Graduate Programs

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting (MFA)

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting is one of the nation's most selective graduate programs.

The LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting is one of the only graduate programs in the country to focus solely on painting, giving a select group of highly motivated painters the opportunity to find their individual voices within a supportive community. Through frequent critiques and seminars in dialogue with the director, critic-in-residence, visiting artists and peers, students develop the ability to think critically and sustain a rigorous practice. Trips to major art centers are integral to the discourse as students position their painting in the contemporary art world. Primarily a graduate school of painting, students find their way toward their unique form of expression.

Program Overview

Students need a high level of competence and commitment to succeed at the L.E. Hoffberger School of Painting. The emphasis of the program is on independent work in response to critique. Each student is given a private studio. Context, support and continuity during the two year intensive experience comes through the student's community of peers and director. Students take responsibility for many aspects of running the weekly program, which remains flexible in response to changing needs.

Weekly presentations from the resident critics and visiting artists, as well as their engagement with students and the director at critiques of student work generate group discussion and exchange.  Students benefit, as well, from working with the director in seminars and individual studio visits. Informal visits to exhibitions in small groups are integrated into the program each semester. Additional activities are added in response to the students' needs.

 

A total of 60 credits is required for the MFA; of these, 48 must be in studio coursework and 12 in liberal arts seminars. A selection of liberal arts seminars especially designed for graduate students are offered each semester, additionally, graduate students may take undergraduate liberal arts class with the permission of the instructor.

Who Should Apply

Enrollment is limited to 20 students who intend to pursue a career in the arts and who have already developed considerable proficiency in their medium. Along with a thorough knowledge of the discipline of painting, the program places emphasis on the development of the student's own vision, clear critical thinking, and disciplined studio practice that will continue into the student's professional career.

Applications are seriously considered for working artists who plan to pursue a career in the arts, who consider painting their primary focus and who have already developed a body of work on their own after completion of an undergraduate degree. Along with a thorough knowledge of painting and its place in contemporary art, the program focuses on the development of the student's own vision, clear critical thinking, and disciplined studio practice that will continue into the student's professional career.

Abstract painting, a white square is draped across a canvas and frame that are both painted pink.
Abstract painting, dark teal and black swirls in a wood-grain like pattern.
Outlines of mountains and streams etched into canvas with a sand-like texture. A road fades off into the distance.
Slanted pink lines against a beige background. A neon yellow stripe runs along the bottom of the painting.
Abstract painting, a white square is draped across a canvas and frame that are both painted pink.

Upon

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting

Artist
Jinie Park
Date
2015
Credit

Image courtesy of the artist. 

Abstract painting, dark teal and black swirls in a wood-grain like pattern.

Disperse the flame

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting

Artist
Lauren Jefferson
Date
2015
Medium
Acrylic on panel
Credit

Image courtesy of the artist.

Outlines of mountains and streams etched into canvas with a sand-like texture. A road fades off into the distance.

Headlights on the Highway

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting

Artist
Stephen Clark
Date
2015
Medium
Fabric paint and enamel on canvas
Dimensions
20 x 16 inches
Credit

Image courtesy of the artist. 

Slanted pink lines against a beige background. A neon yellow stripe runs along the bottom of the painting.

Lot

LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting

Artist
Erin High
Date
2014
Credit

Image courtesy of the artist.

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2019 Visiting Artists

Hoffberger Visiting Artists

The community of serious creatives in MICA's Leroy E. Hoffberger School of Painting is complemented by critiques and one-on-one dialogue with the director and visiting artists and critics.