Graduate Programs in Textile Arts

The School of Art offers M.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Textile Arts.  Students select course work in close consultation with their advisor.  Program goals focus on guiding young artists from a mentor/student relationship into the world of the professionally active studio artist.

Master of Arts Program Outline

              23 hours – studio studies

               3 hours – Art History elective

               6 hours – ART 67199, M.A. Thesis

              32 total

Master of Fine Arts Program Outline

              36 hours - studio studies

               9 hours - electives

               9 hours  - Art History

               6 hours – ART 69199, M.F.A. Thesis

              60 total

The Program in Textile Art fosters creative inquiry, critical thought, and extensive skill development.  The unique art and cultural history of textiles studied in conjunction with historic and contemporary art forms a strong visual and contextual foundation.  The disciplined practice of structural processes inherent to the field, provide a distinctive vocabulary for the creation of art and design and a springboard for experimentation and innovation.  Traditions of making built on repetition, geometry and order provide a link with digital design and technology which is also a strong component of the program.

The extensive undergraduate curriculum features courses in weaving - hand manipulated techniques, loom controlled, and digital - complemented by courses in feltmaking, surface design, and screen-printing. Graduate students may supplement their knowledge base through participation in classes or work more independently.

Faculty

Janice Lessman-Moss, Professor, Head of Textile Art, MFA University of Michigan, jlessman@kent.edu, bio / website

Chris Mastroianni, Adjunct Faculty, MFA Kent State University

Facilities and Equipment

The Textile Art Studio occupies over 6500 feet of space in the center of campus.  Spacious and well equipped, it facilitates the exploration of various aspects of textile art/design and production within an energizing environment . 

•COMPUTER LOOM LAB

TC-1 Digital Loom (jacquard) 58” wide (30 epi)

TC-1 Digital Loom (jacquard) 15” wide (30 epi)

ARM Looms (2), digital dobbies, 24 harnesses, 20” wide

AVL Loom, digital dobby, 16 harnesses, 40” wide

•The computer lab in the School of Art and the two design stations in the Computer Loom Lab provide access to specialized weave software: JacqCAD©, Pointcarré©, Weavemaker©, and ProWeave©.

•HAND LOOM ROOM

over 30 hand looms with 4, 8 or 12 harnesses  (Macomber, Norwich, LeClerc, etc.)

J-Made Loom, digital dobby, 24 harness, 60” wide

•DYE LAB

long stainless steel counters and sinks, cooktops, washer and dryer

steamer, screen exposure area

•WORK ROOM/CRITIQUE SPACE

numerous tables and padded tables

5 Bernini sewing machines, 6 drum carders

•GRAD STUDIO

community space for four or five students

Additional Resources

•KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AND SCHOOL OF ART GALLERIES

The museum houses an impressive collection of historic textiles and garments, and mounts rotating exhibitions on decorative arts and fashion.  Research of the collection is encouraged. 

Two galleries - one on campus and one in town - are integral to the educational mission of the School of Art.  Both mount numerous exhibitions of art and/or craft objects during the school year along with several competitive opportunities for student shows.

•SCHOOL OF FASHION DESIGN

Access to a Mimaki digital fabric printer, digital embroidery and digital knitting machines are available through this school along with offerings in Textile and Costume History.

•BLOSSOM/TEXTILE ART

Offered on alternate years, these short term summer workshops focus on specialized topics with Visiting Artists.  Recent visitors include: Bhakti Ziek, Pauline Verbeek-Cowart, John McQueen, Warren Seelig, Emily Dubois, and Barbara Cooper.  

Admission

Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in studio art and a 2.75 overall grade-point average (3.0 in the art major).