The Graduate Program

The graduate program at the University of Wisconsin- Madison is part of an internationally known research university with a remarkable history. Graduate students take part in a three-year, interdisciplinary program with a focus on diverse approaches to contemporary artistic practice, theory and criticism.  The program emphasizes advanced visual research and includes extensive one-on-one interaction with faculty, guest critics, and visiting artists. 

The woodworking and furniture design area is home to anywhere from 4 to 7 students who are specializing in woodworking or furniture design while pursuing their degree in fine art. Graduate students receive a studio space in one of two private bench rooms. The studios are attached to the main machine room, and graduate students have 24-hour access to the studios and woodworking facilities. Graduate students, both past and present, produce both functional and non-functional work that represents a wide spectrum of aesthetic perspectives. 

Graduate studio research includes extensive one-on-one interaction with faculty from all areas of the art department.  Additional feedback is provided through group critiques by faculty, fellow students, guest critics, and visiting artists.

The context of a very large and diverse research university allows us to effectively support and mentor varied and wide-ranging approaches to art making. The graduate program offers students considerable flexibility, encouraging and allowing students in a particular area to study with faculty from other areas. Students may select members of their graduate committee from any area within the Art Department as well as from other departments in the university.

Our Current Grads

Alumni

Jason Gray - MFA 2014
Hans Gottsacker - MFA 2014
Nick Stawinski - MFA 2014
Justin Bitner - MFA 2013
Heather McCalla  - MFA 2013
Jason Ramey - MFA 2012
Nic Bitting - MFA 2012
Ted Lott - MFA 2011
Hongtao Zhou - MFA 2011
Jim Jenson - MA 2010
Maggie Sasso - MFA 2010
Brandon Norsted - MFA 2009
Jeremy Cox - MFA 2008
Matthias Pliessnig - MFA 2008
Jai Paguirigan - MA 2008
BA Harrington - MFA 2007
Ben Wooten - MFA 2007
Hayami Arakawa - MFA 2006
Isaac Arms - MFA 2005
Renee Gouaux - MFA 2005
Heath Matysek-Snyder - MFA 2004
Stu Sherwood - MFA 2004
Don Miller - MFA 2002
Sue Wheatly-Heintz - MFA 2002
Brad Engstrom - MFA 2001
Karen Ives - MFA 2000
Kathy Ortega - MFA 2000
Chris McNulty - MFA 2000
Kelli Kadokawa - MFA 2000