MFA in Lithography offered by Tamarind Institute and Department of Art, The University of New Mexico

In addition to the Tamarind Printer Training Program, Tamarind Institute offers the option of pursuing an MFA through the Department of Art at The University of New Mexico. Degree requirements can normally be completed in three years, and credit hours from Tamarind can be applied to the MFA program. Students must demonstrate a strong interest in collaborative printmaking, as Tamarind’s programs focus on the acquisition of the technical and interpersonal skills for collaborative lithography. Students apply simultaneously for the Tamarind Printer Training Program and the MFA program. All students must successfully complete the first year of the Tamarind Printer Training Program before beginning coursework for the MFA. This intensive program requires a time commitment of a minimum of 50-60 hours a week.

The MFA is the terminal degree in studio art and emphasizes the creative aspects of an individual’s work. Students wishing to pursue an MFA will apply separately to the Department of Art, and acceptance will be determined independently of the Tamarind application. Students must meet all the criteria and be accepted by the Department of Art in order to pursue the MFA track after completing the Printer Training program at Tamarind. Acceptance into the MFA program is not guaranteed. Those who wish to be assured of having a place in the MFA program for the second year must be accepted simultaneously to Tamarind and the Department of Art (note that application deadline for both programs is mid-January).

Accepted candidates who do not participate in the second year Master Printer Apprentice Program at Tamarind (only 1–2 candidates are accepted into this program each year) will complete years 2 and 3 in the Department of Art. Please see below for MFA degree requirements.

If accepted to the Master Printer Apprentice Program, the MFA track students stay at Tamarind for year two, then complete Department of Art requirements during year three. MFA/Master Printer Apprentice Program students receive a stipend from Tamarind, and must register for 12 credit hours each semester while in the MFA program. All MFA track students must take the Methods course in the Fall semester of the second year and the Interdisciplinary Seminar in the Fall semester of the third year.

Students who have completed the Tamarind Printer Training Program but do not wish to follow the MFA track will also have the opportunity to apply for the Master Printer Apprentice program. If accepted, they will receive a stipend, but they will not be required to register for course credit.

Tamarind Year 1 Coursework

Courses

Students will be required to enroll in the following courses during the fall and spring semesters:

FALL: REFINING TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • The Professional Printer  (4 credits) an intensive technical course that covers the theoretical and applied aspects of the medium. Taught by Tamarind’s education director, Brandon Gunn, the course includes frequent lectures and demonstrations as well as 50 hours or more per week in the workshop.(FA476)
  • Professional Print Workshop (2 credits)

    taught by the Director and other expert staff at Tamarind Institute, this course addresses Tamarind history, policies, management, and the challenges of establishing and sustaining a workshop. The course includes regular readings, class presentations and discussion, and a business proposal to launch a sustainable workshop. (FA475)


SPRING: COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

  • The Professional Printer (3 credits) provides practical collaborative experience for printer-trainees who work with visiting artists, and students from the Department of Art at The University of New Mexico.
  • History of the Graphic Arts II (3 credits) offered through the Department of Art, covers the development of the original print from Goya to the present, utilizing the University Art Museum collection.

PLEASE NOTE: Although students are required to enroll for only six/seven credit hours per semester, this is an intensive program that requires a minimum of 50-60 hours participation per week.

Additional coursework

Courses

OPTION ONE: TAMARIND 1 YEAR + 2 YEARS MFA

Students spend one year participating in Tamarind’s Printer Training Program, and two years at UNMs CFA.

Year 1: Tamarind Printer Training Program (above)

Year 2 & 3: UNM College of Fine Arts, Department of Art (Students must be accepted into the MFA program, and register as degreed status)

  • 3 Art Studio 502 Interdisciplinary Seminar
  • 12 Art Studio courses
  • 3 Art History courses
  • 6 Electives outside of studio
  • 6 Electives outside of department
  • 6 Free electives
  • 12 Dissertation hours

OPTION TWO: TAMARIND 2 YEARS + 1 YEAR MFA

Year 1: Tamarind Printer Training Program (above)

Year 2: Tamarind Apprentice Printer Program (Though receiving a stipend, students must pay tuition for 21 credit hours)

  • 9 Art Studio 595 Graduate tutorials with Tamarind instructors (Master Printer Program)
  • 12 Art Studio 595 Graduate tutorials with Tamarind instructors (Master Printer Program)

Year 3: UNM College of Fine Arts, Department of Art (Students must be accepted into the MFA program, and register as degreed status)

  • 3 Art History 500 Philosophy and Methods
  • 3 Art Studio 502 Interdisciplinary Seminar
  • 9 Any 500-level graduate art studio or art history courses
  • 12 Dissertation hours
Master Printer Apprentice Program

Students who have successfully completed the Printer Training Program may apply for admission to the Master Printer Apprentice Training Program, a year-long apprenticeship in Tamarind’s professional workshop. A limited number, typically one or two student printers, are selected to stay on for an additional year of training in Tamarind’s professional workshop. Apprentice printers collaborate with and print editions for visiting artists, participate in shop management, and conduct an extensive research project, under the supervision of the master printer and workshop manager. 

Apprentice printers who successfully complete a second year apprenticeship at Tamarind are certified as Tamarind Master Printers. There are no fees for the Master Printer Apprentice Program; printers are paid a minimal stipend sufficient to cover basic living expenses.

How to Apply for the MFA

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN MFA

In addition to the Tamarind application, you must apply directly to The University of New Mexico’s College of Fine Arts. Your application to the College of Fine Arts will be reviewed independently of the Tamarind application. Students must apply for both the Tamarind Printer Training Program and the UNM MFA program. Deadlines for both programs must be observed

Costs

Costs for participation in the Printer Training Program will include University of New Mexico tuition for two semesters, plus living expenses. For the first semester only, there is a workshop fee of $2,000 for expendable materials (payable directly to Tamarind by July 1). Additional drawing and printing supplies will cost approximately $500.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Students who are not United States citizens will be required to obtain a visa. After a student is admitted to Tamarind, The University of New Mexico will initiate the paperwork needed to obtain a visa. All foreign students must prove that they have the equivalent of approximately $18,000, the amount necessary to support one person (the amount is greater if family members accompany the student) for the nine-month period of the Tamarind course. Due to the intense demands of the course, outside employment is not allowed. International students are not eligible for federal student loans, but may apply for limited financial assistance from Tamarind Institute.

How to apply for Tamarind's Educational Programs

Download the Printer Training Application, May Summer Workshop Application or July Summer Workshop Application and send application and related materials to Tamarind Institute, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC04 2540, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001. Or, applicants may e-mail materials to tamarindeducation@unm.edu .

For students applying for the MFA Program, please note that there is a separate application to the College of Fine Arts, which will be reviewed independently of the Tamarind application. Students must apply for both the Tamarind Printer Training Program and the UNM MFA program. January 15 is the deadline for UNM's College of Fine Arts.

Applications for the 2024 Summer Workshops and 2024-2025 Printer Training Program MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 15, 2024.

Scholarship Support

Tamarind offers scholarship support for students enrolled in the one-year Printer Training Program.

The Marjorie L. Devon Tamarind Scholarship Fund, created in honor of Tamarind’s Director Emerita who served for thirty years (1985-2015), provides several merit-based scholarships between $2000-8000. This scholarship fund provides support for tuition and workshop fees and will be awarded to students expressing an interest in pursuing a professional career in collaborative printmaking.

Applications from candidates accepted into the Printer Training Program are due March 1, 2024. Please inquire with tamarind@unm.edu for information and to request an application form.