Braniff Art Concentrations
Ceramics
The University of Dallas offers a complete graduate program in the field of ceramics. The MA and MFA programs offer a great deal of flexibility within the perimeter of their scope. The latitude in the program is necessary for the complete and comprehensive education that leads to the professional studio degree.
Only a limited number of students can be admitted each year. Studio spaces are private and flexible in nature but communal in design. The selection of graduate students is made on the basis of quality of transcript, variety of background experiences with strong emphasis on letters of recommendation and the maturity of imagery documented for portfolio presentation.
Incoming students are expected to have a wide repertoire of techniques and exposure to the visual arts. Individual perception and application is expected as common experiences and knowledge is gained through progressive course loads that are required. Exposure to finishing techniques are made available to all students. Lectures in glaze calculation, body formulation and old and new kiln construction techniques are experienced in a practical studio application. Processes are not overly emphasized, but visual integrity is expected. Regional and national exchange exhibits are on an annual basis as are workshops by visiting artists.
Painting
The graduate painting program offers serious students of painting the opportunity to develop and improve their art in a working environment unique in North Texas. The small, committed faculty encourages refinement of technique as well as experimentation and artistic growth. Emphasis is on studio production, yet study in art history, criticism, and aesthetics is an integral part of the program. Studio instruction is on a one-on-one basis. Because the course structure allows substantial time for studio work, students are expected to be mature and highly motivated.
Each graduate painter works in a communal painting studio, which affords adequate workspace and the opportunity for mutual interaction.
Printmaking
In the selection of students preference is given to students who have found a personal image that attempts to find an interaction between content and process. Technical virtuosity in many printing processes is not considered necessary. Printmaking is not a way of making multiples paintings or drawings. Graduate students in the department make prints, think prints, dream prints, exhibit printsand many continue to do so when they move elsewhere. At any given time images produced in the studios are very diverse since students are selected to reflect widely differing imaginations for a rich mixture of attitudes and personalities. The printmaking studios offer facilities for intaglio, lithography, relief, screen print, photo processes where applicable, and basic paper making.To expose students directly to contemporary prints they are charged with the selection and presentation of a Bi-Annual National Print Exhibition. A regular Visiting-Artist Program includes an annual editioning workshop as well as demonstrations or lectures by artist printmakers. An ever-growing collection of contemporary prints as well as slides allow the study of the current state of printmaking in the U. S.
Sculpture
Graduate school offers the mature, self-motivated student an opportunity to make art on a full-time basis. Built into the program is interaction and criticism with working artists and fellow graduate students. The sculpture program recognizes this unique situation and stresses the constant development and prolific production of the student's own ideas and images.
The sculpture graduate student is challenged to develop the highest professional standards in concept, technique, and public presentation of their art. The University of Dallas's sculpture facilities offer all the necessary equipment for making sculpture using a broad range of techniques. The student is expected to use and develop practical problem-solving skills necessary for achieving desired results and for ultimately becoming a thinking, working professional artist.
This is the goal of the graduate sculpture program: to build a strong foundation that will insure the student a long career as an artist.
Deadline for Graduate Applications is February 15. |