MFA Application deadline: February 1 each year.
MFA Program
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Printmaking at Illinois State University (ISU) is a professional degree program emphasizing both theory and practice in the production, history, and teaching of the visual arts. Sixty credit hours of study are divided between courses in studio arts, art history, internships/apprenticeships, and electives. Required printmaking classes include upper level courses in Intaglio (Art 345), Lithography (Art 346), Advanced Printmaking (Art 347), and independent studies (Art 444). The program culminates in a comprehensive thesis exhibition, an oral examination, and a written statement.
MFA Philosophy
MFA candidates in printmaking will be expected to demonstrate artistic proficiency in printmaking and are encouraged to explore conceptual directions in other media. While lithography and intaglio are significant components of the printmaking program, the faculty teach, support, and critique many other printmaking techniques such as relief, monotype, and collagraph. The MFA program at ISU encourages interdisciplinary explorations and students frequently explore sculpture, performance, and installation as part of their printmaking studies. Along with involvement with faculty and staff from ISU, graduate students have the opportunity to interact with visiting artists through the Visiting Artist Seminar, individual and group critiques, lectures, demonstrations, and print publishing projects.
Facilities
Printmaking features two classroom/workshop spaces of approximately 2,500 square feet each. Some of the available resources include: five etching presses of different sizes, three lithography presses with mobile ventilation units, vented copper etching facilities, multiple exposure units for photo-lithographic and intaglio applications, a scanner and large-scale digital printer, vented UV free room, and letterpress equipment including an electric Vandercook press.
Individual studio space is provided in the Graduate Studio Building, an off-campus facility with shared critique/installation spaces and a small wood shop. Graduate students have 24-hour access to the graduate studios and the art building/print shops.
Normal Editions Workshop
Normal Editions Workshop (NEW) is a distinctive non-profit printmaking research facility founded at Illinois State University in 1976. This is an enrichment program for the education of students and augments the educational goals of the University. NEW provides publishing and contract printing services for professional artists, opportunities to work with and observe visiting artists within a professional workshop setting, and works of art for study collections and traveling exhibitions. Students also have opportunities to earn course credit through the NEW special projects class and participate in the printmaking area’s annual sale and exhibition. NEW has a motorized lithography press, preparation and printing areas, office space, print storage files, and a general work area.
Current Faculty and Staff:
Sarah Smelser, Professor of Art
Morgan Price, Assistant Professor
Veda Rives, Interim Director of NEW
Financial Assistance
Graduate students in printmaking receive Graduate Assistantships that include tuition waivers, a monthly stipend of approximately $850/month, and a work expectation of twenty hours a week divided between classroom assistance, shop maintenance, and work in NEW.
A variety of competitive and merit-based scholarships are available for graduate students including: the NEW scholarship for outstanding artistic ability and performance, Fred and Lois Mills Grant, Friends of the Arts Grants, Harold and Marlene Gregor Art Student Travel Grant, The Baber Fellowship, and the Ray Johnson Fellowship.
Admission Procedure
Applicants should contact the Graduate School for admission procedures and requirements. Access information on the web at:
http://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/art-masters-fine-arts/
Specific inquiries related to the MFA in printmaking can be directed to:
Becky Fisher, School of Art
(309) 438-2728
[email protected]
Sarah Smelser
(309) 438-8535
[email protected]
Morgan Price
(309) 438-7837
[email protected]
Veda Rives
(309) 438-7530
[email protected]
