MFA Artisanry Overview
The MFA Artisanry programs offer advanced, intensive education in:
- Ceramics
- Jewelry/Metals
- Textile Design/Fiber Arts
Innovative, disciplined, personal
Creative activity in artisanry speaks the language common to all disciplines of contemporary visual art. However, CVPA’s Artisanry curriculum emphasizes vigorous material exploration and disciplined technique, bonded with a sophisticated aesthetic, as the basis of innovative design and personal expression. The curriculum has its origin in the Program in Artisanry founded at Boston University in 1975 and, previously, as part of the Swain School of Design.
Students are challenged to examine uniquely made objects and their changing role in contemporary contexts through studies of traditional forms and exploration of new formats, materials, and processes of building.
Our program is founded on the belief that studio practice exists in a strong alliance with history and theory. Artisanry MFA students pursue their creative investigations in a vigorous and demanding environment where faculty and students critique, discuss, and debate issues inherent in proposed projects.
Integrated media projects
In addition to intensive training within a specific discipline, students are encouraged to cross boundaries and pursue project goals through the many rich possibilities of integrated media projects. Artisanry's integrated media approach reflects a commitment to exploring the changing relationships between artistic disciplines and diverse cultural structures--a testament to our belief that mature vision can be expressed in many different materials and formats.
- Students engaged in integrated media projects are encouraged to:
- examine concepts of shelter, community, environment
- develop holistic visions
- consider sustainable solutions, such as the use of recycled and alternative materials
Students create integrated media projects within site-specific, installation, and performative formats. They may also explore community service arts projects, activist art, and environmental art project initiatives.
Artists of vision & originality
The Artisanry program seeks to develop highly creative artists and designers with a strong sense of originality and vision—and sensitivity to the cultural and environmental demands of contemporary society.
Our graduates become craft artists with interests ranging from public art and object making to social and environmental problem-solving. They also become teachers, design consultants, and owners of design/build businesses.
More information
- MFA Artisanry - Ceramics
- MFA Artisany - Fibers