tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post155767571113241534..comments2023-06-23T08:32:44.049-04:00Comments on themudpot: Proud to be an AmericanDebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547166972371240909noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-65310157825046843472008-11-09T16:00:00.000-05:002008-11-09T16:00:00.000-05:00I've thought about it too, Deb - but since my daug...I've thought about it too, Deb - but since my daughter is only in 5th grade, it would be stressful and too much of a distraction for me to be both a good mom and student.<BR/><BR/>I was going to mention the CM articles too. <BR/><BR/>I guess if you're looking for programs, consider the instructors and whether they're functional or sculptural/conceptual clay people and which of these paths appeals to you. Look for schools who have staff whose work you like. Consider relocation and how far you would be willing to travel. <BR/><BR/>And, most of all, ask yourself why you want to get an MFA and what benefit it would bring you. If you want to teach at the college level, then yes get an MFA. But, if it's just to push yourself - apply for some residencies, take workshops, invest in a solid period of investigation like you're in school. I mention this because it's on my radar.<BR/><BR/>YAY Obama - I feel more hopeful now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-89185347110430220252008-11-06T09:18:00.000-05:002008-11-06T09:18:00.000-05:00Hey Deb--the only school I have any experience wit...Hey Deb--the only school I have any experience with is the University of SC. The program there is very broad and encourages a lot of personal exploration. They have good facilities with salt and soda kilns (not sure if the salt is still in service) and a fair amount of studio space for students. Virginia Scotchie is the head of the department (or was two years ago, I should check on that), and she really encourages students to explore new areas. If you want more info and personal experience, email me and I'll give you all that I know! SC is quite a big move for you, and I don't know if this part of the country appeals to you, but Columbia is really a neat city and very diverse. The rivers were always my favorite part!Ben Starkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17636935158325560831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-42529217909953955162008-11-05T21:37:00.000-05:002008-11-05T21:37:00.000-05:00Thanks April. I have read those articles, but was ...Thanks April. I have read those articles, but was wondering if anyone reading had personal knowledge or experience. I remember reading this article once about this woman who described her experience getting her MFA as horrible-the teacher was not very good, something. So now I'm a little overcautious about choosing a school. <BR/><BR/>I should have gotten my MFA immediately after receiving my BFA. If my kids had not been young and there was nowhere local to get it-it just wasn't much of an option for me then. I have two reasons for still considering it. One is that it would be a great learning experience and might help to focus me. I'm still all over the place. Second, is that I am growing increasingly concerned about what if I have to support myself someday? I really don't want to have to go back to waiting tables and being a line cook. Good skills to have, but being a Professor at a college somewhere? Way better. I don't know. Maybe I should just wait and see what this summer brings financially-I'm just not getting any younger here.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09547166972371240909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-83455931105950502842008-11-05T12:55:00.000-05:002008-11-05T12:55:00.000-05:00I do feel like we got our country back - and I'...I do feel like we got our country back - and I'm free to be me again! I am thrilled that this country realized the need for change & healing!<BR/><BR/>Deb - it's exciting you are thinking of an MFA. Do you read 'clayart?' There's been some lively discussions in the last few months on the merits of an MFA - costs & available jobs after achieving the MFA. Are you willing to relocate? Are you looking for a functional ceramic program? I think the Ceramics Monthly articles can show you what some of the programs are offering. It's a big decision!Judy Shrevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13817638135856406785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-55600810459031107702008-11-05T11:36:00.000-05:002008-11-05T11:36:00.000-05:00My sentiments exactly! I feel like I went through ...My sentiments exactly! I feel like I went through my closet and got out all of my old tattered clothes and threw them out the door! Thank God North Carolina finally woke up and got rid of many of the old Republicans. We had quite a Democratic night. It was so good to see Elizabeth Doyle say goodbye and also good to see our state elect it's first woman governor.Tracey Broomehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14560971496423789576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-26548869985352704012008-11-05T10:22:00.000-05:002008-11-05T10:22:00.000-05:00yes. feels good part of this healing historical mo...yes. feels good part of this healing historical moment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687034524260441896.post-89728552164240183262008-11-05T08:40:00.000-05:002008-11-05T08:40:00.000-05:00Hi Deborah, About the MFA thing: Ceramics Monthly ...Hi Deborah, <BR/><BR/>About the MFA thing: Ceramics Monthly has done a few special articles highlighting schools. They are doing one per month this year from Sept/Oct-Jan of this year. These articles can be viewed online by going to their website (last two links listed below). Also, the first link is another article they did last year about MFA programs which talks about a few different schools than the others. If you look through, there are various assistant-ships and whatnot to help with expenses as well. Hope this helps! <BR/><BR/>http://www.ceramicartsdaily.org/ASSETS/53F574F6BFED4AD4A39FB8E5DBCC6454/MFA_Factor.pdf<BR/><BR/>http://www.ceramicartsdaily.org/magazines/Ceramics%20Monthly/2008septmfaasufeature.aspx<BR/><BR/>http://www.ceramicartsdaily.org/magazines/ceramics%20monthly/2008novmfauffeature.aspxApril Rexroadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13600685908228221504noreply@blogger.com