Pacific Northwest College of Art Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts Program in Visual Studies
Application review begins January 17th. Download the application here.
The Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies is a 60-credit, mentor-based art program based in critical investigation and creative practice. The program takes place during three or four consecutive summers. Its multifaceted and flexible structure emphasizes PNCA’s educational philosophy of fostering independent, rigorous inquiry while encouraging cross-disciplinary dialogue. The program is ideal for motivated students who can work independently, who desire a flexible structure, and who enjoy the challenge and community of an immersive program.
Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies
Modeled after PNCA’s successful MFA in Visual Studies, the Low-Residency program brings students together each summer for eight-week sessions which include graduate seminars, critique sessions, visiting artist lectures, and intensive periods of studio practice. Students participate in onsite graduate seminars and unique subject-focused institutes run by PNCA faculty and by visiting artists and scholars. A lecture series introduces MFA students to a diverse range of artistic, scholarly, philosophical, and cultural voices. Each student receives his or her own studio space where they develop new work as well as have one-on-one studio visits with visiting artists. The studios are clustered around a dynamic hub enlivened by stimulating dialogue with peers and meaningful interactions with visiting artists. Summers also offer opportunities for off-site residencies.
The fall and spring semesters are periods of deeper contemplation and productivity during which the MFA students work off-site in their personal studios to incorporate the ideas and insights gained from the summer into their studio practice, research, and writing. The MFA Chair assists in the selection of a local mentor for these semesters, an expert in the student’s area of focus who will provide guidance and support while maintaining the rigorous standards of the program. This mentorship is an integral component of the program bringing diversity, richness, and depth of experience to the MFA candidates. During four days in January, students meet on campus for winter reviews during which they receive feedback on work produced during the fall and engage in intensive seminars and short workshops. The candidate’s experience culminates in the production of a body of creative works for exhibition, the presentation of an oral defense of the work, and the completion of a written thesis paper.
About Pacific Northwest College of Art
Since its founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connect students to a global perspective in the visual arts and design. In addition to its ten BFA degrees, PNCA offers graduate education with an MFA in Visual Studies, a Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies, an MA in Critical Theory and Creative Research, and an MFA in Collaborative Design, as well as an MFA in Applied Craft and Design developed in collaboration with Oregon College of Art and Craft.
PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural life through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and internationally recognized visiting artists, designers and creative thinkers. With the support of PNCA+FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), the College has a partnership with the nationally acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Craft. For more information, visit www.pnca.edu
