MFA in Collaborative Lithography

MFA

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 60-70 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.