nimda

the statement is probably a good warm-up for the interviews. : /

The thing i like about it; and an interest of my own, is working in a few different ways in parallel. I guess i'm finding that there is a huge gap between smaller programs that have come around - and can dig that; and others that are deeply divided (ruling them out).

It may come around in a couple of years.. Its a big ship, and will probably take longer than some of the smaller programs to redirect. Now that things are moving faster in the art conversation in general; it seems that the small agile programs may have an advantage.

Have you noticed that their visiting artists are either a characteristically old or young. I mean the ages might be all over the place, but it seems like there is an past-tense, hippy hip divide.

I've been visiting each of the programs to meet faculty. its important to know how photo is embedded in the art department. Some programs really set it aside as a separate conversation. Since this is not really the case any longer in contemporary museums; it seems like the best call is to apply to a program that integrates photo, painting, sculpture, video, into one conversation..

I'm mostly applying to programs that support work between painting, printmaking, video etc.

32, been working and showing for about 8 yrs.

I can only imagine that if you are working like this now, that your work will change a lot in grad school. Maybe its good to look for a program that will let you work in a couple of different ways, rather than just being in a painting department.

U of Penn's open house is Nov 14 (this monday), probably will go in two weeks instead for a visit when i'm looking at other schools in NY

I know students there; it seems like they don't have enough time around each other; and really most of the time they only have one advisor in the city where they live. Very lightweight compared to full residency programs for the most part.

U of Penn offers full diversity fellowships, TA positions. Also something about a stipend for teaching a course. http://www.design.upenn.edu/fine-arts/

poorstudent- Even with a full ride you would be a poorstudent. You shouldn't go to grad school even if you are fully funded. I have seen others thinking about it just as you do - and they have a negative impact on the spirit of other artists in a program - and you seem to have zero interest in the school part of grad school. it sounds like what you are looking for is a residency. Also - just because you give up a spot in a program and funding - doesn't necessarily mean that it will be redistributed. Schools admit more students, and offer more dollars than they have; expecting that not everyone will accept the offer.