2019 Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at Maine College of Art (MECA) is pleased to announce the annual opening of the 2019 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) thesis exhibition on Friday, May 10, 2019, from 5–8pm. The MFA thesis exhibition will be on view from May 10–June 8, 2019 in the ICA, Artists at Work, & Bob Crewe Galleries at MECA.

This year’s exhibition features work in a variety of media, including drawing, video projection, interactive sculpture, performance, painting, photography, textiles, garments and installation. Seen together, these thesis projects hybridize a range of conceptual themes and material approaches as they relate to visual culture, the political landscape and to contemporary art practice. The work in the exhibition represents the synthesis of each graduate candidate’s experience in the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art program at Maine College of Art. 

Artists include: Hannah Adams, Mildred Bachrach, Brian David Downs, Fay Davis Edwards, Lauren Fedorchak, Joseph Goodwin, Joseph Gurka, Ethan Hamby, Danielle LaCasse, Marc Manke, Shannon McGinty, Greg Rebis, Alyssa Laurel Ringler, Paige Salmon, Sharon Shapiro, Christina Shuffield, Joel Tsui, Inass Yassin, Evelyn Wong, Kun Hyung Yoo

ICA Gallery hours: Wednesday–Sunday 11am–5pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday 11am–5pm (First Friday Art Walk until 8pm).

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

Our two-year, trimester structure emphasizes the intersection of studio production, individual research, global interactions, and curatorial experimentation. Built on a rigorous curriculum and a 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 vision for their art practice. Low and Full Residency options are available.

MECA Graduate Faculty
-Chris Stiegler, Chair of the MFA in Studio Art + Assistant Professor of Art History
-Gail Spaien, Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Painting 
-Adriane Herman, Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Printmaking
-Joshua Reiman, Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Sculpture
-Lauren Fensterstock, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art
-Kyle Patnaude, Assistant Professor, Metalsmithing & Jewelry + MFA in Studio Art
-Julie Poitras Santos, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Art History
-Katie Vida, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art
-Bukola Koiki, Visiting Assistant Professor of Printmaking + MFA in Studio Art
-Sophie Hamacher, Adjunct Instructor of Art History + MFA in Studio Art
-Brandon Alvendia, Adjunct Instructor of the MFA in Studio Art
-Mitchell Rasor, Adjunct Assistant Professor of the MFA in Studio Art + Art History

MFA Summer Visiting Artist Lecture Series 2019
The MFA Summer Visiting Artist Lecture Series brings a national and international roster of visiting artists, curators, and scholars to Portland, Maine. In addition to the schedule of public lectures listed below, visiting artists conduct studio visits and attend critiques with graduate students during their week-long visits.

Jamillah James: June 20
Eneida Sanches, an Indigo Arts Alliance Artist-in-Residence: July 1
Bradford Nordeen: July 8
Charlie Hewitt: July 15
Jessi Reaves: July 22
Michael Menchaca: July 29
Sonya Schönberger: August 5

Lectures are free and open to the public from 5:30–7pm in MECA’s Osher Hall.