Larissa Bailiff
I am an art historian, educator, and writer with over two decades in the field. In addition to my involvement in the arts & culture sphere, I am busy raising two very creative and unique teenagers, and a 4-year old rescue dog named Harper. Originally from Northern California, today I consider myself a true Brooklynite.
Since 2003, I have given hundreds of gallery talks and tours and taught dozens of in-person and online classes at the Museum of Modern Art, where I also led the Lecturer Program for some years. In addition to teaching art history courses at F.I.T. and Pratt Institute, I have lectured widely at galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions throughout the Tri-State area. I love teaching, exploring, and sharing art with others.
ArtsMuse
I do what I do because I believe that looking closely at and discussing art can be a significant, stimulating, even profound experience.
Classes and conversations–even virtual ones–offer a sense of connection and community that is missing from much of today's world. These types of encounters are essential to my own life and for many people I know. Whether giving talks, writing about, or facilitating conversations around art, my aim is always to engage others, make them laugh, get them to reflect, and share with one another. Above all, I would love for everyone to experience art and their own humanity just a little more deeply.
While specializing in European and American art and culture since 1800, my expertise and interests extend far beyond this. My passion for art history and for people is boundless! LET’S TALK SOME ART!
What People Have Been Saying About Larissa….
“Another wonderful lecture last evening. I learned so much and your wealth of knowledge on the subject left me with no questions, just a yearning for the next time and next subject.” - Susan Weiner
“Treat yourself to an art class with Larissa! I just attended her Jacob Lawrence class and it was wonderful. I left so inspired and full of the joy of looking at art!” - Angela Garcia
“Larissa is a stellar instructor. She shares her encyclopedic knowledge of art, culture and history in an engaging manner, encouraging participation and infusing life into every topic she touches upon. Her enthusiasm is infectious; I simply cannot get enough of Larissa's classes.” - Mudita Chawla
"Larissa is everything one could ask for in a teacher. She weaves together intricate stories with threads that only one who has dedicated her life to the craft can access so readily, pausing to ask her students what they see in the exquisite works that she shares. She is witty, generous, caring, extremely thoughtful and patient, and the atmosphere she cultivates is supportive. If you want to take an art class and feel absolute bliss, take Larissa’s classes.” - Sarah Johnson
“Larissa’s ArtsMuse classes have been an oasis for me during this long art-deprived pandemic. She has unlimited knowledge of her subjects and shares that extensive knowledge with engaging stories about each artist and their work. I have taken many, many classes led by Larissa at MoMA, and I am so grateful to be able to keep learning with her online during these challenging times. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!” - Fran Heyman
“What would I do if I hit the lotto -- I'd hire Larissa Bailiff to talk to me about art every day for the rest of my life! Some folks visit a shrink or a priest when they need to recharge their batteries... I simply attend one of Ms. Bailiff's superlative gallery talks at MoMA -- anyone reading this note owes it to themselves to do the same!” - Andrew Kosztyo