We are a fully accredited graduate program designed for artists who are ready to challenge their practice with a rigorous curriculum of studio and academic coursework. Our unique medium residency structure combines intense periods of on-campus instruction in Maine with independent work at any home location.
MFA Booklet [PDF]
Our curriculum emphasizes the the intersection of studio practice, individual research, and critical analysis. MECA’s MFA program embraces an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to think across traditional academic boundaries.
Since the program was established in 1998, we have established an extensive network of visiting artists, instructors, advisors, peers, and alumni. This dynamic group of colleagues functions as a supportive team for our students and a powerful professional network beyond graduation.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Our low-residency structure is designed to provide experienced artists the ability and independence to maintain their ongoing careers while earning an MFA. We support flexibility and the pursuit of a sustainable professional practice by offering two years of in-depth structured course and studio work with periods of on and off campus study.
The academic year begins in June with an eight-week on- campus summer intensive. Summer and winter residencies in Maine provide the valuable experience of group interaction, shared studio experience, and feedback from faculty, peers, and nationally/internationally known visiting artists.
Fall and spring semesters, experienced from any home studio location, foster rigorous studies guided by a team of faculty. From their home studios, students work one-on-one with an individual studio advisor who is specifically selected to support and critique the development of their work. Core faculty use a dynamic teaching website to deliver relevant and topical academic courses that are supplemented by podcast lectures, discussion forums, self-directed research and personal conversation.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
At MECA, we believe in the transformational power of an arts education to serve as the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of personal and professional goals. As educators and artists, our philosophy is built on the premise that there is a growing demand for creative problem solvers who understand the importance of research, exploration, reflection, collaboration, and thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Our students discover and build on their own unique creative process through immersive studio practice.
ACCESS TO EXCEPTIONAL FACILITIES, RESOURCES, AND SPACE
The summer residency takes place in the historic five-floor Porteous Building, which provides 200,000 square-feet of academic classrooms, computer labs, studio facilities, and administrative services. Every student is given 24/7 access to individual studio space and specialized labs.
Also located in the Porteous Building, the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA serves a critical regional role in its commitment to presenting contemporary, provocative work by living artists from Maine and around the globe. The Joanne Waxman Library is one of the largest independent libraries in Northern New England and a major resource for the region.
Graduate Studies at MECA offer a dynamic and supportive learning environment for artists who are passionate about taking risks, thinking critically, and advancing their careers.
While most low residency programs offer 1-2 week on campus intensives, MECA is unique in offering an 8 week summer intensive trimester and a full fall and spring trimesters. The Summer Intensive trimester allows students a full semester of on campus experience each summer, while the Fall and Spring trimesters offer a full academic year of studio and coursework from a student’s home studio. Short Winter and May residencies (for graduating students) complement the fall and spring triemesters.
The low residency structure features year round contact with core faculty and a local studio advisor who meets with each student in their home studio during the fall and spring trimesters. Studio time is complemented by a rigorous program of online coursework.
The MECA MFA low residency program is a full-time 60 credit program of study.
2012-2013 Curriculum
MFA Booklet [PDF]
YEAR ONE
Summer:
MST851 Studio I: Summer studio course. 6 credits
MCR861 Perspectives: An introduction to key written sources for studio artists. 2 credits
Fall:
MST852 Studio II: Studio production supported by Non Resident Studio Advisor. 6 credits
MST853 Research Methodologies I: These hybrid studio-academic courses for all students focus on developing and enriching one’s abilities to locate, analyze, transform, and translate stimulating source material within a studio or project-based context. 2 credits
MCR862 Contemporary Art Since 1945: Animated through discussion forums and podcast lectures, this art history survey supports 1st year students as they read an entire anthology of art critical writing together. 2 credits
Spring:
MST854 Studio III: Studio production supported by Non Resident Studio Advisor. 6 credits
MST862 Studio in Focus: An in-depth examination of studio production, through conversation, written and visual analysis. This course serves as a writing studio in which students use writing to discover, analyze and refine studio projects. A survey of influential artist writings will be examined as case studies. 2 credits
MST867 Art Since Now: Drawing from current articles and publications, exhibitions, field research, and artist interviews, this course will encourage broader questions of existence and art through a transdisciplinary sweep that aims to lay a foundation for future research and art production. 2 credits
PERMISSION TO PROCEED:
At the end of the first year, the student must be granted permission by the director of the program in order to proceed to the second year.
YEAR TWO
Summer:
MST856 Studio IV: Summer studio course. 6 credits
MCR864 Perspectives II: Student led seminar focusing on key critical texts. 2 credits
Fall:
MST857 Studio V: Studio production supported by Non Resident Studio Advisor. 6 credits
MST858 Research Methodologies II: These hybrid studio-academic courses for all students focus on developing and enriching one’s abilities to locate, analyze, transform, and translate stimulating source material within a studio or project-based context. 2 credits
MCR865 Guided Studies: Faculty work closely with 2nd year students to develop individual syllabi of key texts and artistic models relevant to each unique thesis project and develop an outline of written thesis. 2 credits
Spring:
MST859 Studio VI: Studio production supported by Non Resident Studio Advisor. 6 credits
MST860 Studio Thesis: The final studio course for 2nd year students is directed toward the preparation of their studio thesis submission to be presented at MECA to a panel of assembled faculty and guests. 2 credits
MCR866 Thesis Composition: This course focuses exclusively on assisting graduating students to compose and edit 7,500 word thesis text published as an essay through Lulu Books. 2 credits
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate students at MECA understand the dynamic relationship that exists between art and business – and are provided the necessary tools, environment, and skills to achieve a successful balance. MECA’s Artists at Work initiative connects students and alumni with civic and professional development opportunities including internships, commissions, residencies, community partnerships, and jobs. MECA’s MFA program encourages the transformation of aspirations and values into a creative practice that serves as the foundation for a rewarding career.
Q. What is MECA's low residency structure?
While most low residency programs offer 1-2 week on campus intensives, MECA is unique in offering an 8 week summer intensive trimester and a full fall and spring trimesters. The Summer Intensive trimester allows students a full semester of on campus experience each summer, while the Fall and Spring trimesters offer a full academic year of studio and coursework from a student’s home studio. Short Winter and May residencies (for graduating students) complement the fall and spring triemesters.
The low residency structure features year round contact with core faculty and a local studio advisor who meets with each student in their home studio during the fall and spring trimesters. Studio time is complemented by a rigorous program of online coursework.
The MECA MFA low residency program is a full-time 60 credit program of study.
Q. When does the program begin?
The academic year kicks off annually with an eight-week Summer Intensive in Portland, Maine. The Intensive generally begins in mid-June and runs through early August. See the Academic Calendar for more information.
Q. How do I request program materials?
You may request a catalog here.
You may open the downloadable PDF here.
Q. What advice would you give about submitting my portfolio?
Documentation of your work should be of professional quality. Choose images that best represent you as an individual. You may submit up to twenty images but we recommend that you thoughtfully edit the selection to support the ideas communicated in your letter of intent.
Q. What should I put in my letter of intent?
Describe your intended field of exploration to show us what materials, ideas, and approaches you are ready to embrace as part of your graduate study. Alongside an analysis of your recent work, describe how you anticipate your work moving in new directions in the future. Tell us how you are ready to challenge yourself and why you think MECA’s MFA will help you do this.
Q. Who are the Visiting Artists and Curators for Summer 2013?
The roster of visiting Artists and Curators for summer 2013 is forthcoming.
Q. How do I find out more about Financial Aid and Scholarships at MECA?
To be eligible for aid at MECA accepted applicants must have completed a FAFSA form online. Please visit the Financial Aid section for more information. All students may apply for remote research fellowships.
Q. What are the academic dates for the year?
Please see our Academic Calendar.
Q. Is there someone I can speak to about the MFA in Studio Arts Program at MECA?
Please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Katz in the MFA office with questions about our MFA program. You can reach Rachel at 207.699.5030, or by email at mfa@MECA.edu.