Student voices from Concordia's MFA program. Application deadline: Jan. 20

Application deadline: January 20, 2013

Concordia University's MFA in Studio Arts program has maintained a global reputation for excellence for more than 30 years. The program allows students to engage critically and creatively in a supportive environment of peers and internationally recognized faculty. It is also one of the few three-year MFAs, with the final year specifically dedicated to developing a thesis show.
The concentrations offered are fibres, open media, painting and drawing, photography, print media, film production, sculpture and ceramics. Students are encouraged to reflect on tradition, experiment with new materials and technologies, develop interdisciplinary collaborations, and explore shifting modes of exhibition and intervention. Their positions as professional artists will be strengthened in a self-directed process that will prepare them for multiple roles in contemporary art practice including teaching, curating, criticism, publishing and research.

What MFA students have said about their experience at Concordia

Fibres

Carissa Carman moved to Montreal in 2009 and dove into everything at Concordia: "I tried a lot of processes. It's like a candy store for artists - so much access to tools, techniques and resources." Along with two fellow Fibres graduate students, Carman co-founded The Color Collective, which teamed up with the Concordia Greenhouse to choose, grow and produce natural dyes from nearly 800 plants.

Film Production

Mia Donovan, whose debut documentary feature has garnered multiple awards, found that having a small group of classmates was especially helpful. "My group really gelled. We were able to give and receive constructive feedback to each other about our projects, and it was gratifying to see everyone develop their skills and sharpen their direction."

Open Media

Erin Gee found what she was looking for in Montreal. The city has amazing electroacoustic, digital arts, contemporary dance and technology scenes, she says. Plus, she adds, Concordia's Fine Arts facilities and resources are incredible and its faculty and tech support outstanding.

Painting and Drawing

Since moving to Montreal for its art scene and entering Concordia's Studio Arts MFA program for the quality of the professors and the vibe of the environment, Paul Hardy finds his work has drastically evolved. "This is the time to experiment," he says.

Photography

Jacynthe Carrier wanted to have a graduate experience - the time, space and resources to concentrate on her research - and so applied to several Quebec universities, choosing Concordia for the impressive facilities of its renowned photography program. These include resources for videography, in which Carrier also expresses her vision.

Print Media

For someone who had earned his bread and butter in perfecting the techniques of digital art and modern aesthetics, being confronted with 200-year-old technology in a lithography course not only demanded MFA candidate Anthony Vrakotas learn completely new skills but also fundamentally changed the way he thought about making art. "I started thinking about how technology relates to communicating ideas, to the art we make, the things we say and see."

Sculpture and Ceramics

Michael Doerksen appreciated the on-campus studio space MFA students are given and the high calibre of the artists/faculty members. "But the most invaluable feature of the program for me was the opportunity to teach an undergraduate sculpture course during my final thesis year. I learned as much about myself while teaching as I did in any critique, if not more."

For more information:
514-848-2424, ext. 4607
MFA Studio Arts