MFA Artisanry

The Department of Artisanry in the College of Visual and Performing Arts comprises a network of studios, including Ceramics, Fiber Arts/Textile Design, Wood & Furniture Design, and Jewelry/Metals. The curriculum has its origin in the well-known Program in Artisanry (PIA) founded at Boston University in 1975 and previously part of the Swain School of Design. While creative activity in Artisanry speaks in a language common to all the disciplines of contemporary visual art, the Artisanry curriculum emphasizes vigorous material exploration and disciplined technique, bonded with a sophisticated aesthetic, as the basis of innovative design and personal expression. Students are challenged to examine uniquely made objects and their changing role in contemporary contexts through studies of traditional forms and intensive exploration of new formats, materials, and processes of building. In addition to intensive training within a specific discipline, students are encouraged to cross boundaries, both within Artisanry and outside of it. Our program is founded on the belief that studio practice exists in a strong alliance with history and theory. Students learn to understand the context of their work and become well versed in contemporary ideas of art and design.

CVPA's Artisanry Department and studios are located in historic New Bedford at 715 Purchase Street, the site of the Star Store, a classic building which was restored and redesigned as our new arts facility, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and spacious studios.

For further detail see the Graduate Catalogue: umassd.edu/catalog/graduate