Advising + Review Boards

Of course you’ll regularly share your work with your professors and classmates. You’ll present it for critiques. But you’ll also have many chances to share your work with the outside world.

SMFA hosts dozens of student exhibitions throughout the year. Your work could appear at a public opening or a pop-up show, or at our annual Art Sale, which is attended by more than 4,000 collectors. The Museum of Fine Arts dedicates an exhibit to current students or SMFA alumni every fall.

Our Students Curate Students program allows you to help assemble an exhibition and experience the process from the other side.

The school’s Exhibitions Department will play an important role in your SMFA experience. Not only by helping you with your own curation and exhibition eff orts, but also by regularly bringing contemporary art, artists, and curators to campus.

“We bring in exhibitions and artists to talk about their process and show their work. We, as curators, have an ear to the ground on what is happening in the art world. It’s such a special opportunity to see what is at the cutt ing edge, and what is unfolding as a dialogue right now.”

Abigail Satinsky, TUAG curator

“Megan McMillan’s Advanced Installation Projects class focused on running an off-campus group show with 12 eclectic and amazing artists. Made up of undergraduates, post-bacs, and grad students, we formed this really cohesive, but at the same time very dynamic show. More of a team than a class, we made 3D and digital models, fi gured out budgets and expenses while organizing the curation together.”

Bryant “Sko” Skopek, PB ’19, MFA ’21

“Faculty mentorship is a central part of the learning experience of our students. Developing their concepts connects directly

ADVISING + REVIEW BOARDS

Independence is central to the SMFA experience. But freedom doesn’t equal solitude. As a student, you’ll constantly benefit from the knowledge and guidance of faculty who understand you and your goals. You’ll be self-directed, but your direction will be well informed and carefully considered.

Whether you’re a first-year student or an MFA candidate planning your thesis exhibition, you regularly consult with advisors at SMFA. They help you forge your path, assisting with course selection and degree requirements, alerting you to special opportunities like upcoming exhibitions or travel programs, and connecting you with faculty and staff who can help your artistic, academic, and career development.

At the end of each semester, both undergraduate and graduate students meet with a Review Board. These boards include faculty and students who consider your cumulative work for the semester. They regard it as a whole, as the product of your creative process. The exercise enables you to reflect on and articulate your goals; to explain, contextualize, and discuss your work; and to receive valuable feedback.