MFA Studio Art

Program Overview

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The program blends challenging coursework with practical studio work to improve students' ability to create complex, multi-dimensional art. An MFA is widely recognized as a necessary credential for a faculty position in higher education and is highly regarded by artistic peers and superiors.

Program Outline

This program is designed to help students master their craft, build their portfolio, and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. It blends challenging coursework with practical studio work to improve students' ability to create complex, multi-dimensional art. An MFA is widely recognized as a necessary credential for a faculty position in higher education and is highly regarded by artistic peers and superiors.

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Learning Objectives:

• Creating: Students will produce artwork that expresses a personal artistic vision, demonstrates technical expertise, and reflects an understanding of contemporary issues and culture.
• Interpreting: Students will demonstrate their ability to critically interpret works of art within a variety of contexts.
• Evaluating: Students will demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary art, ideas, and approaches in both written and oral forms.
• Presenting: Students will develop skills necessary for successful practice as an artist.

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Program Highlights:

• 2-year program with 60 credits
• Focus on contemporary art and issues
• 24-hour access to well-equipped art studios
• Close collaboration with faculty on portfolio development
• Culminating exhibition in the University Art Museum
• Teaching or Graduate Assistantship funding and 50% tuition waiver

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Outline

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Area of Specialization (28 credits):

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Drawing
• Digital Imaging
• Printmaking
• Combined Media (combining two areas)

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Required Courses (12 credits):

• Art 700 Departmental Seminar (4 credits)
• Art 745 Exhibition Thesis Project (4 credits)
• Studio art (4 credits) in any area other than the area of specialization
• Studio electives (8 credits)

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Art History (4 credits):

• Arh 600 Seminar in Contemporary Art

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General Electives (5 credits)

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Program Structure:

• The program is divided into three semesters per year, with fall, spring, and summer sessions.
• Students take a combination of studio art courses, art history courses, and general electives.
• The program culminates in a public exhibition of the student's thesis work in the University Art Museum.

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Individual Modules:

• Studio Art Courses: These courses provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, digital imaging, printmaking, and combined media.
• Art History Courses: These courses help students to develop a critical understanding of contemporary art and its history.
• General Electives: These courses allow students to explore other areas of interest, such as art criticism, curatorial studies, or art education.

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Assessment

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Assessment methods:

• Studio critiques: Students receive regular feedback from faculty and peers on their work in progress.
• Thesis project: The thesis project is a major component of the program and is evaluated by a faculty committee.

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Assessment criteria:

• Technical skill: Students are assessed on their ability to use a variety of artistic techniques and materials effectively.
• Conceptual depth: Students are assessed on their ability to develop and express complex ideas through their artwork.
• Originality: Students are assessed on their ability to create unique and personal work.
• Professional presentation: Students are assessed on their ability to present their work in a professional manner.

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• Individualized instruction: Faculty work closely with students to provide personalized feedback and guidance.
• Small class sizes: Students benefit from small class sizes that allow for individualized attention.
• Guest lectures and workshops: Students are exposed to a variety of perspectives and approaches through guest lectures and workshops.
• Studio visits: Faculty regularly visit students in their studios to provide feedback and support.

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Faculty:

The MFA program faculty are all accomplished artists and educators with extensive experience in their respective fields.

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Unique approaches:

• The program emphasizes the development of a personal artistic vision.
• Students are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and techniques.
• The program provides opportunities for students to exhibit their work in professional settings.

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Careers

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Potential career paths:

• Artist
• Professional photographer
• Designer
• Commercial art director
• Gallery director
• Critic
• Curator
• Museum professional
• College and university faculty
• K-12 educator

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Career outcomes:

• Our talented alumni have exhibited their works in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world.

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Other

• Students have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a variety of renowned regional venues, including the Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Albany Center Gallery, Collarworks Gallery, and the Albany International Airport Gallery.
• The program offers frequent departmental visits to several famous New York City galleries and museums.
• Students can participate in guided trips to attend regional presenters at locations all around the Northeast.
• Students can gain practical experience through funded assistantships, serving as Instructor of Record of an undergraduate foundation course under the supervision of a full-time faculty member.
• Positions held by previous UAlbany MFA students include:
• Curatorial Assistant in the University Art Museum
• Digital Lab Technical Supervisor
• Wood Shop Manager
• Metal Shop Manager
• Visiting Artist Liaison