Submitted by聽Dr. Jason Lester, dean of the HBU School of Fine Arts
HBU鈥檚 esteemed Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree, housed within the School of Fine Arts, has firmly established itself as one of the preeminent聽programs in Texas and beyond.鈥疧ur program offers focused study in painting, drawing, printmaking,聽ceramics and sculpture.鈥疧ver the past few years, a large number of our students鈥� work has been thoughtfully juried and included in top juried art competitions in our region by elite curators, exhibition committees and聽directors of聽visual聽arts programs and museums.
The vast accomplishments of these tremendous emerging artists continue to accumulate year after year, which is a testament to the fine instruction delivered by our internationally recognized faculty.鈥疭ome of these accomplishments include recognition at juried exhibitions, solo shows, and internships.
In the most recent past, our students have won numerous regional competitions and placed聽more finalists than the聽19聽peer institutions in Texas with MFA Studio Art programs.聽Additionally, many of our graduates have gone on to teach at the university, junior college, and high school levels. One distinction of our program is the provision of individual studio space within the University Academic Center.鈥疶his creates a cohesive,聽creative community that fully engages the MFA candidates with each other and our faculty.鈥疶he revered Visual Arts faculty聽members provide聽deep inspiration for our students,聽not only through their expert individualized instruction that is customized for each student, but also through their scholarship as practicing professionals who are routinely showcased in exhibitions both nationally and internationally.鈥疶he culture of mentorship in our program, guided by a pursuit of excellence and quality, continues to yield appreciable gains in the various artistic spheres.
A spirit of entrepreneurship is evident from matriculation to graduation, and each student鈥檚 individual artistic journey is carefully shaped within the integration of faith and scholarship.鈥疻ith this in mind, the thoughtful interpretation of our Christian worldview and the purity of the classics truly distinguishes our prized Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art program.