienne Bateson (MA 2011), who now work at Sotheby’s as a specialist and administrator respectively, explained the differences between these two areas in an auction house. They helped the audience to better understand the benefits and challenges of each career path.
Meaghan Cain (MA 2011) contributed by relaying her experiences as a sales coordinator at Christie’s. To provide insight into careers in galleries, Emily Klug (MA 2006) talked about working directly with collectors and in galleries, most recently at the Pace Gallery. The BGC will organize future “Conversations with Alumni.”