tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90388429699131880572024-02-20T16:06:33.856-08:00Eminent DomainHelping artists take over the world.
Advice and suggestions for grad school, residencies, artist statements, portfolios, and more.Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-60619285159047849602013-03-03T14:18:00.001-08:002013-03-03T14:18:18.327-08:00Check the "PAGES" to the rightfor more info!Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-18802158148976663982012-08-23T10:31:00.001-07:002012-08-23T14:25:13.900-07:00Teaching in the Arts (page in development)Materials to prepare:<br />
<br />
Sample Syllabus<br />
<br />
Teaching Philosophy<br />
<br />
CV<br />
<br />
Student Work Samples<br />
<br />
Course Proposals<br />
<br />
Teacher Resources/Links<br />
<br />
(see my 'Arts Education' Board in Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/micolh/arts-education/)<br />
<br />Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-63693503251914817802010-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:002012-08-23T18:51:44.932-07:00Notes on Artist StatementsDespite the assertions by some wise friends that artist statements should be abolished, here are some notes that I give students who have not written artist statements before:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
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Try writing the first draft in third person. Describe process, aesthetic and conceptual characteristics, source material an inspirations, the discourse(s) present in the work, and the overarching themes/concerns that you are exploring in your practice.<br />
<br /></div>
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Do not use casual language (cool, dabble, "am fascinated by", etc)</div>
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<br />
Do not say that you or your work ‘Deals with’ anything. It can address, explore, investigate, question….<br />
<br /></div>
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There are <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287544910_0" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">empty words</span> that will not help you speak clearly or specifically about your art. Some examples of such words are: creative, unique, original, fascinating. These are actually vague terms. Try to really articulate what you mean, keeping in mind how to explain the ways in which the formal (aesthetic, physical, material) aspects of your work are informing and creating the conceptual aspects (how does color express your feelings, for example?). Personal expression is also a bit of a nebulous and dangerous term. What things <i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">aren’t</i><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> personal expression?? It’s a double redundancy, if you know what I mean.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><br /></span></div>
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Do not be humble. You should not hope or attempt. This is YOUR work, you are in control. Take the reigns. OWN IT!</div>
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<br />
There is no such thing as ‘pure’ anything anymore. <span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>(pure feeling, pure expression, pure emotion, etc).<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.2em;">Mentioning purity is dangerously close to the other evil P word – Platitude! Purity is a Platitude. And, don’t you forget it. ( unless you wear a purity ring like the </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287544910_1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">Jonas Brothers</span><span style="line-height: 1.2em;">, in which case, I commend you for your Victorian integrity. Seriously).</span></div>
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Inanimate objects don’t own things and they don’t feel things. The “photograph’s desire”….</div>
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Make sure to check object/verb agreement (tense and number)</div>
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Do play “Name that Precedent”!<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>In three brushstrokes or less, can you identify the artist or art historical movement that most directly inspired your work?</div>
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Decide whether the subject of the work is you, the artist, or your work, and stick with it (do not switch back and forth), making sure to use the appropriate pronouns, whatever your choice.</div>
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Do not editorialize. (It's annoying when an artist tells me how I am going to experience their work, what I will think, feel, perceive.)</div>
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How many things can you find wrong with this sentence:</div>
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“The painting’s delicate lavender palette represents delicate purity, yet they are forceful by way of their strong brushstrokes”<br />
<br /></div>
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Put the titles of art works and exhibitions in italics.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>“<i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">The polemics of biomorphism in food today”</i></div>
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Don’t sacrifice clarity for poetry. This is not the place to get creative and emotional with your language.<br />
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It is better to be clear and straightforward. Save the creativity for the artwork.</div>
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If your work cites other work, be sure to be clear about which other work, and why. If you are citing particular works, include the artist, title, and date of the works that <i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">your</i><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> work is in dialog with.</span></div>
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This is not a personal ad. The objective of the artist statement is to describe he work, and your philosophy or outlook as an artist as it relates to your work.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>The reader doesn’t care if you love animals or kids or flowers, unless there is a critical correlation to your work.</div>
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Separate yourself from the work. Try to write about the work and the content of the work as objectively as possible. You do not need to explain your <i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">self</i><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> in an artist statement (unless maybe you are a performance artist and your work is all autobiographical)</span></div>
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Do not make universal declarations. The statement should be about <i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">your</i><span style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> work, not the historic or current state of painting, or art, or beauty, or whatever.</span></div>
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Do not start sentences with passive verbs/gerunds: being, having, coming to, learning (“Learning all she needed to know about painting at Chapman University, Carlee went on to become a top-selling gnome-painter in Holland”).</div>
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Use your last name, not your first name, when referring to yourself after the first time. The first sentence should have your full name. After that, you can use only your last name, or <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1287544910_2" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">third person pronoun</span>.</div>
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Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-48519235880940528772010-10-17T21:43:00.000-07:002014-09-11T16:46:13.656-07:00Choosing a Grad SchoolGrad school is a big step, a big time commitment, and potentially a big money commitment. How do you choose the right one?<br />
<br />
Well, the hippie in me says 'you'll end up where you're supposed to be'.<br />
The OCD in me says, consider/do the following, while considering grad schools:<br />
<br />
Do your research.<br />
Talk to people, ask your professors, artist friends, grad program alums, curators, what programs they would recommend for you.<br />
Research the programs you're considering - know who teaches there, who has gone there, what is the general 'philosophy' of the school, what is the school structure, etc.<br />
You should also find out:<br />
What kind of aid is available?<br />
What are the studios like?<br />
How big is the program?<br />
How long is the program?<br />
What are the facilities like?<br />
What have past grads gone on to do?<br />
Who are the visiting artists that have come in the past 1-4 years?<br />
What is the city like, where the school is? Is it a place that you could see yourself living for a while after grad school?<br />
<br />
You should know who teaches there, what kind of work they do, what kind of work the grad students do, and what the expectations are of students while in the program.<br />
<br />
Set up appointments with the grad program counselor, with current grads (I recommend 2nd year students), with professors in the program, with former grads.<br />
<br />
VISIT THE SCHOOL AND THE GRAD STUDIOS.<br />
Grad school is a big commitment, and will require a lot of you. DO NOT set your sights on a school that you have never been to.<br />
<br />
....that's a start. But I have more to say on this topic. I'll add to this soon.<br />
<br />
Grad art programs in LA/SoCal:<br />
<br />
Art Center College of Design<br />
Otis College of Art and Design<br />
CalArts<br />
UCLA<br />
USC<br />
UCR<br />
UCI<br />
Cal State LA<br />
Cal State Fullerton<br />
UCSD<br />
<br />
NorCal:<br />
CCA<br />
SFAI<br />
<br />
<br />
Art Grad Schools on the East Coast:<br />
<br />
RISD<br />
SVA<br />
Yale<br />
MIT<br />
Bard<br />
Hunter<br />
Columbia<br />
SUNY<br />
Parsons<br />
New School<br />
<br />
<br />
Art Grad Schools in the Midwest:<br />
SAIC<br />
UIC<br />
<br />
<br />
Programs in Europe:<br />
Malmo<br />
Rijksakademie<br />
Rome Academy<br />
<br />Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-41595573265490207632010-10-17T21:24:00.000-07:002010-10-17T21:24:50.483-07:00Helpful BooksThere are, of course, some books out there already.<br />
I don't know about you, but I find less and less time to read books (love them, though I do). :(<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858105"><br />
</a><br />
These books will go into more detail that I will, most likely. But, they are great references:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858105"><br />
</a><br />
Try the GYST Artist Guide or Teaching Manual<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858105"><br />
</a><br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858101"><br />
</a><br />
Art Work<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858098"><br />
</a><br />
Art and Fear (a little cheesy, but also comforting. especially to artists who haven't gone thru grad school yet)<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858085"><br />
</a><br />
In the Making<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1360858081"><br />
</a><br />
How to Get Ideas<br />
<br />
A Technique for Producing Ideas<br />
<br />
The Critique Handbook<br />
<br />
Why Art Cannot Be Taught<br />
<br />
Writing About Art<br />
<br />
Theories and DocumentsMicol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-47565032705938400822010-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:002010-10-17T20:55:17.596-07:00Letters of RecIt's that time of year again, and when school applications are due, so are letters of rec. There are some things you can do to make it easier on your would-be recommenders.<br />
<br />
Some tips and suggestions regarding letters of rec, IF a school requires them (not all schools do):<br />
<br />
-ask for letters from people who know your artistic practice, your character, and your potential to excel in a graduate school environment.<br />
<br />
-if you are asking for a letter from someone you have not seen in over a year, be prepared to put in the effort necessary to get that person up to speed with your practice and intentions (talk to them, show them your work, explain your reasons for wanting to go to grad school and why THAT school in particular, etc...).<br />
<br />
-provide your recommender with the following (this is what I require before writing a letter): a copy of your artist's statement, a copy of the description of the program to which you are applying, a link to your website (or, if not up to date, a copy of your latest body of work), a copy of your application essay, a copy of the portfolio of images that you are applying with<br />
<br />
-BE SURE to provide the requirements of the letter as stated by the school(s); the EXACT AND FULL address of the person and department that it needs to go to, and the POSTMARK deadline by which the letter needs to be sent. If a hard copy is required, provide a stamped and addressed envelope.<br />
<br />
-give your recommenders at LEAST 1 MONTH to write the letter. Send them a gentle reminder 2 weeks before the deadline.<br />
<br />
-Be prepared to write the letter yourself (for the recommender), and then send it to the recommender for modifications. This may mean the difference between getting them to 'write' you a letter and not getting a letter.Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-73727332321263861132009-10-24T12:32:00.000-07:002013-03-27T02:39:01.180-07:00Artist ResidenciesWell, having done only one residency, I'm certainly no expert in this category, but below are some of the residencies and studio programs that seem to be most popular (and interesting). Again, and as always, in no particular order:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://somamexico.org/soma-summer/">SOMA, Mexico City</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.macdowellcolony.org/">McDowell Colony</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org/">Atlantic Center for the Arts</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.banffcentre.ca/va/residencies/">Banff Center</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.ucrossfoundation.org/index1.html">U Cross</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.djerassi.org/residencies.html">Djerassi Foundation</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mattress.org/index.cfm?event=Application">Mattress Factory</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.headlands.org/article.asp?key=45">Headlands</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.watermillcenter.org/">Watermill Center</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.queenstreetstudios.net/">Queen Street Studios (in Ireland!)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://birchcreekresidency.org/">Birch Creek (Utah)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.camargofoundation.org/toapply.asp">Camargo Foundation (France)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.compeung.org/news.htm">ComPeung (Thailand)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.sacatar.com.br/site/ing/inscricao.asp?sub=18">Sacatar Institute (Brazil)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.whitney.org/www/information/whitney_isp.jsp#studio">Whitney Studio Program (New York)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.skowheganart.org/">Skowhegan (Maine)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=122&Itemid=108">Robert Rauschenberg Residency</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fabrica.it/">Fabrica (Italy)</a></div>
<div>
a good program for aspiring photojournalists. Involves travel and photography!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rijksakademie.nl/uk_rs_residency.htm">Rijksakademie (Amsterdam)</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.aarome.org/rome_prize/index.htm">American Academy in Rome</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mica.edu/Programs_of_Study/International_and_Off-Campus_Programs/Klots_Artist_Residency_in_Rochefort-en-Terre.html">MICA at Brittany</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://terraamericanart.org/news/index.asp?key=64&subkey=1617">Terra (France)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org/residencies/">Vermont Studio Program</a><br />
1-3 month programs that provide studio, room, and board. relatively expensive, unfortunately, but good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowhousestudios.com/ireland/for_artists/residency.html" target="_blank">Cowhouse Studios, Ireland</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.guesthausresidency.com/" target="_blank">GuestHaus Residency, Los Angeles</a><br />
for artists and scholars who need a place to stay while working on a project in LA (must be a project with a designated location/exhibition space)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mccollcenter.org/artists-in-residence/about-center-residencies" target="_blank">McColl Residency, Charlotte, NC</a><br />
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<a href="http://tiliancenter.wordpress.com/farmer-residency-program/">Tilian Farm Development Residency</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.dennistonhill.org/farms.html">Denniston Farming residency</a><br />
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<a href="http://montalvoarts.org/" target="_blank">Montalvo, (California)</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.si.edu/ofg/fell.htm" target="_blank">Smithsonian Fellowship</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/arts/lewis_center/society_of_fellows/" target="_blank">Princeton Hodder Fellowship</a> (for artists and writers)<br />
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<a href="http://www.artslant.com/par/articles/show/33547">Georgia Fee Arts writing residency in Paris</a></div>
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<br />
For a fantastic repository of residencies around the world, visit: <a href="http://www.resartis.org/">Resartis</a><br />
<br />
Another residency repository: <a href="http://www.residencyunlimited.org/opportunites/2010/07/fundacion-valparaiso-almeria-spain-no-deadline/">Residency Unlimited</a></div>
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Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038842969913188057.post-20408903318604828542009-10-24T11:17:00.000-07:002014-09-11T16:54:34.420-07:00Applying to Grad School<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Given the current economy, many people are looking into returning to school. Below are a few tips for those of you considering grad school in the arts. The recommendations and observations below are mainly geared toward MFA programs, but may be applicable to Art History, Theory and Criticism or other programs:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Interdisciplinarity is the buzz word of the decade. Many masters programs are seeking to provide courses of study that integrate one or more fields of study. The art-science fusion is big, as are PhD studio programs ("Visual Studies"). Recently I've heard of several students returning to school for MLIS degrees - Masters in Library Information Sciences. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here are some recommendations that I frequently share with students. They are listed in no particular order: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Know the program that you are applying to. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If at all possible, visit the schools that you're interested in. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ask lots of questions. Talk to the graduate admissions advisor, to core faculty in the program and to current and recent grad students. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Familiarize yourself with the kind of work that the faculty and graduate students make in that program. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Go to open studios to see the kind of work that current grads are producing. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Each school will have a different approach and philosophy. Some will be more technical, others theoretical. Some will favor abstraction and formalism, others will be conceptual or phenomenological. Ask what their departmental philosophy is! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Find out what the studios and facilities are like - where will you be working if you go to that school? </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Find out what kind of financial aid packages they offer (if any. Many schools have cut funding in this economy). Ask if there are any private scholarships or endowments that grads can apply for. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Find our what the teaching/TA appointments are for grads</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Familiarize yourself with the portfolio requirements of each school that you are interested in.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Prepare your portfolio early, so that you have some perspective before sending it off. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have at least 2 other people look over your application materials and give you feedback before you send it off.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do not rush through your application - if you are doing your application in a hurry, most likely you will not get in. Be prepared, and plan ahead!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do lots of research on all the schools you're considering. no one will accept an applicant who is unfamiliar with the program(s) they are applying to. have GOOD, CLEAR reasons for why you are applying to each school.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">While it is alluring to apply to grad school right after undergrad – there is a safety net within the academic structure/system. But, many schools look positively upon some time off. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Take time to work, travel, make work outside of school. You will make very different work once you have been ‘on your own’ for a while, and are not making projects to fulfill assignments. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Make a lot of work. Grad programs will not accept you if it looks like you are not actually interested in making work. To study studio art in grad school means that you are interested in being a career artist, that you are constantly making work, whether you are in school or not, and that you have intentions of continuing to make work. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All programs will outline their application requirements online. Be sure that you have FULLY explored the website for the program you are interested in. Many of your questions will be answered there. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Things you will most likely need to prepare for your application to grad school:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Statement of Purpose</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Artist Statement</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Portfolio</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">General Application</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">CV or Resume</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bio</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Non studio programs may also have the following requirements:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Language requirements</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GRE</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Writing Sample (usually 2 10 page papers, one 20-25 page paper, or a Masters Thesis, if applying to a PhD program with an existing MA)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">FAQS:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How do I find the right grad school? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do your research! See recommendations above. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You should plan to go to a school in the city where you want to live. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How do I represent multimedia or multipart artworks in my portfolio? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Most school accept DVDs as well as CDs these days. Multi-media works or video works should be documented with brief clips that give a sense of the size, scope and character of the work. I think it's a good idea to include title cards - identifying the title, medium, and date of the work you are presenting in time-based media.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You should also try to take still images of all your work - with a caption or title that explains that it is a still from an installation or multi-media work. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What should I say in my statement? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Each school will ask you for specific information. Generally, statements should give a clear summary of what your practice is like and how and why going to grad school would help you continue or pursue certain aspects of your work. You should not come across as though you have it all definitively figured out - because if that's the case, schools will wonder what you need grad school for. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You should clearly identify why you are interested in that particular school, and how you would be a good fit for their program. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Should I take time off in between undergrad and grad school?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Personally, I think so. Different schools will have different opinions. But, it's good to get to know yourself and your practice for a little bit outside the parameters of an academic institution. You will make very different work when you are not making work for assignments. You will learn about your own motivation and vision. If you get out of undergrad, and continue to make work no matter what, then you're probably meant to be an artist. If you get out of undergrad and make one piece a year, or non, then maybe an MFA isn't a good idea for you. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do I need a BFA in order to apply for an MFA?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not necessarily - people with other degrees (english, comp lit, philosophy, etc) apply to MFA programs and get in. But you do need a good portfolio</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Can I work and go to grad school?</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you can avoid it, don't work. You will (or, should) work harder in grad school than you have ever worked. It will be hard to have a job AND commit yourself fully to grad school. Grad programs are only 2 or 3 years. If you get in, give it your all. You will have the rest of your life to work and pay off debt. </span></span></span></div>
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Micol Hebronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341193235284481890noreply@blogger.com0