Art Department Alumni
About the MFA Program
The Master of Fine Arts degree was initiated in 2000, and majors are available in both Painting and Illustration.
The art department at Western Connecticut State University is now accepting applications for admission to its Master of Fine Arts program.
The M.F.A. degree was given formal accreditation by the State of Connecticut on January 17th, 2003. Congratulations to the students and alumni and many thanks to all those who have supported and assisted us in this endeavor!
WestConn, located less than two hours from New York City, is surrounded by culturally sophisticated communities of Fairfield, Litchfield and Westchester Counties.
WestConn is adjacent to the beautiful countryside that inspired the Hudson River School and the Connecticut Impressionists. Students can work in studios at the downtown campus or in the lovely rural landscape of the 360 -acre Westside campus, home to a nature preserve. Access to New York City is available by train and bus.
Students work under the guidance of a resident faculty mentor, with input from guest artists. Guest artists and critics are drawn from New York City and the many nationally recognized art world figures that reside in the communities adjacent to Danbury.
Margaret Grimes is the Program Coordinator, working with Chairman Abe Echevarria. There is an Advisory Board of significant figures in the arts from the Danbury area and from New York City: Ruth Miller is a highly respected artist and art educator; Hugh O'Donnell **, former director of the School of Fine Arts at Boston University; Leonard Everett Fischer **, former Dean of Paier School of Art, former gallery director Darby Cardonsky** of Bachelier-Cardonsky, Mrs. Ruth Henderson, Illustrator Michael Whelan, Robert Crawford, Don Kimes and Constance Evans
** Emeritus
Please address inquiries to the art department at 203-837-8410 or to Margaret Grimes at 203-837-8402 or 860-868-0387.
For information on graduate admissions requirements and procedures, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 203-837-8244 or toll-free 877-837-WCSU.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting admissions criteria of the Division of Graduate Studies, applicants to the MFA must have a BA in Art plus a portfolio review OR a BA in another field and demonstrable competency in art plus a portfolio review. A strong academic record will be required.
Every student is expected to fulfill 60 credits of independent study under the guidance of their mentor / advisor and with the approval of the coordinator. These will consist of:
Art Colloquium for 4 S.H.
Art History at 9 S.H.
Introductory Graduate Studio in area of emphasis for 3 - 6 S.H.
Individual Applied Studio I for 3 - 6 S.H.
Individual Applied Studio II for 6 S.H.
Advanced Individual Studio I for 12 - 15 S.H.
Advanced Individual Studio II for 9 S.H.
Practicum Internship for 3 - 6 S.H.
Introductory Graduate Studio in Related Area for 3 - 6 S.H.
Thesis Exhibition for 6 S.H.
Students applying for admission need a letter of application and 20 slides. Letters should be sent to Margaret Grimes, WCSU, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810. Please call for admission deadline.
The course catalog is available online.
