The Master of Fine Art in Studio Arts at MECA is focused on the development of multidisciplinary, research-based practices that are articulated through studio production, curatorial experimentation, and critical writing. The MFA is a flexible 60-credit graduate program that allows students to choose low, medium, and high residency options for the completion of their degree. Beginning in 2010 a series of new electives in Independent Curating will be offered for those students who wish to expand their practice to embrace project-based models of interpretive installation.
At the core of the full-time MFA is a series of intensive 8-week summer residencies in Maine that are subsequently supported through the delivery of on-line curriculum and the pairing of each student with a personal studio advisor wherever they may live. Outside the summer sessions, the “portability” of the program allows full-time students to continue working in studios at the Maine College of Art or to return to studios in their own home communities. Part-time options (currently under review) will focus on independent studio work supported through a series of four summer-only residency periods with no outside coursework or advisors.
The curriculum of required courses and specialized electives is taught by a dynamic team of core, visiting, and advisory faculty who work closely with students both on and off campus. Each student prepares a final thesis project in Maine which is adjudicated by a panel of core faculty, internal and external examiners.
The program at MECA nurtures the development of more refined relationships between three key aspects of production: stimulus, practice, and analysis. These three components are seen as seen as mutually interdependent forces that continually shape and challenge artistic experimentation and response. Through its flexible program of core courses, electives, and significant independent studio time, the MFA encourages students to find stimulating source material for their practice and to become articulate and passionate translators of material, intellectual, and analytical experience both within and outside the studio.
The Master of Fine Art in Studio Arts at MECA is a fully accredited graduate program focused on the development of multidisciplinary, research-based practices articulated through studio production, curatorial experimentation, and critical writing. The MFA is a flexible 60-credit graduate program which makes it possible for students to choose Medium or High residency options for the completion of their degree. All students must attend summer intensive semesters in Maine but may choose to either work in the MECA studios during the winter and spring Semesters or return to their home studios for the rest of the year before coming back to Maine the next summer. Beginning in 2010 an additional series of new electives in Independent Curating will be offered for those students who wish to expand their practice to embrace alternative models of production and interpretation.
The graduate program at MECA nurtures the development of more refined relationships between three key aspects of production: stimulus, practice, and analysis. These three components are seen as mutually interdependent forces that continually shape and challenge artistic experimentation and response. Through its tripartite faculty structure of core, visiting, and advisory instructors as well as its responsive program of required courses, electives, and significant independent studio time, the MFA encourages students to find stimulating source material for their practice and to become articulate and passionate translators of material, intellectual, and analytical experience both within and outside the studio.
Please visit our curriculum page for more detailed information regarding the residency options, the required and elective courses, as well as the faculty structure.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010-2011 academic year.
