Writing is performance. Visual artists, designers, musicians, writers, dancers, filmmakers, actors, artists of every kind come together in a supportive workshop environment to develop their writing skills. Students practice the skills of argumentation, research, and clarity of expression that benefit critical pieces as well as the kinds of writing they are likely to have to produce as professional artists or critics in the field. In the first half of the class, students learn the craft of critical writing, from the ground up—constructing one analytic essay in increments. The second part of the semester is devoted to putting these skills into professional practice, as students write artist statements, reviews of current work, personal essays, creative pieces, and more. Students read top critics in their fields as well as writers from the canon particularly relevant to their own work.