For art students used to doing tangible work in a studio, things have changed since schools were forced to close campuses due to the coronavirus. Russell Sage's art department found a way to move all its classes online, serving the students and the faculty in more ways than they imagined.

"I think if you had asked me a month or so ago if it would be possible to move a lot of these courses to distance learning, I think I would've been skeptical," said Matthew McElligott, the school's art department chairperson.

McElligott says he and his faculty found ways to use different types of multimedia tools to continue students' learning online.

Jossalynn Harris, a senior majoring multimedia design, found herself back at home trying to work in a space she wasn't used to, but says it's actually working in her favor.

"Spending 12 hours a day in the studio at school where that's my only purpose, and now coming home was definitely a little worrisome because of all of the possible distractions I'd have," Harris said. "But I definitely got a jump start on building a studio at home, so it's been great and I've been able to put in the hours that I might normally not be able to at home ...  And I've built a darkroom in my basement, so I do that on top of a ping-pong table."

Harris says one of her professors also has a way for students to mail film she can develop in her own dark room if needed. And as a result of moving classes online, Harris is learning new programs and skills she believes will give her a leg up on job hunting. For one of her recent online projects, she built a digital roller coaster installation in her backyard.

"Just even with the roller coaster project and learning Adobe Aero, there are so many programs I've learned that other students at other schools aren't learning," Harris said. "And even the programs I do know, like Photoshop and Illustrator, there are so many new things I didn't know that was possible with those programs that will definitely set me apart from other applicants, and maybe even open me up to other opportunities I never thought I'd have."

One of the most exciting parts of being an art student is getting to display your work in a senior show, and this year, that has moved online for Sage, too. Harris says while she was initially bummed out, she's now excited for the opportunity.

"I'm out of state and most of my family would have not been able to see the show, and FaceTime definitely would not have done the work justice. So now they're able to view it online, as well as so many other people who may have not seen my artwork or other pieces in the show," Harris said.

And McElligott says this transition and creativity by both faculty and students truly shows others what getting an art degree is all about.

"Art school is about more than just learning to draw and to paint and to sculpt. Those are all very important things, but a big part of what we're about is learning to solve problems creatively," McElligott said. "Things like design thinking and project management, so in a way, everything we've been doing as a department has prepared us for this."

The show for Sage's art students is going to be online starting Tuesday night at art.sage.edu.