Reborn

My offer letter clearly stated I had till April 15th to accept...I imagine its the same for other RISD programs.

rene (my name) translates from spanish to english as "reborn". I'm more on the on J+M side of the equation...though I have been working on changing scale and incorporating performance and photography into my studio practice. My background (undergrad) is in history. samples of my work: http://rfgalvan.tumblr.com/ Edit: If I don't get into a program, I'll be equally excited for relocating to Texas and starting a studio practice there...and maybe consider re-applying for an MFA in a year or 2.

If you are interested in exhibiting your work, attending SOFA would be a good way to gauge where you fit into the J+M world. Most US art jewelry galleries are there: Sienna Gallery, Ornamentum, Jeweler's Werk, Charon Kransen, Aaron Faber, and a few more that slip my mind. If you are interested in developing techniques and interacting with other artists, then attending a residency program (over the summer, usually 1 - 6 weeks) is a great way to network and receive insights on your style of making. Haystack & Penland are very well known and respected (artist instructors: Maria Phillips, Lola Brooks, Heather White, Arthur Hash, John Cogswell). As you are deciding where to attend, ask the GS director how they can support your interests as an artist in a small program. Some schools will flat out pay for your travel, tuition and per diem to attend outside enrichment activities...they may also have special relationships with several. It can't hurt to ask.

Have you considered residencies (Haystack, Penland, Arrowmont, Metalwerx, etc) and conferences (SNAG, SOFA, Talente, etc.) to supplement your MFA experience? If you choose to go with a small program, you can still venture out and network with other artists outside of your program. You might want to ask if your MFA program has funding available for external studies and conference attendance. Just thoughts.

it's worth mentioning you can submit your results (as well as search) through the forum. Results go back to 2008 in some instances.

from the article "I think in the past art was taught as if it were this romantic thing." LOL After drawing the same sea shell 100 times for foundation it is very apparent, art is the most unromantic thing.

Statements for MFAs are totally different (content and length) from Humanities PhDs. After visiting all of the programs i was interested in applying, it was clear, keep your statement to 1 page or less. ____ Your statement should be an extension of your portfolio. Statements for PhDs are more centered on research interests, etc (i know I am over simplifing).

most programs state 1 page or 500 words (10% under or 20% over shouldn't matter). ___ by letter of intent, I assumed you meant statement.

I chalk it up to "freak out" anxiety.

Organizing my website, but thought I would post some of my work for crit. http://rfgalvan.tumblr.com/

Try Wellington area of Medford. Lots of apartment/condos with parking. Easy access to the T (orange line) and buses (to Cambridge and Somerville).

uniformally every school I visited said the same thing: portfolio is the most important part of your app...UT - Austin even has a separate statement requirement for discussing your submitted work. If the scale of your work has particular meaning, then you should be prepared to discuss that in your written statement and/or interviews.

indeed! the value comes from knowing how to use the resources they provide.

...I would also add, it is incredibly important (if you have the means) to visit a school before applying. I checked out Yale...and I was floored by the fact that they have minimal facilities for sculpture. When asked about it, the faculty and staff made it clear: if your process of making is dependent on "blacksmithing", "casting", prototype printing, etc....then Yale is not the school for you. Just saying, a reputation can be misinforming. Yes, "Yale" (substitute any top MFA program for Yale) is an awesome institution, great faculty, resources...but it may not be the best school for everyone.