Accepting applications for the MFA in Studio Art program

The Master of Fine Arts at Maine College of Art offers an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to think across traditional academic boundaries, expand their art practice, and challenge their intellectual curiosity.  

The two-year, trimester structure emphasizes the intersection of studio production, individual research, critical analysis and curatorial experimentation. In recognition of both globalism and multiculturalism, travel to inspiring and relevant cultural sites adds a unique element to the program. Built on a rigorous curriculum and an exceptional commitment to one-on-one student mentoring by distinguished faculty, visiting artists, critics, and curators, MECA’s MFA program offers a dynamic and supportive learning environment for artists who want to define and pursue a sustainable and attainable vision for their art practice.

Full and low residency
Among the first low residency Master of Fine Arts programs in the country, MECA’s combines intense periods of on-campus instruction in Portland, Maine, with the freedom and independence of working from any home location. The full residency MFA gives students the option of living and working in Portland’s thriving arts district, where, from their individual studio with 24/7 access, they can take full advantage of the College’s 200,000+ square feet of state-of- the-art facilities within a vibrant creative community. Each full residency student is eligible for a teaching assistantship.

Summer intensive in Portland
The 8-week on-campus summer intensive in Portland provides the foundation for our MFA experience each year. Students use the work created in their studio and class time to engage with faculty and different artists, designers, critics and scholars each week. MFA visiting artists and curators deliver public lectures, attend critiques, and conduct studio visits with graduate candidates during their week-long visits. 2017 visiting faculty included Brandon Alvendia, Keith Boadwee, Sonya Clark, Tamara Gonzales, Ruth Erickson, Rose Marasco and Jesse Small. This summer we will welcome Dario Robleto, Kris Grey and Faythe Levine, among others.

Graduate faculty:
Chris Stiegler, Chair of the MFA in Studio Art and Assistant Professor of Art History
Adriane Herman, Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Printmaking + Digital Media
Joshua Reiman, Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Sculpture
Gail Spaien, Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Painting
Lauren Fensterstock, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art
Julie Poitras Santos, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Art History + Sculpture
Katie Vida, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art

Apply to the MFA in Studio Art online here. 

For more information about the MFA in Studio Art, visit meca.edu/mfa.