Master of Fine Arts

In Craft And material studies

A 7-semester Low residency Program

The Master of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies - Low Residency fosters the creative practice, materials knowledge, and academic achievement of independent, self-motivated artists, makers and designers, particularly those with commitments that present geographic challenges to furthering their careers through traditional curriculum. 

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MFA in Craft and Material Studies students are in-residence on our wooded, Portland hills campus for 2 to 4 weeks each summer. Fall and Spring terms are mentor-based in a student's home community.

 

Craft and Material Studies students are an integral part of the existing MFA in Craft program, alternating between immersion in the MFA in Craft curriculum on the OCAC campus and an autonomous, mentor based studio practice within their home community. Graduates will leave with a confident studio practice, exhibition and public presentation successes, and the support of a dynamic network to extend their creative work.

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How to apply

Simply visit Admissions to learn more about graduate enrollment periods and apply online.

Questions? Please contact us at 971.255.4192 or .

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KEY AREAS OF STUDY

CREATIVE PRACTICE – 39 credits

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Independent Studio - 6-12 credits, 2-4 classes

Working closely with a mentor, students expand on their creative processes, interest, 

and goals seeking depth and resolve. Mentors include prominent professionals in their creative practice who can advise students in the development and articulation of the their studio work throughout the semester.

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Intensive Studio - 12 credits, 2 classes

In-resident studio practice on OCAC campus provides a two-week immersive creative 

environment with dedicated studio space and access to all studio facilities, expanding 

upon students’ creative inquiry and engaging other graduate cohorts. Students may choose to 

stay on campus to further develop their work for an additional two weeks.

 

Thesis Studio - 15 credits, 3 classes

Focusing on creating thesis work and research, students explore ideas and approaches 

from previous work developed and articulated through “Intensive Studio” and 

“Independent Studio.” Students work closely with a thesis committee through their final year, 

culminating in a studio project and presentation.

 

Integrated Practice — 6 credits, 2 classes

Led by the distinguished Instructor-in-Residence, the structure of Integrated Practice 

challenges students to consider key issues of craft and material studies within the 

context of their studio practice. Offered on-campus, this course provides dynamic, critical and 

collaborative activities to build relationships and contribute to versatile critical dialogues in the

field.

 

ACADEMIC — 21 credits

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Critical Studies — 9 credits, 4 classes

Developed as a foundational curricular component, Critical Studies examines diverse 

contemporary topics, encouraging students to address historical, theoretical, and cultural 

positions within an intellectual and artistic arena. Whether online or on campus, Critical Studies

relies on an open critical exchange between students, faculty, and visiting artists.

 

Research Electives – 12 credits, 4 classes

Developed in 4 core components: Materials, Process, Writing, and Professional

Practice, the research electives during Fall and Spring semesters broaden and deepen 

a students knowledge through material investigation and exploration. Whether online or on 

campus, the course promotes diverse perspectives and generative research methodologies to 

create informed work.

 

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FACULTY
Karl Burkheimer, MFA in Craft Chair

Courtney Kemp, MFA in Craft and Material Studies Lead Faculty

Seth Papac

Elizabeth Malaska

Amy Bernstein
Brian Shannon

Lisa Jarrett
 

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INSTRUCTORS-IN-RESIDENCE

Stephanie Gervais, Fall 2018

Lisa Jarrett, Summer 2018

Betany Porter, Spring 2018
Kristin Cammermeyer, Fall 2017
Amy Santoferraro, Spring 2017
Lindsay Preston Zappas, Fall 2016
Jenene Nagy & Joshua West Smith, Summer 2016
Josephine Zarkovich, Spring 2016
Dan Attoe, Fall 2015
John Motley, Fall 2015
Kaila Farrell Smith, Fall 2015
Don Crow, Spring 2015
Bobbi Woods, Fall 2014
Jessica Jackson Hutchins, Summer 2014

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SAmple academic calendar for summer entry

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*MFA in Craft and Material Studies features rolling admissions for Summer, Fall, and Spring semester entry. Contact admissions for Fall and Spring coursework and credit details. 

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