Why do people think a B.A. in Art is frivolous?

I am graduating in 2 weeks from my University with a B.A. in Art/Photography and I feel like some people don’t think it’s real. I completed an internship in conserving old artwork, and have been prepped in museum/gallery protocol, which is what I want to go into. Must be nice to have a cake-walk Marketing or Business degree, where you can just go home to read the material for class. Art majors have to be at the school, in the darkroom, graphics lab, printmaking, ceramics, etc. We don’t get our degrees by sitting at home and reading. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of reading to do for the foundation courses, plus all the other general/elective courses. Art majors are the ones who are at the school from 8 a.m to 10 p.m (or later!), rockin it out, and ultimately coming out with a more well-rounded education than most. I just wonder why so few people understand the commitment to a degree in Art?

Both of my sisters have a BA in the arts. One in photography and the other in fine arts/painting/illustration. I know just what you are talking about. With studio time and projects that have to be completed, the art student puts in more time than pretty much anyone else on campus.

Newark Museum official – 100 Masterpieces of Art Pottery, 1880-1930