MFA, Painting & Drawing Concentration
Investigate ideas through technical and material exploration.
Outline your future
The Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art with a concentration in painting and drawing is for students interested in formal inquiry through material, technical, and conceptual interrogation. Our program promotes interdisciplinary exploration, and our students work with faculty across the School of Art and university. MFA students investigate traditional and exploratory methods used in contemporary painting and drawing. Our graduates also develop the communication, research, and critical thinking skills needed to be thriving creative professionals.
Program Highlights
Curriculum
Our program follows a rigorous, three-year course of study. The first two years of study include coursework in painting, drawing, and electives in the School of Art and across the university. In the third year of study, students are responsible for developing, executing, and defending a project of their own design. Along with other School of Art MFA candidates, these projects culminate in an exhibition and/or presentation at the School of Art’s Ewing Gallery.
See Graduate Catalog for MFA details
See the School of Art Graduate Handbook for MFA details
Facilities
Discovery requires the freedom to explore. Our MFA students have access to extensive facilities and individual studio spaces around campus.
Exhibition Opportunities
We encourage our graduate students to present their work publicly. There are regular opportunities to exhibit at Gallery 1010, Tennessee’s only off-campus, student-run gallery, and other local galleries.
Assistantships
The School of Art minimizes the financial burden of graduate studies by awarding teaching assistantships with a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits to eligible students.
Artists in Residence and Visiting Artists and Scholars
Our students benefit from frequent interactions with accomplished artists in our prestigious Artist-in-Residence Program and Visiting Artists and Scholars Program.
Current Graduate Students in Painting and Drawing
Faculty in Painting and Drawing
Joshua Bienko
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor
Area of Study: Painting and Drawing
Christopher McNulty
Director and Professor, UT School of Art
Area of Study: Sculpture + Drawing
