Mr. Sad

Congrats on the studio space. Sounds like a fun project. I've been looking at grants and residencies because I am starting to feel the same way about universal rejection. Sigh.

Bummer indeed. Their loss.

Oooh, you are so right. I guess I should have expected it. Tampa! Alright! I went to see a spring training game last March at Tropicana - Rays vs. Jays - nicest MLB fans I've ever met. About 10 people thanked me for coming in from Toronto. I was very pleasantly surprised. Other ballparks, like the one near Columbia (LOL) not so much.

Sorry Tysonr2. Looks like I have nothing new to say

AAAAAARGH! The worst part was the subject line: You're invited... I almost died. How can they see this as fair?!?! They know some (most?) of us don't know. Why Columbia? Why? When will I hear anything from a school other than teases like this?

Never thought of it that way. I've been struggling with my work lately - I've been working with a lot of black (painting), and although I think I should be more diverse with my palette, there is something about what I'm doing that is really driving me to keep going with it. I think you just gave me tacit approval to see how far I can take it. I wish I had discovered and implemented that before I hit my 30's. I always seemed to just do enough. Afraid now that the 5 years I wasted after my undergrad is catching up with me in this application process. I should probably focus on the fact that I've found my work-ethic now and push myself. Better late than never I guess.

Really helpful post, and great advice. I hope I can follow it (should I get in anywhere of course). I know the MFA is a much-maligned degree, but I can't help but think it, or any other work - be it at a university or a residency, would be helpful. Even a year to paint or create full time is a blessing - add in a positive environment and a number of like-minded artists, and I don't see how you could lose if you can afford the time away from work and the cost of tuition - but if it's your calling - how can you not, right? Anyway, thanks again for your insight. If you think of anything else that stood out in your mind about SAIC, please do not hesitate to post it.

Have you thought about making a box out of double walled carboard? All you would need is a sheet of it, an exacto-knife, and some tape. There are a number of websites with helpful hints on how to construct one. If the piece is on canvas, you can take a couple of small wood screws, and once the piece is in the box, run the screws through the cardboard and into the frame (on the backside of the canvas - of course). If you're taking a shot of the work, instead of a print and instead of taking the actual piece with you, why don't you use a tablet or a laptop to display it? I find the backlight of the screen helps it pop a bit more, also, if they have a projector in the room, you can hook it up and throw it on the wall. Whatever you choose, good luck!

Hi everyone, I'm new to posting, but I've been lurking for some time. Big shout out to you all for sharing. I've found this all extremely stressful, and although I have not heard from any schools yet, all of your comments have been helpful in me managing my expectations. Kazoo, I couldn't agree more. I know that SAIC has sent out letters, and I see now that Hunter has sent out emails. Not having heard anything, I think I can safely assume I can cross off two more. Confirmation would be so much nicer though. I am finding it extremely difficult to get any work done, especially since I sit in front of a computer all day. Keep coming here, keep checking email, keep freaking out.