Master of Fine Arts in Studio
Sculpture
The Sculpture program is concept oriented. The studio supports a wide range of sculptural approaches. Emphasis is on an innovative use of techniques and materials so that technique remains always in service to concept. The studio encourages non-traditional experimentation in performance, installation, and other three-dimensional formats. The graduate program is concerned foremost with teaching the student to think and work as a professional artist.
Student Profile
Students come to the Sculpture program from a wide range of socio-economic, age, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. This variety produces a rich mix of ideas and skills. There is no typical student. Often students from other fields find success in this program.
Program Description
The program is flexible so that students can discover and pursue their particular interests in depth. Students may work in both traditional and experimental media. They are encouraged to utilize the facilities to explore interdisciplinary concerns as these relate to sculptural ideas. In addition, students gain experience in writing grants and proposals, entering and designing exhibitions, and participating in a critical forum.
Course Requirements for Sculpture Concentration
Thirty hours of coursework in a studio concentration.
Twelve hours of coursework in art history.
Six hours of non-art electives or art electives from outside the area of concentration.
Twelve hours of thesis research in the appropriate studio area.
A written thesis.
A graduate thesis exhibition, presentation or screening.
Each student must pass a review after completing 24 hours of coursework. A list of required and recommended courses for each concentration is available from either the Office of the Welch School of Art and Design or the Director of Graduate Studies.
Total Program 60 hours
Degree Requirements
M.F.A. candidates must complete a compliment of 30 credit hours within their concentration, two related studio experiences, and four art history courses. A mid-program review and a review for thesis approval are held as significant check points during the student’s program. Upon fulfilling all course requirements, a graduate student selects a faculty committee to guide the exploration, development and completion of a thesis project. The committee must have a minimum of three members, the majority coming from the candidate’s area of concentration. Once the thesis project is agreed upon, an exhibition and written text must be satisfactorily developed and produced with the approval of the committee members as well as that of the Director of the School of Art and Design.
Application
Prospective students should:
Career Opportunities
A wide variety of opportunities are available; some directly related, others, tangential. Past graduates have acquired positions as sculptors, public sculpture artists, museum preparators, instructors on the college level, fabricators and installers, foundry workers, and movie set designers/fabricators. The business climate in Atlanta supports many art related fields.
Facilities
The Sculpture studios occupy a 7500 sq. ft. single floor facility located in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District. Adjoining the indoor studios is an uncovered courtyard of 2500 sq. ft. and a fenced lot of 2300 sq. ft. These areas provide space for activities and equipment for foundry, woodworking, metal fabricating, and stone carving.
Tools and Equipment
Foundry:
Woodworking:
Table saw, 14”; Radial arm saw, 12”;
Table saw, 14”; Radial arm saw, 12”;Metal Fabricating:
Stone Carving:
For more detailed information about the program please see the Georgia State University General Catalogues.