Master of Fine Arts in Studio
Fiber & Material Studies saic.edu/fiber The Fiber and Material Studies department is research-based, concept-driven, and resolutely engaged with hands-on making. Born from textile traditions and cultures, the Fiber and Material Studies department encourages students to think both about and through materials, investigating technique and expanding the use of the medium. The department emphasizes technical skill development together with deep engagement with textile processes, materials, techniques, histories, and politics. Graduate students work across a wide range of fiber techniques and materials and take part in transdisciplinary engagement with disciplines such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, lens based and new media, research practices, installation, performance, scholarly and creative writing, collaborative projects, and community organizing. World-renowned program The program, the largest and best resourced program of its kind in the world, is led by an impressive and diverse group of faculty. It is a top producer of talent in the field considered in terms of teaching, leadership, and tenure/tenure-track positions at other US fiber and textile programs. Alumni also go on to successful careers as artists, curators, and scholars, and several have founded and/or lead arts organizations, collective studios, and artist residencies.
Xingyi Zhao, Sand Stone, 2024
Rich learning experiences Graduate students in Fiber and Material Studies take studio classes, seminars, and in-depth advising with faculty of their choosing. The department’s curriculum provides students with the foundation to engage with the history of the medium and understand current developments in the field. Graduate Seminars include in-depth critiques and discussions of practice, research presentations, lectures, studio visits and discussions with visiting artists and scholars.
For more information on the program and application requirements, please visit:
saic.edu/fiber