MFACA Thesis Show: We Are Here. Are We There Yet?

What is the MFA in Community Arts program??

The M.F.A. in Community Arts program prepares artists to use their artmaking as a means of civic, youth, and community development, activism, education and more.

The program provides a thorough grounding in theory and practice, beginning with coursework highlighting the relationship between the artist, art, and community. Real-world experience that integrates independent artmaking with community-based projects allows you to investigate how artists help communities articulate their unique creative identity and how these communities, in turn, inspire the students' creative expression.

MFA in Community Arts is on Instagram!

@community_arts_mfa

Poster Campaign

The first 50 people who donate $30 or more to our fundraiser can receive a free screenprint poster from the cohort!

Who are we?

Genna Clemen (she/they) is a Midwest-raised student of the world, educator and visual storyteller. With a background in graphic design and digital media, they use art as a tool for exploration, problem-solving and education. Their work explores human relationships with the environment, relationships and urban ecology. As an educator, she explores student-led and adaptable learning for all ages. They work as a teaching artist at the Ulman Foundation, Keswick Wise & Well Center and Commodore John Rodgers Elementary and Middle School in Baltimore, MD.

IG: @gennaclemen

Emani Carter (she/they) was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and has been doing art since she was little. She started pursuing an education centered around creativity and design in middle school and later graduated from the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School with a discipline in visual art. Emani holds a B.S. in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development from Stevenson University in Baltimore, MD. Currently, she is attending the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) for an MFA in Community Arts with a Certificate in the College Teaching of Art. There is little to no separation of art in her life; it surrounds her in everything she does. She is a teaching artist and designer who brings art into all of the spaces she enters.

IG: @creativenastalgia

Nyame-Kye Kondo (Meche Korrect, she/her) is a multifaceted international artist from Washington, D.C. A current M.F.A candidate in M.I.C.A’s Community Arts Program, Nyame-Kye holds an Arts Diploma from Duke Ellington School of The Performing Arts and a Bachelor in English (Minor in Film) from Morgan State University. Nyame-Kye is a vocalist, Published Writer, Actress, Art Educator and a burgeoning Performance Artist. Nyame-Kye has been teaching for the last twelve years, has published over 30 times, and has performed throughout the World, including Ghana, Senegal, and Cuba. Currently a Leslie-Hammond Fellow and a Board Member for the Rose Pan African Institute in Senegal, Nyame-Kye believes that Art Creates life and that Creativity Activation is a Ritual.

IG: mechekorrect

Qiu Qiu (they/them) is a transracial adoptee, illustrator, and social justice advocate just trying to feel less confused. One of their most foundation personal philosophies is the belief that nothing happens in a vacuum; hence, everything is political. Their work most often is their attempt to find and pull at the unnoticed connections between us all.

IG: qqiu_qqiu.art

Ky Vassor is a Baltimore-based and raised mixed media illustrator, muralist, and community connector (curator). Their visual artistry is community-based, emphasizing themes of self-preservation, healing of communal interpersonal trauma, and the preservation of community voices. Currently, Vassor is earning an MFA in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art, acts as Gallery Assistant at Galerie Myrtis, and holds a seat on the Eubie Blake Curatorial Committee.

IG: @kyartin