Why did you choose to attend the Master of Fine Arts Metal Program at New Paltz?

Attending New Paltz for my Master of Fine Arts Metal degree gave me the opportunity to work with exceptional professors and be part of a rigorous program that constantly challenged my understanding of jewelry- my own and others. Healthy competition in the studio kept working standards high, as well as spirits, throughout the intense two years.

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How has Myra Mimlitsch-Gray and James Bennett's teaching and work as artists influenced you?

Professors Myra Mimlitsch-Gray and Jamie Bennett’s roles as educators, artists and community members contribute greatly to the learning environment in which they encourage self-discipline, leadership, and discovery. As students, we are challenged not only to create artwork. Our role as makers of jewelry and objects are inherently bound within the context of the history of metalsmithing/jewelry, craft, art, and its relationship within contemporary culture. The success of this program is rooted in Jamie and Myra’s ability to nurture and challenge students to create art with passion and conviction. Students graduate from this program with an artistic and intellectual professionalism that opens doors to opportunities and successes as artists, educators and leaders.

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Why did you choose to attend the Master of Fine Arts Metal Program at New Paltz?

The MFA Metal program at SUNY New Paltz has had a strong reputation for a long time – that's what brought me here. While I initially expected to spend my two years of graduate school focused solely on developing my work, that's not exactly what I experienced. Jamie and Myra take their roles as academic art professors seriously, challenging us not only artistically, but also critically and theoretically. We had many important opportunities, curating exhibitions and traveling abroad twice to participate in international exchange. My experience at New Paltz was challenging, rigorous, and has prepared me well for a career as a professional artist.

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Why do you think the Master of Fine Arts program in Metal was selected by U.S. News & World Report as the number one metal/jewelry graduate program in the nation?

The MFA Metal program at New Paltz provides the best reflective and intellectually challenging environment in which one can grow as an artist.

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