The focus of this graduate program is working with the student to develop a solid and sustainable studio practice. We accept students on the premise that they want to build a studio practice and work to realize their personal visions. It is the belief of the graduate faculty that success in the highly competitive field of art is premised on the strength of the artwork and the artist's active participation in the local and global discussion of the ideas surrounding creative activity. We work to maintain a high level of discussion about what constitutes a powerful artistic practice and product.<br>The M.F.A. curriculum consists of three distinct yet interrelated parts of the graduate experience and education: research, practice and discourse. Students are asked to keep up a dedicated studio practice that pushes and challenges their interests, and they come together for critique that encourages the open exchange of ideas in a collaborative environment. In addition, students are asked to take an academic course outside of the department in order to expand their creative research.