Studio Art (MFA)
Department of Art and Design
Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art is a 60-credit program designed to prepare students for careers as practicing professional artists. Comprised of a diverse group of students who share in a vision to explore, synthesize, innovate and create, the rigorous MFA program is a full-time two-year in-residence program that fosters opportunities for critical discourse in an environment where individuals can collaborate or work independently and make meaningful contributions to contemporary culture. A professional degree for studio artists, the MFA is also usually required for college-level teaching.
| Back to top |
Program
The MFA at MSU is unique in its interdisciplinary approach. Traditionally MFA programs require students to choose a concentration in a particular studio area such as painting or photography; however, contemporary artists tend not to be bound by singular modes of art making but work concurrently in a variety of forms and media. The MFA at MSU allows students to work in any studio area in a given semester, provided it relates to the student's ongoing project. This gives the student access to a more diversified faculty and contemporary ideas. Studio opportunities are offered in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, papermaking, filmmaking, video art production, photography, ceramics, fiber forms, jewelry/metals, and multi-media. The program further includes specific interdisciplinary courses such as Computer Generated Art, Art in Public Places, and Performance Art that allow students and faculty to explore concepts not rooted in a specific genre, Full-time students generally complete the MFA in two years. (note: While University policy permits students six years to complete the degree, MFA students are strongly encouraged to complete it within the two-year time period during which they are assigned studio space on campus. An extension of course work beyond two years will be considered in exceptional circumstances but studio space cannot be provided beyond the two year maximum.)
| Back to top |
Students
The MFA Program seeks to attract artists of diverse cultures, ethnic backgrounds, geographic derivation, and stage of career development in order to ensure wide points of view, artistic orientation and a stimulating atmosphere for discourse.
Assistantships and Recognitions
A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available each year, providing a waiver of tuition and fees and a stipend of $5000. GA's are assigned to a particular studio area (e.g. ceramics, sculpture) depending on the student's area of interest and needs of the studio areas. GA's work 15 hours per week as Technical Assistants, Studio Managers and Lab Assistants under the supervision of a studio area head and the MFA Director.
Apart from assistantships, students and alumni of the program have received many recognitions for their accomplishments including Joan Mitchell Foundation grants, solo exhibitions in New York galleries and critical reviews by major press.
Solo exhibition of alumnus Amer Kobaslija at George Adams Gallery
| Back to top |
Curriculum and Courses
The MFA curriculum is comprised of a core 48 credits including seminars in theory, criticism and art history; independent study in research, studio and criticism; completion of a final paper; design and production of an exhibition catalog; mounting of a solo thesis exhibition in a Manhattan space to which critics and gallery directors are invited; critiques by faculty and visiting critics; and a year-round Art Forum/MFA Lecture Series co-sponsored with the Montclair Art Museum. In conjunction with the core curriculum, 12 credits are available for courses in studio and free electives.
| Back to top |
Faculty and Visiting Artists
Faculty - The faculty of the MFAprogram are practicing professional artists with distinguished careers and exhibition records. Together they bring multiple points of view that stimulate critical discourse and inform development of the student's own vision.
Visiting Artists/Scholars Program - The Visiting Artists/Scholars program and the weekly Art Forum Lecture Series infuse the MFA program with noteworthy figures in the contemporary art world. These highly recognized artists augment the faculty, and broaden the range of knowledge and exposure to new media and approaches for our students. MFA students are expected to participate in this program.
- Critic-in-Residence - The MFA program sponsors a professional critic-in-residence who teaches two courses, MFA Seminar in Theory and Criticism I & II, and works with students on independent study projects. He/she also serves on student project committees and gives public lectures and critiques annually.
- Artist-in-Residence - Further augmenting the contributions of the faculty, a weekly visiting artist teaches courses such as Special Topics I, II, III, IV; and participates in the MFA Seminars in Studio Art program. Like the critic-in-residence, this person also works with students on independent study projects, serves on student project committees; gives two lectures per year that are open to the community and two critiques that are open to the entire Department. The professional artist-in-residence maintains an active studio on campus, which students are encouraged to visit.
| Back to top |
Studios and Facilities
The MFA program occupies a newly constructed, expanding facility exclusively dedicated to the MFA program including 22 large private studios; a mediated seminar room; common lounge and work areas; and a student MFA Gallery. In addition students have access to the facilities for the Department's twelve studio areas in Calcia and Finley Halls.
| Back to top |
Location Advantage
MSU's proximity to New York City (14 miles) offers a particular advantage to MFA students. The rich concentration of world class artists, museums and galleries in Manhattan is unparalleled, and directly accessible by bus and train from campus. Students are encouraged to visit artists in their studios and on a weekly basis artists from New York are invited to Montclair to conduct lectures and workshops.
| Back to top |
