MFA Thesis, Portfolio, and Professional Practice

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an MFA thesis exhibition?

Accepted Answer

To present a cohesive, resolved body of work that demonstrates the student's artistic vision and scholarly research

Answer

To sell artwork to fund continued graduate study

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To replicate the work of an established artist the student admires

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To display work-in-progress that will be completed after graduation

Question 2

What distinguishes an 'artist statement' from an 'artist bio'?

Accepted Answer

An artist statement articulates the artist's ideas, intentions, and conceptual concerns; an artist bio provides biographical and professional background information

Answer

An artist statement is shorter; an artist bio is always one page

Answer

An artist statement is written in the third person; an artist bio in the first person

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An artist statement lists exhibitions; an artist bio describes the artwork

Question 3

What is a 'residency' in the context of professional artistic practice?

Accepted Answer

A funded program that provides artists with time, space, studio facilities, and often community to focus on their creative work

Answer

Permanent employment at an art college or university

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The legal requirement to reside near where your gallery representation is based

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A mandatory internship program required for MFA graduation

Question 4

What should an MFA student consider when writing a grant proposal for a project fellowship?

Accepted Answer

A clear project description, specific goals, a realistic timeline, a detailed budget, and evidence of the artist's relevant experience and ability to complete the project

Answer

Only the budget section matters — reviewers skip the project description

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Applications should be as long as possible to appear thorough

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Grant proposals should not reference other artists to avoid appearing influenced

Question 5

What is a 'consignment agreement' in the context of selling artwork through a gallery?

Accepted Answer

An agreement in which the artist retains ownership of the work until it sells, at which point the gallery takes a commission and remits the remainder to the artist

Answer

A contract by which an artist permanently transfers ownership of a work to a gallery

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A gallery's right to reproduce and license an artwork for promotional use

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A legal agreement requiring the gallery to insure all works against damage

Question 6

In the MFA thesis document (written component), what does the 'literature review' or 'contextual research' section typically accomplish?

Accepted Answer

It situates the student's artistic practice within relevant historical, theoretical, and contemporary artistic conversations

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It summarizes all books read during the MFA program

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It provides a list of all artworks referenced in the thesis exhibition

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It describes the student's personal history and motivations for making art