losemygrip

For what it's worth for you guys: a former student just received an acceptance from U. Tenn, in case anyone's been waiting on that one. She also received a rejection from Carnegie Mellon--not sure exactly when that happened.

At least one person on that list is a horrible human being. Others are not so young. Just FYI. (I suppose it doesn't matter if you're just looking for reading material.) I just saw that English is coming out with some new things that look very interesting.

The importance of contacts and reputation is vastly inflated.

Funding always trumps everything. Go for the money. You won't regret it.

The VCU sculpture facilities are just sick. The most amazing I've ever seen. You've been accepted into two of the very best programs in two very different media. Congratulations. I tend to agree that VCU will probably continue the funding. Why don't you call them and ask? Tell the graduate coordinator you have this great offer from UTK. It sounds as though you really want to work in sculpture, but you could probably continue to do sculpture as well at UTK. If your goal is eventually an academic job, think about which area you might want to teach. If it's just about exploring your art, go the place that stimulates you the most. Really, I think you can't go wrong with this choice.

If you don't want to be challenged, skip graduate school.

I'm noticing other people who are trying to decide what choice to make. As a grizzled old professional, I'm telling you: you must go for the money. Do not go into debt to get an MFA. That might be worth it for an MD, but there's not such a clear return on investment with art professions. If you're accepted several places, but no one gives funding, you should skip it and re-apply to other schools next year. One possible exception might be if you're going to an in-state school with relatively low tuition. But even in that case, you should expect some kind of assistance--a T.A. or something. Plus, these schools need to know--if they want to get good students, they have to pay for them.

It's very simple. You go wherever you get full funding. That overrides all other considerations.

Irvine does not have a PhD in art history, which is why you don't see it in the lists. As Annie notes, it's "Visual Studies." It's heavy on theory/criticism. Think University of Rochester. If that's what you want, go for it. If not, look elsewhere.

To answer your question: No. It is not. Do not give it a second thought.

Rule of thumb would be that one of the three recommenders could be outside art history (but somehow related), such as an artist or a professor in another discipline. I had a favorite French professor who wrote letters for me years ago. Most important is getting people who will write good letters.

There were two publications with MoMA's big "High/Low" show years ago, but I'm not sure that's exactly what you're getting at here.

Alessandra Comini is retired (thank god). I'd just like to say that Vienna Secession could be a good specialty, especially if there aren't many experts around. You could potentially find a nice career in an auction house or decorative arts museum. Sounds good to me!

Rochester is the primary place for a critical theory oriented program. UC Irvine is also into that. Most of the other places you mention do not have a reputation for it. Chicago doesn't do much in contemporary.

Go for the money. No question.