jk1978

Tonight I was accepted to the VCU Summer Studio Program in Painting and Printmaking. I don't see much conversation about it on this site. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is it worthwhile? What are your thoughts on the program?

As someone who applied to Tyler Painting and was rejected, I can't imagine any situation where I would choose a post-bac over Tyler's program. Seems like a year wasted, in both time and money. I'm currently facing these options: 1. Post-bac at MICA 2. Waiting list at Cranbrook 3. Quit my day job and rent a studio for a year Option 1 is a distant, distant third. I've only taken one 6-week art course in my life and even I feel that a post-bac can't offer anything comparable to what I've already accomplished on my own.

Richard Roth is on sabbatical this year and may be tough to reach. However, he recently did a great interview that can give you some insights into his practice: http://brenthallard.wordpress.com/2009/ ... hard-roth/ I'd personally go to VCU over Tyler, but I find Richmond smaller size to be nice and Philly to be pretty gross.

Thanks for the continued feedback. I am currently 90% against the post-bac opportunity. I just feel like I already have accomplished much of what they profess to teach in the program. And $28k can be spent elsewhere with more productivity. Today I received a rejection from VCU Painting but the letter mentioned that I could apply for their summer studio program for free. It's an 8-week program and costs $5k. I live just 2 hours so this might be a better idea for me. Does anyone have any thoughts about the VCU summer program? My current thought is to quit my job (as I would have done anyway) and put focused time in the studio and other short term programs like the VCU summer studio and residencies (off peak times when acceptance is more likely). I think this would allow me to save money (compared to the post-bac), build my resume and push my work forward. What do you think?

Thanks everyone for your feedback thus far. I've definitely thought about taking the negotiating course and seeing what transpires. Based on the program description, I feel pretty confident that I already know much of what they profess to teach. I think the biggest benefit would be the year of focused work in the studio and perhaps greater odds of getting into a program next year. Any other thoughts?

Hi all, This has been a fantastic forum for keeping me as sane as possible throughout this application process. After going 0-6 thus far (my first time applying), today I received a packet from MICA. In the packet I found a letter that stated I was not admitted to Hoffberger or Mt. Royal. However, I was granted admission to the post-bac program. I just opened the packet about 30 minutes ago so I am still processing the info. Here's some background on me: 1. I only took one art course in college and majored in Economics. 2. I discovered art very late and since college I've pursued it with passion. 3. I'm now 30 and I've done the following: 4 solo shows, many group shows, some minor awards, acquired by small museum, directed a commercial gallery, curated several shows, published a book, etc... I also applied to Rinehart Sculpture but the packet I received today makes no specific mention of a decision for them. My work operates somewhere between sculpture, painting and drawing, with touches of photography and video. I feel like I am a worthy candidate of MFA programs despite not having an undergrad degree. I'm wondering if any of you have thoughts on the MICA post-bac or post-bacs in general. I will obviously talk with the admissions people at MICA, but is there a general view on post-bacs? Are they valuable in getting you into an MFA program the next year? Would I be better served focusing on my work for another year and not paying so much in tuition. They did offer a small scholarship, but not much. I apologize for the long post and I thank you in advance for any thoughts/advice you might have.

Another quick update: UT Austin - rejected via letter mid-February Tyler Painting - rejected via letter on 3/12/09 Tyler Sculpture - rejected via letter on 3/28/09 VCU Painting - no word VCU Sculpture - rejected via letter on 3/30/09 RISD Sculpture - rejected via letter on 3/17/09 Cranbrook Sculpture - no word MICA Painting - no word MICA Sculpture - no word MICA Mt. Royal - no word UMD College Park - rejected via letter on 3/24/09 For those keeping score at home, we're 0 for 6 with 5 to go. What's the prize for going 0/11?

Wanted to provide a quick update: UT Austin - rejected via letter mid-February Tyler Painting - rejected via letter on 3/12/09 Tyler Sculpture - no word VCU Painting - no word VCU Sculpture - no word RISD Sculpture - rejected via letter on 3/17/09 Cranbrook Sculpture - no word MICA Painting - no word MICA Sculpture - no word MICA Mt. Royal - no word UMD College Park - rejected via letter on 3/24/09 This is fun!

No news here yet either. I applied to 11 programs at 7 schools. I'm still waiting to hear from 8 of the programs. This has taken long enough!

This may explain my lack of responses so far. I saw the same show and thought it was absolutely dreadful. Two weeks later and I can only remember one of the artists. If that's what passes for quality work, maybe MFA programs aren't for me!

It's been slow going so far in terms of hearing back from schools. Here are the current stats: UT Austin - rejected mid-Feb and apparently AGAIN today (both via letter) Tyler Painting - rejected via letter on 3/12/09 Tyler Sculpture - no word VCU Painting - no word VCU Sculpture - no word RISD Sculpture - no word Cranbrook Sculpture - no word MICA Painting - no word MICA Sculpture - no word MICA Mt. Royal - no word UMD College Park - no word I'm not taking the silence well!