Program Director: Mary Martin, Ph.D.
Email: mary.martin@vermontstate.edu
Program Description
A Master of Fine Arts from Vermont State University features studio work and immersion in a community of professional artists. Grow and master your artistic expression — and build meaningful relationships that will support your lifelong art practice. Our M.F.A. can be campus-based, low residency, remote, or any combination of the three. We give you the power to create the full strength of your vision and put your art at the center of your life.
Why Study Art at Vermont State?
Flexible program: This is a single M.F.A. program with a flexible menu of course options that enable you to work on campus, remotely, or in a low-residency format. You can even combine all three options to fit your schedule.
Professional studios: On-campus students have dedicated studio space and create work in the Vermont State University studios for printmaking, painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and multi-media work. Our darkroom, wood shop, welding area, carving benches, outdoor space for sculptural installations, and state-of-the-art computer lab for graphic design and digital art are yours to use, too.
A welcoming community of artists: M.F.A. students in the low-residency program complete four one-month residencies at the renowned Vermont Studio Center. You’ll be immersed in a haven for your creativity while you connect with a community of resident artists and visiting artists from around the world.
Built around your schedule: You will have the option of completing residencies concurrently or not, depending on your circumstances (such as job flexibility, home life, the schedule of visiting artists, or the plans of other students).
Financial Aid for Art M.F.A. Students: Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in art to students across Vermont and beyond. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all your options.
Internships & Experiential Learning for M.F.A. Students: We offer several opportunities for you to create a place for yourself in the art world. Residencies at the Vermont Studio Center are an integral component — and a main attraction — of our M.F.A. program. Low-residency students complete four one-month residencies at the Studio Center and receive individual critiques from M.F.A. faculty and visiting artists at the Studio Center. Coursework includes internships with area arts agencies, venues, projects, and exhibitions. On-campus students complete residencies at the Visual Arts Center (VAC) at the Vermont State University-Johnson campus. Each residency comprises an eight-week intensive studio residency housed at the VAC.
Program Outcomes
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Develop a body of work emphasizing material exploration and disciplined technique as the basis of artistic vision and personal expression
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Engage in critical inquiry, collaboration, and mentorship with faculty and peers.
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Understand the professional aspects of fine art through production of a solo thesis exhibition, thesis statement, digital portfolio, and presentation of a public lecture.
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