Master of Fine Arts
The Art Department at Claremont Graduate University treats art as an enterprise that is intimately linked to the individuals who make it, often in ways that are not yet known to themselves or others. Its mission is to teach you, as an artist, to think clearly and deeply about what you are doing in the studio and what the results of your labors might be when exhibited out in the world.
Our two-year MFA program allows each candidate to create a customized course of study that includes one-on-one meetings with internationally recognized faculty whose own work is original and interdisciplinary, as well as seminars, tutorials, critiques, and workshops. Individual studios, solo graduate exhibitions, teaching assistantships, and student-governance make for an environment that stimulates independent thinking and rewards initiative.
We offer the space, facilities, and the critical faculties to practice and model the many behaviors required for a successful career as a culturally effective professional artist. Designed to facilitate a thriving and experiential art community, the Art Department building gives students 24-hour access to studios and facilities. Your studio neighbors will be both first- and second-year artists, so you will be able to talk with experienced students from day one. All discussions are held at the graduate level or beyond, up to the professional level.
Chair: David Pagel
251 E. 10th Street • Claremont, CA 91711 • 909-621-8071 • Fax 909-607-1276
Professor of Art Theory and History
Chair, Art Department
Roland Reiss Endowed Chair in Art
Professor of Art Theory and History
Chair, Art Department
Roland Reiss Endowed Chair in Art
Scripps College
African diaspora with specialization in its literature
Scripps College
Art, art criticism, art theory, photography,race and racial formation
Pomona College
Italian Renaissance art and architecture; Italian Baroque art and architecture; Medieval art history; history of cities, palaces, villas, and gardens; history of Genoa
Although the art galleries are currently closed to the public, you can still view the exhibitions virtually. Check back for new links as new shows are installed. All shows will virtually on view for the remainder of the semester.
March 29, 2021 – April 2, 2021 |
Zafirah Ahmed Thesis Show-Arabesque |
March 15, 2021 – March 19, 2021 |
A’Kailah Byrd-Greene Thesis Show-iridESSENCE |
October 19, 2020 – October 30, 2020 |
Second Year Group Show-Collective Vision |
October 5, 2020 - October 17, 2020 |
Jonah Elijah: Black Inhale |
September 22, 2020 - October 5, 2020 |
Jill Steggall: lemonade Amanda Mears: Strata |
Our visiting Artist Lecture Series exposes you to professionals and practitioners with deep experience and insight. Visiting artists help mentor students, foster innovative projects, and promote intercollegiate collaboration. The lectures are free and open to the public.
The making of art has long been a major focus at CGU, and our alumni have taken the skills they honed here and forged new paths in the creative world. View a small sample of the many talented graduates of the CGU Art program.
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