maddog72

Same week of interview, received a letter that Friday.

Hi all, Haven't heard from UCLA painting yet. Seems like two people on this forum have. Wishing you all the best. So far: SVA Art practices--Accepted UCLA Painting-- Haven't heard a peep Bard MFA-- Waitlisted for interview CU Boulder P+D--Accepted CMU-- Rejected

sunflowerlemon, I'm a painter and I participated in SSP 2017. It was great in many ways but very clique-y in others. The visiting artists were great, so you get a lot of exposure to new thoughts and ideas constantly. While living in Richmond over the summer is hot, rent isn't too expensive--I found a sublet on CL for $500/month. If money is a question, do note that there seemed to be an expectation to hang out/go out/eat out with visiting artists and that added up very quickly. The sculpture studios are decently sized open spaces, and the "painting studios" are just empty classrooms that you would share with 1-3 others. A lot of people did not get along with the artists running the program. However, some of the regular sculpture faculty at VCU were incredibly great to work with, even as a painter. The program is what you make it, and VCU is known for a strong sculpture department. I would say to go for it if you have the funds available (count on at least $7000, probably more) and encourage non-cliquey-ness in your own way to create a better experience for the group and yourself. The group I joined was pretty young, very spirited, but people in our groups were from all walks and making art on all different levels. Some folks who go to VCU's SSP do get in to VCU's MFA program later, and I think the connections are nice if you are willing to maintain them. The biggest value is in the network, so if you plan on maintaining that, then it isn't a bad idea.